Our Board
Our Board is made up of a group of dedicated professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to support the DHA’s mission. With a diverse range of experience across the health, technology, and business sectors, they provide strategic guidance and governance to help drive the transformation of health outcomes through digital health solutions. Their commitment ensures that the DHA continues to advocate for a more connected and equitable health system.
Tony Wai (Chair, Elected)
Tony is the CEO of Third Age Health, a leader in managed healthcare services for aged care, private hospitals, and dementia facilities. Before this, he was CFO and GM of Corporate Services at ProCare Health, overseeing technology and corporate functions.
With over 20 years of finance and management experience in healthcare, technology, and FMCG, Tony is a qualified accountant (NZ CA, UK CIMA). He has held senior roles at Atlantis Healthcare, Fonterra, and Fletcher Challenge, and has led start-ups and high-growth companies.
Tony is DHA’s current Chair and has served two elected terms on the board. He also serves on the board of Kaikaranga and other health organisations and has consulted for the Ministry of Health.
Colby Raley (Deputy Chair, Elected)
Colby is dedicated to improving experiences and outcomes through innovation and technology. With over 20 years of global experience, she has led applied research, driven innovation, and delivered digitally-enabled change. At Microsoft, Colby works with key NZ public sector customers to align strategic priorities and lead multidisciplinary teams to achieve shared goals.
Before Microsoft, Colby was a Director at PwC NZ, where she led programmes to modernise health sector engagement and drive digital transformation. She also has experience leading research in human-computer interaction and developing strategies for science and technology initiatives across US government agencies. Colby excels at turning complex challenges into achievable solutions, aiming to build a digitally-enabled health ecosystem for New Zealanders.
Rachael Bissell (Elected)
Rachael is a global healthcare leader with over 30 years working in the clinical and commercial healthcare sector spanning four continents. Rachael is passionate about the health of New Zealanders and through partnerships and strategic collaborations, is keen on supporting our country in gaining the best possible health outcomes for our people. Rachael started her career in New Zealand as a clinical Radiation Therapist then worked in various roles of Sales, Marketing, Healthcare Regulation, and Leadership roles across the UK, USA, Australia, and New Zealand.
Rachael is currently the General Manager of Rauland New Zealand and has previously held key roles at Elekta in the oncology sector with a focus on Digital treatment delivery solutions and Software as a Service. Rachael has an MBA in International Healthcare from the University of Cumbria.
Dr. Tom Varghese (Elected)
Tom Varghese is an experienced healthcare and healthtech leader with a background as a clinician and a strong focus on driving innovation at the intersection of healthcare delivery and technology.
As Global Product Marketing and Growth Manager at Orion Health, Tom leads international efforts to position the brand and accelerate growth across key global markets. With deep expertise in marketing strategy, health system transformation, and digital health, Tom works closely with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to improve care delivery and system-wide efficiencies. He is also a recognised thought leader, regularly contributing insights on healthcare innovation and interoperability. Tom is also the voice behind ‘Vital Signs with Tom Varghese’, Orion Health’s thought leadership blog, where he shares insights on healthcare innovation, interoperability, and industry trends.
Ray Delany (Elected)
Ray Delany began his health sector career as the first CIO of Waitematā District Health Board, following experience in manufacturing and finance. He later joined the Ministry of Health, overseeing the National Health Index (NHI) and sponsoring key projects like the National Immunisation Register. Ray then became an independent consultant, advising DHBs and primary care organisations across the public and private sectors.
He founded the National Institute for Health Innovation at the University of Auckland and developed Designer Technology Ltd until its acquisition in 2019. In 2021, he launched CIO Studio to offer C-level expertise to mid-market companies. Ray brings extensive strategic and digital health experience to the DHA Board, with a focus on building strong relationships within the health sector.
Chris Borton (Elected)
Chris is an independent director with over 30 years IT sales and marketing experience. Currently providing Business Development to the public sector through Ascent Business Consulting, supporting Start Up’s, AI discussions and providing mentoring services.
Chris’s road into healthcare was through his recent 8 years with Amazon Web Services (AWS), based in Wellington as the Public Sector lead. In 2020, Chris led the New Zealand AWS Health team which built strong relationships with the sector and senior leadership, both within New Zealand and with global health providers and partners. Chris led the AWS team to support the covid digital assets and building resiliency into the NHI, AIR and various health programmes we all use today.
Chris brings a wealth of knowledge of looking global yet has a grounded approach through his aboriginal heritage and a focus to drive opportunities for DHA members
John Macaskill-Smith (Co-opted)
John is the CEO of Spark Health and a recognised leader in health sector transformation. Known for his innovative approach and storytelling ability, John excels in engaging audiences and driving digital change. His experience spans policy and commissioning roles with the Ministry of Health, as well as advancing initiatives like Health Care Home, Indici, and big data in Primary and Community Care.
John has worked internationally in the UK, U.S., and the Middle East, focusing on health reform and modernising clinical models. He also helped grow Tend Health’s clinic network from 1 to 25. With governance experience in areas like Angel Investment and Private Education, John brings valuable insights to the DHA Board.
Simon Martin (Co-opted)
Simon Martin is one of New Zealand’s top technology lawyers, specialising in technology, media, and intellectual property since 1990. His expertise spans joint ventures, licensing, and the acquisition and sale of tech and media businesses. Simon has worked in large corporate law firms in New Zealand and London.
Over 15 years ago, Simon co-founded Hudson Gavin Martin, now one of the country’s leading tech and IP law firms. With in-depth knowledge of the health technologies sector, Simon advises many DHA members and is dedicated to helping them achieve strong outcomes for their businesses and New Zealand’s health system. He also serves as an adviser to the NZTech Board.
Helen Lear (Advisory Board Member)
Helen Lear is the Group Manager of Industry Partnerships at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora within Data & Digital. Her team are responsible for industry engagement and supplier management.
Helen comes from an ICT operations background, having worked within account teams and support practices. She has an interest in focusing on sustainable long-term relationships with our partners and the digital health community, as well as internal stakeholder groups.