2 September 2025
“Fiona has been a Trustee of the Board since early 2022 and we are delighted she has now agreed to become our new Chair,” says Whānau Āwhina Plunket Chief Executive Fiona Kingsford.
“Fiona brings more than a decade of experience in governance roles across a range of purpose-driven organisations. Her background includes research and teaching in tertiary education, with a strong focus on mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge systems) in areas such as health and community development, Māori economies (Whai Rawa), the natural environment (Te Taiao), and wellbeing and human flourishing (Mauri Ora).
“Her deep understanding of mātauranga Māori alongside her commitment to community wellbeing will help ensure our services continue to evolve in ways that are culturally grounded, inclusive and responsive to the needs of whānau,” Fiona Kingsford says.
Fiona Wiremu currently serves as Chair of one of Aotearoa’s largest kaupapa Māori providers of health, social, and employment services. She also chairs a kaupapa Māori medical organisation that integrates western clinical practices with rongoā Māori (traditional healing) and is a National Executive member of the country’s largest wāhine Māori organisation. Additionally, she sits on the board of a national Food Safety Science and Research Centre.
Fiona is deeply committed to fostering collaboration between organisations that are driven by kaupapa (values-based missions) and dedicated to achieving equitable outcomes for the communities they serve. She believes that a healthy and thriving Aotearoa is built on the strength of its diversity and the shared commitment of all.
Mrs Kingsford also paid tribute to Plunket’s outgoing Chair, Dame Fran Wilde, for her five years of service. “Dame Fran has been a passionate advocate for equity. Her strategic guidance over the past five years has helped to shape a stronger, more inclusive organisation and we are deeply grateful for her leadership.”
“I am particularly proud of the progress Plunket has made towards our strategic goal to deliver all our services equitably to meet the needs of the whānau we serve,” Dame Fran says.
“Plunket has a place in the hearts of so many New Zealanders. I will watch with interest as this much-loved and unique organisation continues to transform and expand its services for all New Zealanders.’’
Fiona Wiremu began her new role as Chairperson on 29 August.