06 August 2026
National Hauora Coalition Announces Board Chair Transition
The National Hauora Coalition (NHC) extends its gratitude to Dame Paula Rebstock DNZM for her valuable service and leadership as she concludes her role as board chair, having served the maximum term under NHC’s constitution.
Dame Paula was appointed chair when she joined the NHC board in August 2020, bringing extensive professional and governance experience to the organisation.
NHC Trust Chair Mahaki Albert (Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, Waikato-Tainui hoki) says Dame Paula leaves the NHC stronger and well-placed to continue improving health and social outcomes for whānau.
“On behalf of the NHC Trust and the wider NHC whānau, I am sincerely grateful to Dame Paula Rebstock for her outstanding leadership and commitment to our kaupapa over the past six years. Under her stewardship, the organisation has grown significantly and secured its role in the Rangitāmiro Whānau Ora commissioning partnership — a milestone that will benefit whānau for years to come.”
Dame Paula says it has been a privilege to chair the National Hauora Coalition in pursuit of its moemoeā: Mana Whānau, Whānau Ora – prosperous families living well.
“I am immensely proud of how the organisation has grown, and to have launched Rangitāmiro, our new Whānau Ora entity which places whānau firmly at the centre of commissioning. That success belongs to NHC’s people, its partners and its board. I leave with every confidence in the organisation’s direction and in the team carrying the kaupapa forward.”
With Dame Paula’s term concluding under the constitution, the NHC Trust, as shareholder of the organisation, has appointed Sharon Shea MNZM (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Hako, Ngāti Haua) as Acting Chair effective immediately.
Sharon is a highly respected leader who brings decades of valuable governance and leadership experience across government, NGO, commercial and philanthropic sectors. This includes holding multiple crown-appointed governance roles in the health sector. As a trustee of the NHC Trust, she holds a deep understanding of the NHC kaupapa.
Sharon’s appointment ensures seamless continuity of governance while a formal process to appoint a permanent chair is completed over the next six months.
NHC’s day-to-day operations continue without interruption under Tumu Whakarae, Chief Executive Dr Rachel Brown (Te Atiawa, Ngāti Mutunga ki Wharekauri, Kāi Tahu, Tuahiwi, Kāti Māmoe).
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