Health Hawke’s Bay appoints new Board Chair and interim Managing Director

The Health Hawke’s Bay Board has announced two new appointments: Dr Darran Lowes to Board Chair and Adri Isbister to the role of interim Managing Director.

Dr Lowes is a local General Practitioner, public health doctor, practice owner, a member of the Faculty of the College of GPs and a lecturer at Otago University on occupational medicine. His clinical knowledge and experience have added value to the Health Hawke’s Bay Board since 2019 as the Chair of the Clinical Advisory Group, and Deputy Chair since 2022.

As a clinician, Dr Lowes brings a unique perspective to the board table.

“As a GP and public health doctor I work directly with the community and whānau on a daily basis, and from a governance viewpoint, as new legislation comes into force I can see exactly how it will roll out at the delivery end of the process and how it may impact our providers.

“Health Hawkes Bay focuses on prevention of poor health and improving existing health inequities in the community. We support medical practices and providers who have expertise, knowledge and passion for health in their own communities. And while the future is uncertain with the national health reform, we will continue to work closely with our providers and be responsive with health initiatives that I know are making a difference to the health of Hawke’s Bay.”

Dr Lowes replaces Chrissie Hape, who stepped down in June of this year. He will be supported by Ana Apatu (Ngāti Kahungunu), who has been appointed as Deputy Chair. Ana has been a board member since 2022 and is a Hastings District Councillor and CEO of the Wharaki Trust.

Health Hawke’s Bay also has a new interim Managing Director, Adri Isbister.

“The Board is conscious of the work ahead to position Health Hawke’s Bay within the health reforms, and to ensure a refreshed draft strategy is delivered. We have endorsed the appointment of Adri as Managing Director until such time as a permanent CEO is recruited. Her appointment will see the business managed by an experienced leader whilst the Board continue with the CEO recruitment process,” says Dr Lowes.

Isbister is an experienced board director and senior executive who has contributed to New Zealand’s corporate, health and disability sectors for over 25 years. She recently returned to Hawke’s Bay after finishing her role as a Deputy Director General (Disability) in the Ministry of Health, and has most recently had a leading role in the cyclone recovery effort with Whaikaha.

Isbister’s career as a CEO has provided extensive experience in management of large budgets, projects, acquisitions, and business growth. Her time on the Health Hawke’s Bay board over the last year means she understands the kaupapa of the organisation, and her time as Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee gives her great familiarity with the PHO’s projects.

Says Isbister, “There’s a health transformation happening and the PHO is at the coal face. My role will be to bring the team together to navigate through this transformation and continue to deliver a range of connected health services to the people of Hawke’s Bay.”