Annual General Meeting 2026 Minutes
Date: Wednesday 2nd September
Time: 7.30pm
Location: Online via Google meet
1. Welcome and Opening (Chair - Orna)
Introductions of all present (13) incl Committee: Anne, Justine, Holly, Rose, Orna. GM Ness plus members Mary Brooker, Michelle Wise, Janine Close, Kate Gibson, Aileen McCarthy, Sharon English.
2. Financial Report (Treasure - Holly)
Presentation of the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026
Revenue: The organization reported a deficit of $46,000 for the year, primarily due to lower revenue compared to the previous year, which had been bolstered by conference registrations. Membership fees remained relatively stable at $27,000, slightly down from $28,000 the previous year. Other revenue sources included sponsorship from the Financial Independence organization for an Auckland connection event, bank interest, and small registration fees from the Future of Health Forum
Expense Breakdown: included significant costs for the Future of Health Forum, small connection events in Wellington and Auckland, sponsorship for the New Zealand Medical Student Association and the Women in Health Network, and committee travel for advocacy meetings with the Minister of Health
Administrative and Operational Expenses: Main administrative expense was $35,000 for regular contractor support, which covers 10 hours of work per week. Other standard annual expenses included Google Workspace, Mailchimp, MYOB, website maintenance, and accounting fees
Financial Position and Accumulated Funds: The report showed a bank balance of $152,000 as of 31 March 2026, which included a GST refund. Total accumulated funds were supported by a large surplus from a previous conference, though the current trend requires careful monitoring.
2027 Financial Year-to-Date Performance: The organization is running at a loss of approximately $85,000. Revenue has been impacted by the Future of Health Forum, for which sponsorship and registration funds were collected by third-party organizers and transferred to NZWIM in the 2027 Financial Year period, resulting in $38,000 in sponsorship and $13,000 in registrations.
Financial Outlook and Projections: Projecting a total loss of approximately $64,000. This projection accounts for increased contractor costs as the role transitions to general management, as well as conference venue deposits, leaving a projected bank balance of $82,000.
Motion: Orna: Move that the annual financial statements be received and accepted. Seconded by Justine Lancaster
3. Chair’s Report
Future of Health Forum: The event hosted 100 people at the BNZ building in Wellington March 2026 utilized the expertise of futurist Victoria Mulligan and featured a graphic illustrator to visually capture ideas, which have since been published on the organization's website. Recurring themes include the need to protect the public health system against privatization, and a focus on equity, continuity of care, and early intervention
Advocacy and Political Engagement: NZWIM's advocacy efforts, specifically the attempt to engage political parties regarding health policy. The organization successfully met with Labour spokesperson Ayesha Verrall and has initiated contact with the Green Party health policy team, aiming to broaden their reach beyond Labour.
Medical Student Partnerships: We have a strong relationship with the New Zealand Medical Student Association which we want to continue - they are the future of the industry! We noted the inclusion of student Alex Long on the committee and the desire to recruit a second to ensure students feel comfortable sharing ideas alongside senior members
Collaboration with Katiaki Hauora: An umbrella organization chaired by Rob Campbell (former Board Chair Health NZ) set up this year to advocate for the people within the sector. 20 organisations involved. Nicky Nelson is our rep on the committee. Others involved - David Galler, Art Nahill, Glen Colquhoun (Art and Glen organised Hikoi for Health and spoke at the Future of Health Forum). This collaboration has provided NZWIM with a seat at the table for high-level policy discussions.
Medical Council Advocacy: Orna McGinn detailed a direct advocacy campaign regarding ministerial driven leadership changes at the Medical Council. The Minister of Health presented a keynote at the recent Royal NZ College of GPs Conference. As he arrived he was greeted by Orna and other NZWIM members who presented the Open Letter from June signed by 1200 NZ Doctors in response to the Medical Council Leadership change. When he went on stage we stood silently and rolled out a banner facing the audience which read: 1200 Doctors, One Voice. Cultural safety is patient safety. They also presented a copy of the letter and signatures to Ayesha Verrall in Parliament on 7th July (no other MPs had responded).
Strategy Day: Held recently to determine future direction and sustainability of the organisation. Lucky to have 5 years of solvency and a couple of generous sponsors, and now we are planning to be more robust.
Organizational Sustainability and Leadership Changes: Orna announced that the organization is moving toward a more sustainable structure, aided by the transition of the administrator role into a General Manager position for Ness Johnson. The NZWIM Charitable Trust are thrilled to welcome the addition of Nathalie de Vries (The Regional Chief Medical Oficer for the Central Region as well as the District Chief Medicatl Officer for Health NZ in Whanganui hospital - who is very helpful to us in sorting out the governance piece) and Yii Petrus ( has worked in the non-profit sector for many years and brings an incredible set of skills that dovetail beautifully into our organisation. Current CEO of Education Partnership and Innovation Trust) as Trustees.
Conference Planning for 2027: Planning for the September 2027 conference is underway, with a tentative location at Te Papa. Members who wish to put their hand-up to be considered to join the organizing committee are advised to email admin@nzwim.org.nz
Membership Structure Review: Orna invited feedback from members regarding the organization's structure, specifically whether the current membership model with committee and ad hoc advocacy is the most effective approach or if the group should focus solely on operating as a trustee board that organizes events.
Feedback: Keen to know what is useful about having NZWIM? What is working? What could be done better? Is the membership structure the right one? SHould we just do events and conferences and not worry about membership?
6. General Business
Historical Archives: Dr. Kate Gibson offered to formally hand over historical documents (plus banner & badge) from the previous iteration of the New Zealand Medical Women’s Association to the current committee for safekeeping. Kate also volunteered to serve as an archivist for the organization as the group discussed the importance of preserving these items.Kate plans to investigate materials held at the Alexander Turnbull Library and will coordinate with the group to ensure the items are properly documented and archived
Resurgence of Gendered Medical Organizations: Orna opened a discussion on the re-emergence and necessity of gendered medical groups, citing the example of the Ladies in Orthopedic Surgery New Zealand (LIONZ) The group noted that only 6% of orthopedic surgeons in New Zealand are women.
Organizational Branding and Name: The participants discussed the potential for renaming the organization to avoid confusion with the existing Facebook group. Dr Michelle Wise noted that "Women in Medicine" aligns with international frameworks, such as those used by similar organizations in Canada and the UK. No firm decision was reached, but the group expressed interest in respecting historical branding while ensuring the name remains effective for their current advocacy goals.
Conference Plenary Themes: ORNA MCGINN proposed that the upcoming conference serve as a forum to discuss the history of women in medicine and current challenges. The group considered a plenary session focusing on misogyny, referencing ongoing research by retired gynecologist Jackie Smalldridge on the prevalence of internalized misogyny within the obstetrics and gynecology field.
Conference Arts Exhibition: Orna and Justine discussed the value of hosting an arts and crafts exhibition at the next conference to celebrate member talent. They noted that previous exhibitions were successful due to the leadership of dedicated committee member Stacey Byers, and agreed they would need to recruit someone to lead this initiative again if Stacey is unavailable.
Acknowledgments of Support: Dr Mary Brooker commended the organization for its political advocacy, stating that the group's efforts are highly appreciated by members. Orna praised Deputy Chair Justine Lancaster for her unwavering support and role as the group’s "first follower," and thanked Dr Holly Johnstone for her crucial work as treasurer since the beginning.
7. Close
Meeting closed at: 9pm