Meet the team

Our Board

Dr Arthur MorrisDr Arthur Morris is a part-time Clinical Microbiologist at Auckland City Hospital. He is a Trustee of Southern Cross Trust and University of Auckland School of Medicine Foundation.

Nick FrancisNick began his career as a Chartered Accountant in Auckland in 1986. In the late 80’s he travelled to Europe and gained corporate experience as financial controller with a large London-based company. Returning to Auckland, he later set up his own practice, which he merged with MGI Auckland in 1995. Becoming a principal in 1997, Nick has filled the role of Managing Director since 2001.

Mark WatsonMark Watson is a dedicated healthcare leader with extensive experience in public and private surgical hospital management. His leadership emphasises collaboration, patient-centred care and operational excellence to support Mercy Hospice’s mission of providing comfort and dignity to those in need.

Joanna SimonJo has over 20 years experience working in marketing and business development for professional services organisations in New Zealand and the UK. More recently she has worked as NZ COO for global law firm DLA Piper. Jo is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Auckland Art Gallery Foundation. She has also worked as a volunteer at the Mercy Hospice Shop in Ponsonby.

Julia Van de Coolwijk Julia van de Coolwijk has a background in healthcare including aged care. She is presently GM of Engagement for SPCA, responsible for fundraising, marketing and communications. Julia also has governance experience in the Education sector.

Una DiverUna Diver is a People Advisory Services Partner at Ernst & Young. She specialises in remuneration and reward for employees and executives. Una has governance experience in the charitable sector, across housing and social services.

Kate DonleyKate is an experienced governance professional with strong strategy and leadership skills across a number of industries including health, not-for-profit and aged care. Beginning her career in the corporate world, she now commits her commercial skills and experience for social good, with a special focus on those with no voice. At the board table Kate builds great relationships which drive authentic discussion and she is a chartered member of the Institute of Directors.

Executive Leadership Team

Emma Maddren

Chief Executive Officer

Emma has over 30 years’ experience in the health sector, uniting both business and clinical experience to transform private and public healthcare services. Her career-long commitment to patient and whānau-centred healthcare is evident through her involvement in a wide range of national change and improvement initiatives, senior leadership positions at Starship Hospital, Te Toka Tumai (formerly Auckland DHB) and a career-long commitment to supporting and developing others to achieve a common purpose.

Hannah Ekperuoh

Executive Assistant

Hannah Ekperuoh is the Executive Assistant to the CEO which also supports the ELT team. Hannah has over 12 years of experience in legal, healthcare, and hospitality settings. With a passion for community work and events, Hannah is excited to be part of Mercy Hospice’s mission.

Hera Pierce

Pou Atawhai

Hera's passion is pakiwaitara / mythical stories that hold the Mātauranga / wisdom of her Tūpuna / ancestors and Mokopuna / grandchildren, held and told by Wahine Māori. She acknowledges how Mana Wahine and Tangata Whenua hold the power of contentment and social order within whānau, hapu, and the importance of He whakapapa tou He tuakiri ano tou / reclaiming and understanding the importance of knowing one’s whakapapa / genealogy.

Iwi, Whanau. E uri au, noa Te Ao Pouri, Ngati Kahu Ki Whangaroa, Whakatohea, Whanau Apanui, Ingarani, ki te taha toku Matua Papa a Kereti Henare. E uri au, noa Ngati Porou, Kotimana, Te Ai Taanga a Maahaki, ki te taha toku Whaea, toku Mama, toku Koka, toku Whai ipo, a Mere Tekiri Rewai Mihi, Riihi/Reid, ( Puia, ( ingoa whangai ) Henare.

Dr Carol McAllum

Quality and Partnerships Director

With over 25 years in palliative care, Carol’s career began in rural general practice before moving to clinical and leadership roles across Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, and the Bay of Plenty. Formerly a lecturer, Director of Whangārei Healthcare, and founding Palliative Care Council member, she now leads a study on compassionate community approaches in her role as Director of Quality and Partnerships.

Caroline White

Chief Financial Officer

Caroline began her career as a Chartered Accountant in Auckland. After a time working in London, Caroline returned and worked with a range of interesting clients including advertising, construction and services.

Caroline has been with Mercy Hospice for over 5 years with a dual role of Finance & Operations. She very much appreciates interaction with the Mercy staff, the Board, patients & their whānau.

Anna Baird

Head of Communications, Marketing and Retail

Anna has over 20 years experience in the for purpose sector, leading fundraising, communications, marketing and operational activities for organisations spanning across welfare, healthcare, education and sustainability. She is a passionate individual who utilises her strategic and operational leadership skills to make a positive impact in people’s lives and their communities.