The THINK Hauora board are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Chris Gallavin as its new Chair.
Media Release – New Board Chair Appointed to Guide THINK Hauora’s Strategic Direction – 21 August 2026
The THINK Hauora board are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Chris Gallavin as its new Chair.
Dr Gallavin succeeds Interim Board Chair Danielle Harris, who stepped in to lead the board following John Peters's resignation in May 2026.
Dr Gallavin brings over a decade of senior governance experience across the education, health, justice, charity and community sectors. He holds a PhD in Law from the University of Hull, a Master of Management and Postgraduate Certificate in Governance from Melbourne University and is a member of the Institute of Directors.
His executive leadership experience includes serving as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Canterbury, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor at Massey University, and Chief Executive of the Sisters of Compassion charity, where he led a significant financial and operational restructure.
Dr Gallavin currently serves as Independent Chair of the Shareholders Committee for Central Districts Water, Trustee of the Te Manawa Museums Trust Board, Chair of Eisenhower Fellowships New Zealand, and Board Chair of Carncot School. He was previously Board Chair of the New Zealand Centre for Global Studies.
Based in Palmerston North, Dr Gallavin has strong ties to the Manawatū community, including his recent role as Director of Fundraising for Centrepoint Theatre's capital raise and his contribution to the region's cultural life through the Manawatu Writers' Festival. He has a demonstrated commitment to partnership with tangata whenua and Māori, reflected throughout his governance and academic career.
Dr Gallavin is a contract Professor in governance at Massey University's EMBA and MBA programmes and is a widely recognised commentator on governance and public policy, with more than 1,000 media citations across outlets including the Guardian UK and the New York Times.
Danielle Harris O.N.Z.M, LLB, Acting Board Chair THINK Hauora, says Dr Gallavin will bring years of experience and a fresh perspective to guide THINK Hauora’s strategic direction and future endeavours. “With our newly approved Board Strategy in place, this is an important and timely appointment for THINK Hauora. Dr Gallavin will bring depth and knowledge to this role, and the Board are looking forward to working with him as he leads us in guiding and executing this Kaupapa and the future of THINK Hauora”.
