Michelle is of Maori descent (indigenous to New Zealand) and comes from two Iwi (tribes), Whakatohea and Tuhoe.

Michelle has more than a decade of leadership experience with health promotion and primary health organisations, including as a Chief Executive Officer of two entities, and has led transformational programs both nationally and regionally. In her most recent role as Deputy Chief Executive Māori and Equity for Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) in New Zealand, Michelle was responsible for developing and leading the equity strategy whilst supporting the organisation to transform its culture and build capability to more effectively support Māori people and ACC’s other customers from diverse backgrounds and with diverse lived experience.

In Michelle’s past roles she has had strong engagement and partnerships with key stakeholders and has comprehensive experience in understanding strategic priorities. Michelle is passionate about the delivery of quality services to reduce inequalities and provide better health.

Michelle has an excellent understanding of the machinery of government, health system, legislation and best practice in health promotion.

Michelle has a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Health, Masters in Business Administration and is undertaking a Doctorate of Health Science.