Consumer Advisory Committee Members

Kate Russell (acting Chair)

Kate is the Chief Executive of Cystic Fibrosis New Zealand, an incorporated society “providing membership for regional groups, businesses and individuals who wish to work together in support of people with cystic fibrosis and their families”. She is the Vice Chair of the New Zealand Carers Alliance, a member of the Fundraising Institute of New Zealand (FINZ) Ethics Committee and former FZINZ Board member. A former Vice-Chair of DARE Canterbury and former Regional Marketing and Funding Manager of CCS Canterbury West Coast, Kate has much knowledge and experience of, not only the processes surrounding the approval of medications for supply in New Zealand, but also the consumer perspective.

Kate lives in Christchurch with her husband and has three children.

Anne Fitisemanu (acting Deputy Chair)

Anne is a New Zealand born Pacific woman who is currently the Programme Manager, Pacific Workforce Development and Pacific Cultural Competency Training, for Counties Manukau DHB.

Anne was appointed to CAC in 2009, and her work history, community participation, academic achievements and experience enable her to bring a strong and qualified Pacific perspective to the Committee. She is the current Chairperson of the AUT Faculty of Health Advisory Committee to the Bachelor of Nursing Programmes; the current Chairperson of Pacifica Women’s - Auckland Branch; a Trustee of the Waitakere Pacific Arts & Cultural Trust since 2005; and a co-founder and current treasurer of ‘FIA OLA Women’s Society’ (Pacific Women’s Well Being group).

Anne is married and a mother of seven children. She is passionate about seeing Pacific people fully engage and participate in decision making processes that impact on their wellbeing and development.

Maurice Gianotti

Maurice’s career in the public service includes positions as a teacher, school inspector, policy advisor, Chief Executive (Education Review Office), and Assistant State Services Commissioner and Complaints Investigator (ACC).

Maurice’s main occupation now is as a volunteer. He is involved in a number of organisations including Taupo Primary School (Chairman, Board of Trustees), Lake Taupo Hospice (Trustee) and the Taupo Citizens Advice Bureau.

Jennie Michel

Jennie lives in Auckland and currently works for Age Concern North Shore. She has previously worked for Alzheimer’s Foundation Auckland (now known as Alzheimers Auckland), and the Human Rights Commission. Jennie has served on committees or working parties for the Ministry of Health and Standards New Zealand on such topics as “Safety in Residential Care” and “Safe Usage of Restraints”.

A registered but non-practising nurse, Jennie’s experience means she has a good understanding of current health issues and the complex nature of health service delivery.

Shane Bradbrook

Living in Wellington, Shane is a tobacco control advocate with a Māori background (Ngi Tmanuhiri, Rongowhakaata, Ngti Kahungunu). He has significant experience with health and indigenous people’s issues, including with the United Nations, the World Health Organisation, and in New Zealand.

Anna Mitchell

Anna is the current Chairperson of Canterbury Arthritis Advocates and the Vice-President of the Disabled Persons Assembly for Christchurch and surrounding districts. She is also Chairperson of the Christchurch City Council Disability Inclusion Group. Anna currently lives in Christchurch.

Moana Papa

Moana is a Māori woman with close connections to the south Auckland Pacific community. She is involved with a number of organisations, including Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC), the Māori Leadership Group – Northern Cancer Network, BreastScreen Aotearoa in Manukau and Raukura Hauora O Tainui Ki Tamaki. Moana currently resides in the Auckland region.

Barbara Greer

Barbara lives in Hokitika and is a registered psychiatric nurse and life member of the Māori Women’s Welfare League. She brings a background in Māori and rural issues to the CAC. Barbara is a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to health and Māori.

Katerina Pihera

Katerina is living in Rotorua and is a Māori woman with links to Ngati Rangiwewehi and the Te Arawa confederation. A representative of the Te Arawa Health Board, she provides advice and advocacy to the Lakes DHB through her membership of the Community and Public Health Advisory Committee for Lakes DHB.

To contact the Consumer Advisory Committee, click here.

Page updated on 10 Aug 2010