AHF - Key Persons


Andrew Barclay - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of the Board
Andrew has a professional career spanning over 25 years in global investment banking. He is currently Managing Director & CEO of Goldman Sachs NZ, and in that role provides investment banking and strategic advice to governments and a wide range of multinationals and corporates around the world. Andrew has a genuine commitment to promoting philanthropy in society. He is Chairman of The Lighthouse Foundation - a private charitable foundation that supports various initiatives including prisoner literacy and rehabilitation, family restoration, youth resilience and medical research. Andrew believes in the potential for philanthropic fundraising to make a significant impact on adult health services in Auckland, which led him to his role as Founder Chairman of the Auckland Hospital Foundation in 2018.

Candy Schroder

Job Titles:
  • Director
Candy has a 20-year history working for organisations that strive to make a lasting positive social impact. Most of Candy's career has been in the health sector, fundraising for diabetes and cancer research, patient and family support services and emergency air services .

Dr Richard Frith

Job Titles:
  • Deputy Chairman
Richard has been a neurologist and clinical neurophysiologist at Auckland City Hospital since 1985 and in part-time clinical neurophysiology practice since 1989. At Auckland City Hospital, Richard works with other neurologists, providing general neurology and neurophysiology services to the region. He is Chairman of the Julius Brendal Trust and President of the Australian & New Zealand Association of Neurologists. Richard was Chairman of the Auckland Hospitals Research & Endowment Fund (previously A+ Trust) before the Auckland Hospital Foundation was established as the official fundraising charity for Auckland City Hospital's adult health services. He was instrumental in the formation of the Auckland Hospital Foundation, and is now Deputy Chairman.

Jennifer Porter

Job Titles:
  • Senior Communications & Media Advisor
Jennifer has been working in PR and communications since 2003, in roles in New Zealand and the UK. With extensive experience working with healthcare brands and services, Jennifer loves being part of organisations that exist to help others and make positive change.

Josephine Gagan

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of New Zealand Health Group
Josephine is the Chair of New Zealand Health Group, with over 30 years' experience in the home and community sector, and six years as CEO / Managing Director of New Zealand Health Group. Josephine co-founded Geneva Healthcare in 1996, prior to which she spent fifteen years in clinical nursing and health management in New Zealand and the UK. Josephine has played an integral part in implementing nationwide service delivery models that prioritise the Kaiāwhina workforce and focus on developing specialist skills and expertise to support the future needs of the home and community sector. Her visionary leadership and contribution to the industry have been recognised by the New Zealand Women of Influence Awards, and in 2019 she joined a select list of women inducted into the New Zealand Hall of Fame for Women Entrepreneurs.

Kate Dalders

Job Titles:
  • Fundraising Manager
Kate has been working in fundraising for health and wellbeing charities for over 10 years, developing mutually beneficial, lasting relationships between charitable organisations and the community. She has experience creating and growing partnerships with corporations, community groups, schools and individuals. Kate enjoys volunteering in her spare time, contributing to local community events and festivals.

Ken Whitney

Ken is a born and bred Aucklander, with a background in law and trust management. He was a partner in a legal practice for over 25 years and is currently Executive Director of Antipodes Trust Group Limited. Ken has a strong interest in innovative philanthropy, and he is the current Chair of Philanthropy New Zealand, as well as a trustee of various charitable trusts. Ken believes that ensuring Auckland has a world-class hospital supported by a strong research capability and excellent treatment facilities is a worthy and exciting goal, which he is keen to play a role in securing for our city.

Margaret Wilsher

Job Titles:
  • Chief Medical Officer at Auckland City Hospital
Margaret is Chief Medical Officer at Auckland City Hospital. She is also a practising respiratory physician and Honorary Professor of Medicine, University of Auckland. She undertook medical postgraduate studies in Auckland and the Royal Brompton Hospital in London, completing a doctorate in medicine. She has continued in clinical research and teaching, developing an interest in interstitial lung diseases. Margaret has a number of regional and national responsibilities, including ministerial appointments to a number of committees and governance bodies. Margaret praises the great care delivered at Auckland City Hospital, but says they could do more: "We could offer more comfortable accommodation for our families/whānau, enrich the training experience for our staff and perform more world-class research. Ultimately it is our patients who benefit from that investment. The Foundation is our vehicle for achieving that goal and I am proud to be a member of its Board."

Sameer Handa

Job Titles:
  • Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors NZ
A mechanical engineer by trade, with a Master of Business Administration from Sydney University, Sameer has extensive experience in management and leadership roles in various countries and industries. Sameer has good knowledge and understanding of international trade through his work in the Middle East, Fiji, India, Australia and New Zealand, and has strong networks across the globe. Sameer is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors NZ and is on the board of Bank of India (NZ) Ltd, Refrigerant Recovery NZ Ltd, Chairman of India NZ Business Council and Deputy Chair at New Zealand Asian leaders (NZAL). Sameer joined the Auckland Hospital Foundation to utilise his networks to raise awareness and ultimately funds for the charity. He wants to help the foundation achieve its purpose of investing in cutting-edge technologies and innovations, and education and training in the medical field.

Tim MacAvoy

Job Titles:
  • Trustee
  • Consultant and Former Partner at Kensington Swan
Tim is a consultant and former partner at Kensington Swan, with over 45 years' experience in all areas of trust law. He has had considerable involvement in the charitable trust sector, including the establishment and administration of charitable trusts, and the formation of trust investment policies. As a trustee of the Auckland Hospital Foundation, Tim identifies with the ability to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. He is a trustee of other charitable organisations in the arts and conservation sectors.