Prof Emma Wyeth - Chair
Professor Emma Wyeth (Kāi Tahu, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Mutunga) is a Professor Māori Health in the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre at the University of Canterbury. Emma is the representative for Papatipu Rūnaka in the Araiteuru rohe on the WellSouth board.
Emma has a PhD in Genetics and has a range of research expertise and interests within the field of hauora Māori. The majority of her research over the last two decades has been focused on understanding and improving health outcomes and experiences for Māori.
Emma says primary and community care are a critical part of the health sector, and she enjoys supporting WellSouth to improve health equity and access to health services for Māori.
Nigel O'Rorke - Deputy Chair
Nigel O'Rorke is an accomplished executive leader with over 30 years of experience driving growth, innovation, and transformation across diverse industries. A Chartered Accountant by profession, he combines financial expertise with strategic vision and proven leadership to help organisations navigate complex challenges and unlock growth opportunities.
Nigel has held senior leadership roles throughout his career, including CEO, CFO, COO, and Director of Strategy. A significant portion of his career was spent at Microsoft, where he gained deep insights into the technology sector and the transformative power of digital innovation.
As an Independent Director, Nigel provides expert guidance in strategic planning, financial management, governance, and risk management. His extensive experience positions him to support WellSouth in adapting to the evolving demands of the AI & digital age and achieving sustainable success.
Kerry Adams
Kerry Adams is a midwife who has practiced in both the hospital setting, and as a community LMC for over 25 years. She is currently employed as a principal lecturer in the School of Midwifery at Otago Polytechnic. Kerry’s previous experience in governance is in health regulation, as she was appointed to the Midwifery Council of NZ’s board in 2009 and spent the last three years until her term expired in August 2024, as Chair.
As a Board member of WellSouth, Kerry is looking forward to finding ways to collaborate between health professions to improve equity and outcomes for whānau accessing maternity services.
Nicky Burwood
Nicky Burwood is a UK-trained Nurse Practitioner who began working in Travel Medicine and Urgent Care at Queenstown Medical Centre in 2016.
Nicky also holds a part-time (0.2FTE) appointment with WellSouth, developing and delivering the online training for RN Prescribing in the Community (Nurse Prescriber) training programme and educates nurses undertaking Post Graduate Education, including the Nurse Practitioner Practicum.
Dr Susie Meyer
Dr Susie Meyer is a strong voice for Wanaka and Central Otago on WellSouth’s board. She was a director and GP at Aspiring Medical Centre for nearly 25 years.
In her role on WellSouth board, Susie hopes to promote ongoing and positive communication between governance and clinical groups.
An outdoor enthusiast originally from the US, Dr Meyer did her medical training at University of Auckland before settling in Wanaka. Susie’s interest is teaching and contributing to primary care at a governance level.
Dr Meyer teaches the GPEP2/3 programme for the RNZCGP. She’s previously served on advisory boards with the RNZCGP and the Central Lake Health Network.
Dr Rahul Prasad
Dr Rahul Prasad is a Fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners and the owner of Māori Hill Clinic in Dunedin. He has been committed to General Practice from the outset of his medical training and is deeply passionate about the pivotal role primary care plays in improving community health and wellbeing. Rahul is the elected General Practitioner Representative on the board.
Dr Prasad has played a central role in establishing and supporting the ongoing delivery of the WellSouth Primary Care Skin Lesion Programme, a fully funded initiative providing timely, high-quality skin cancer treatment across the WellSouth catchment.
Originally from Fiji, Dr Prasad has called Dunedin home for more than 20 years. He completed his medical degree at the University of Otago and has clinical work experience at Dunedin Hospital and in Wanaka.
Cheyenne Wilson
Cheyenne Wilson (Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa) is a governance professional and consultant with extensive experience across the food and fibre sector, Māori capability development, and community wellbeing. She works alongside organisations to strengthen relationships, support equity-focused outcomes, and build capability across teams and communities.
Cheyenne has held national and regional governance roles, contributing to policy, funding, and workforce development initiatives. She brings a strong understanding of mental health and wellbeing and the challenges faced by Māori and rural whānau in accessing services. Cheyenne continues to contribute to initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing and support equitable outcomes.
As a WellSouth Board member, she looks forward to working collectively to improve access, equity, and outcomes for rural and Māori communities.