Executive Chair, Lifewise
Pam Elgar ONZM
Pam (Ngāruahine, Te Atiawa) is an experienced Executive and Governor.
Her career has spanned the public sector, banking and not-for-profit sectors. As CEO or General Manager, she has led significant not-for-profits such Presbyterian Support Northern, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Diabetes Auckland, Surf Life Saving Northern Region and Alzheimer’s Auckland. She also held the position of General Manager Community and Social Innovation with Auckland Council (formerly known as the
Southern Initiative.
Pam has, or continues to hold, influential governance positions with Presbyterian Support Northern, Paralympics New Zealand and Auckland Restorative Justice Trust and continues her involvement with the Sport Integrity Unit for Gymnastics NZ, and Board appointments panel for Tennis NZ and Women in Sport Aotearoa. She is the founding member of the New Zealand International Relations Network. She spent ten and half years as President of Oceania Hockey and a member of the International Federation of Hockey (FIH).
In 2022, Pam was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to hockey and women for over 20 years. She was a foundation member of Women in Sport Aotearoa (WISPA), supporting women and girls to build careers in sport and recreation in New Zealand. She chairs the Wāhine Toa Kei Te Kokiri committee which supports WISPA’s bicultural journey.
Pam is deeply committed to diversity, inclusion and equity, and evidenced this across the many leadership and governance roles during her career. She is described as collaborative, communicative and collegial, with excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, and a calm, steady and authentic approach.
