CEO
Nicky is CEO for Local Health, and is known across Primary Care Networks, for her ability to build sustainable General Practices, as well as developing new and improved ways of delivering care to our communities. Nicky has worked in the many layers of the health sector including Ministry of Health, DHBs, PHOs and General Practice. During this time, she played a key leadership role in initiatives such as Patient Portals, Virtual Care, Integrated Care Teams and General Practice sustainability initiatives.
Since her time at Local Health (formerly known as the Feilding Health Care Group), her highlights include:
Often called upon by practices around the country for strategic advice and business support, Nicky enjoys the networking and exchanging of ideas and challenges with other primary care providers.
Nicky holds a Bachelor of Social Work and Masters of Management from Massey University.
Clinical Services Leader
Debbie is the Clinical Services Leader. Debbie trained as a Registered Comprehensive Nurse in Palmerston North and gained extensive experience working in Emergency Departments across various large centres, developing strong skills in acute and critical care. She later transitioned into primary health care in Taihape, focusing on community-based care, chronic disease management, and preventive health services. Now, as the Clinical Services Leader at Feilding Health Care, Debbie is dedicated to leading clinical teams, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care through a collaborative and patient-centred approach.
Patient Services Team Leader & ICT Support
Shona began her career as a medical receptionist in Taihape in 2008. She joined Feilding Health Care in 2016 as part of the Business Services team, where she expanded her expertise in General Practice. Over the years, Shona has taken on various roles, including IT Support and Patient Services Manager. In August 2023, she stepped into the role of Operations Manager. With her extensive knowledge and approachable nature, Shona is a go-to person who thrives in our fast-paced environment.
Executive Business Support
Lorna joined Feilding Health Care in January 2025 as the Executive Business Support. Prior to this role Lorna held the position of Executive Officer for a decade at THINK Hauora where she gained experience in executive leadership and operational strategy. Prior to that Lorna held positions at the Palmerston North Hospital and the Faculty of Commerce at Victoria University where she was involved in the development of University property expansion initiatives.
With a strong background in executive support, Lorna has worked alongside CEOs, contributing to senior leadership teams, infrastructure and building projects and supporting Boards throughout her career.
Financial Controller
Joanne joined Feilding Health Care in 2017, bringing with her 24 years of office experience, including office management and Trust Accounting. She worked her way up to Office Manager before taking time away to complete a Diploma in Business Studies (Accounting) at Massey University. She returned in 2024 and now serves as Financial Controller. With a passion for numbers and a strong understanding of medical practice funding, Joanne brings a hands-on approach to financial management.
Joanne lives in Feilding with her husband and four children. Outside of work, she enjoys fly fishing, rafting, camping, and exploring the great outdoors.
Acute Care Leader
Chris brings 24 years of experience as a career and volunteer ambulance officer to Feilding Health Care. His background spans frontline road and helicopter response, clinical education, management, and service improvement, including responding to the 2011 Christchurch Earthquake.
As our Acute Care Lead, Chris provides acute and urgent care to patients and supports day-to-day patient flow. He also mentors and trains clinicians in emergency care response. A proud Manawatu local, he grew up in Halcombe and has strong ties to the community.
Outside of work, Chris is a senior leader in the Feilding Volunteer Fire Brigade and a dedicated father to three boys.
Chair, Clinical Governance Group, Clinical Leader and General Practitioner
Bruce has been a GP in Feilding since 1987 and has a wide interest in general practice including minor surgery, vasectomies, geriatric medicine and palliative care.
His passion for the industry has Bruce involved in numerous roles: contributing to the success of the Palliative Care Partnership initiative, founding Chairman of the Manawatu Independent Practitioner Association in the 1990s, Chair of the Central PHO/ THINK Hauora Trust Board for 12 years, and currently the Medical support to the Te Whata Ora Public Health nursing team. Bruce has also played a key role in the establishment of Feilding Health Care.
Outside of medicine, Bruce enjoys spending time with his family and participates in motorsport – he is a competitor in classic car and endurance racing events.
General Practitioner
Amy was born and raised in South Australia and completed her General Practice training across rural South Australia. She is passionate about the breadth of general practice and providing quality medical care to people from all walks of life.
Amy has special interests in women’s health, indigenous health and has completed a post graduate diploma in child health. She has also spent several years working for the Royal Flying Doctors prior to moving to New Zealand.
Having moved to NZ to spend time with her husband’s whānau she is committed to learning Te Reo Māori.
Outside of medicine, Amy is a mother of four young children, enjoys vegetable gardening and considers herself a foodie and coffee enthusiast.
Nurse Practitioner
Stacey trained as a Registered Nurse in 2009 and went on to complete a Masters of Nursing and Nurse Practitioner training in 2020. Stacey is a dedicated Nurse Practitioner serving the Ashhurst community at Ashhurst Health Care. She collaborates closely with a team of healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive medical services to the enrolled population. Stacey’s committed to providing patient-centred care the ensures patients receive high quality, accessible health care tailored to their individual needs.
Outside of work Stacey enjoys spending time with her family and is a mother to two school aged children.
Clinical Leader and GP
He graduated from Otago University in 1979, and holds postgraduate diplomas in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and also Musculoskeletal Medicine.
He has been a teacher in GP training programme for over thirty five years and many of the GPs working in our region have spent part of their training working with him.
As a member of the development of the FHC Group, David helped shape the vision for a consolidated healthcare facility designed to better serve the growing community. This initiative not only expanded healthcare services but also enhanced Feilding’s ability to attract new GPs to the district.
Acute Care Leader, Paramedic
Chris brings 24 years of experience as a career and volunteer ambulance officer to Feilding Health Care. His background spans frontline road and helicopter response, clinical education, management, and service improvement, including responding to the 2011 Christchurch Earthquake.
As our Acute Care Lead, Chris provides acute and urgent care to patients and supports day-to-day patient flow. He also mentors and trains clinicians in emergency care response. A proud Manawatu local, he grew up in Halcombe and has strong ties to the community.
Outside of work, Chris is a senior leader in the Feilding Volunteer Fire Brigade and a dedicated father to three boys.
Clinical Services Leader
Debbie trained as a Registered Comprehensive Nurse in Palmerston North. Since then has had extensive Emergency Department experience in a variety of large centres before moving into primary health care in Taihape. Debbie is now enjoying the challenge as Clinical Services Leader at Feilding Health Care.
General Practitioner
Karl graduated from Auckland Medical School in 1987. He also obtained postgraduate qualifications in Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Child Health and General Practice. Married with two children, Karl’s interests outside of work include gardening and vintage cars. He is an active member of St Johns and was awarded the order of MStJ for his service.
Chairman of the Board
John is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Feilding Health Care. Feilding born and bred, John has lived on a farm north of Feilding his whole life and is married to Michelle. Starting his career as a farmer after schooling locally in Feilding, John now co-owns and operates businesses in Feilding processing and exporting meat proteins from lamb and venison. John is a past territorial solider, Kellogg scholar and Trustee of Manfeild Park. Currently John is an Accredited Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Directors and holds 10 governance roles – several as Chairman in New Zealand and one in Australia.
John has been the Chair at Feilding Health Care for the past 12 years, from start up to current. Over this tenure the health service has grown significantly to over 30,000 patients, and expanded geographically to multiple locations, all of which is fulfilling the goal of better health outcomes for the community we serve.
General Practitioner
E rere kau mai te awa nui mai i te Kāhui Maunga ki Tangaroa,
Ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au.
Born and raised in Whanganui, Amber-Lea completed her medical training at Otago University and went on to complete a Post graduate Certificate in Women’s health while working at Palmerston North hospital. She became a Fellow of RNZCGP in 2022
Amber-Lea has been a Shareholder of Feilding Health Care since 2020 and a joined the Board as a Director in 2023. She has worked as a General Practitioner in Feilding for 5 years then took up a new position at Group Medical in 2024.
Her governance journey began in Medical school with various positions on Māori medical committees. She is currently also serving on the Te Akoranga a Maui Board which supports Māori GPs through the Royal NZ College of GPs.
Amber-Lea practices in all areas of general practice with a special interest in Women’s health, Māori health and equity and minor surgeries.
Work life balance is a priority for Amber-Lea who also has 3 young children and enjoys running and fitness outside of work.
General Practitioner
Karl graduated from Auckland Medical School in 1987. He also obtained postgraduate qualifications in Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Child Health and General Practice. Married with two children, Karl’s interests outside of work include gardening and vintage cars. He is an active member of St Johns and was awarded the order of MStJ for his service.
General Practitioner
Bruce has been a GP in Feilding since 1987 and has a wide interest in general practice including minor surgery, vasectomies, geriatric medicine and palliative care.
His passion for the industry has Bruce involved in numerous roles: contributing to the success of the Palliative Care Partnership initiative, founding Chairman of the Manawatu Independent Practitioner Association in the 1990s, Chair of the Central PHO/ THINK Hauora Trust Board for 12 years, and currently the Medical support to the Te Whata Ora Public Health nursing team. Bruce has also played a key role in the establishment of Feilding Health Care.
Outside of medicine, Bruce enjoys spending time with his family and participates in motorsport – he is a competitor in classic car and endurance racing events.
General Practitioner
David is a Director and Shareholder of Feilding Health Care.
He graduated from Otago University in 1979, and holds postgraduate diplomas in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and also Musculoskeletal Medicine.
He has been a teacher in GP training programme for over thirty five years and many of the GPs working in our region have spent part of their training working with him.
As a member of the development of the FHC Group, David helped shape the vision for a consolidated healthcare facility designed to better serve the growing community. This initiative not only expanded healthcare services but also enhanced Feilding’s ability to attract new GPs to the district.
Independent Director - Chairman of Finance and Audit Subcommittee
Raised on and currently farming an intensive livestock and cropping property near Halcombe, Michael attended local schools and gained an Agricultural Commerce/ Management qualification at Lincoln University. This created a foundation for seven years in rural banking and latterly, business governance.
Married with three sons, Michael is a sport enthusiast, enjoys jet boating NZ rivers, and exploring the world.
