All funds raised by the Palmerston North Hospital Foundation go directly towards enhancing healthcare in our community.

About us

As a registered charitable trust, the Palmerston North Hospital Foundation aims to improve health outcomes for communities in the wider Manawatū-Whanganui region, including Palmerston North City, Manawatū, Horowhenua and Tararua districts, as well as those who travel into the region for healthcare. 

Complementing the new national health system, the Foundation provides a way for local people and organisations to support additional health services designed for our community’s needs. We invest in extra services, amenities, research and training facilities that are not fully funded by Central Government.

Our key priorities include: 

  • Improving facilities and building new spaces 

  • Upskilling and investing in our people

  • Funding new technologies

  • Advancing medical knowledge through research

Our Board

  • Brendan J Duffy (Chair)

    ONZM, JP, Governance Consultant

    A former Councillor and Mayor of Horowhenua District Council, Brendan served as Mayor of Horowhenua from 2004 to 2016. In 2017, he was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for his services to local government. Brendan is also the former Chair of the MidCentral District Health Board and it was during his term as Chair in 2021 that the Palmerston North Hospital Foundation, talked about for many years, was finally established.

    “I’m grateful for the assistance of City Mayor Grant Smith and former MidCentral CEO Kath Cook in bringing this Foundation to life and I’m thrilled that we now have a vehicle to fund important, clinician-supported projects at the hospital.”

  • Trieste Te Awe Awe

    JP

    A bench-sitting District Court Judicial Justice of the Peace for the past decade, Trieste (Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tū Wharetoa) is kaumātua with husband Wiremu of Mana Whenua Rangitāne o Manawatū. A long-time social and family counsellor, Trieste also sits on the boards of MASH Trust and Manawatū Community Law Centre, and is Ahi Kā (‘Keeps the fires burning’) host at Te Rangimarie Marae, Rangiotū.

    “Ko te rino hei whakakoi mō te rino;

    Waihoki ko te tangata anō hei, whakakoi i te mata o tōna hoa.

    -Iron sharpens iron and one person sharpens the wits of another.”

  • Mayor Grant Smith

    JP, Mayor Palmerston North City

    Prior to being elected a Palmerston North City Councillor in 2013 and City Mayor in 2015, Grant served on various local and national boards, several of these as chair. With a background in business ownership, management and development, he continues to spearhead community and council-based opportunities to progress Palmerston North, while representing, and advocating for the city at national forums.

    “With the right partners and donors, this Foundation will provide huge benefit to healthcare in our community over the coming years and I’m humbled to be part of its beginning.”

  • Vicki Stewart

    Company Director

    A third generation Palmerstonian, registered nurse and businesswoman, Vicki holds directorships in several companies including her family business Stewarts Mitre 10 Mega. She feels especially connected to the Palmerston North Hospital, having trained and worked there as a nurse, and seeing her father, Ron Eaton, give back to the community as a trustee of both the Hospital Medical Trust and the Hospice and Oncology Trusts for many years.

    “I recognise the immense value that such a Foundation can provide to the region. This is a wonderful opportunity to work alongside the community to raise funds to improve the wellbeing of patients.”