The Establishment Board’s role is to lead thePHO start-up phase, ensure the organisation meets its foundation requirements, and prepare thePHO for handover to an inaugural Board.

Dr Murray Tilyard is the Chair. Murray has led national primary care work for many years. He brings experience in clinical leadership, system design, and service development. His role is to provide direction and ensure decisions stay focused on supporting practices.

Dr Vicky Jones brings experience in rural general practice. She understands the pressures on small teams, the importance of access for rural communities, and the need for practical support that fits local circumstances. Her insight helps shape a PHO model that works for practices outside major centres.

Bethan Rajwar brings capability in workforce planning, practice operations, and quality systems. She understands the daily demands inside a practice and the support required to maintain safe and efficient services. Her work helps ensure the establishment phase remains practical and grounded in the needs of teams.

Dr Mark Peterson provides clinical leadership and governance experience. He understands national policy settings and what is needed to maintain clinical quality and patient safety. His knowledge supports evidence-based decision making.

Mark Wills brings operational leadership from primary care organisations and practice networks. He has helped practices strengthen their systems, improve performance, and invest in staff. His experience supports the operational build of thePHO.

Michelle Te Kira brings Māori health leadership and community experience. She understands the importance of culturally safe care, relationships with whānau, and support that strengthens access and continuity. Her insight ensures early decisions reflect the needs of Māori communities and the practices that serve them.

The Establishment Board brings together clinical, operational, rural, Māori health, and governance capability. Their work provides confidence that thePHO is being built with the experience needed to support practices and their patients. When the organisation is fully established, governance will transition to an inaugural skills-based substantive Board.