Since joining the Board in May 2024 as Treasurer, Pip has been an active and engaged contributor. She has led the Supporting Contract Managers and Admin group, more recently supporting the combined Supporting Services Group, and has represented MEDSAC at quarterly forums with key funders. Through this involvement, she has developed a strong understanding of MEDSAC’s work, its strategic priorities, and the relationships that underpin its success.
Pip’s professional background spans governance, law, and finance. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Accounting) and a Bachelor of Laws, is a Chartered Accountant, and is admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand (though not currently practising). She is also a member of the Institute of Directors. In her day-to-day work, Pip advises T&G Global on complex international and domestic tax and finance matters. Alongside this, she serves on the board of a sports data analytics company, runs her own consultancy practice, and is a trustee on the board of RISE.
Pip’s appointment as Chair was a unanimous decision by the Board, which has been considering for some time the benefits of a non-clinical Chair to support this stage of MEDSAC’s development. The Board determined that the skillset required for the Chair role presently relates more to governance needs, with the ability to draw on the expertise of clinicians on the board and a wide clinical contributor network. The majority of the Board’s trustees are clinicians, and there is no intention for this to change.
We believe that Pip has the skills to do this based on our experience of working with her over the past few years. We chose Pip for her understanding of, and passion for, MEDSAC’s purpose and goals, her broader governance experience, her ‘big picture with attention to detail’ lens, and her desire to get things done with care. Pip’s gentle and calm demeanour, collaborative approach, and openness to learning (including seeking clinical knowledge when relevant) have earned her a high level of respect from all trustees.
MEDSAC Board of TrusteesPip accepted the appointment because she cares deeply about MEDSAC’s purpose and the importance of the work it does for survivors, clinicians, and the wider sector. She believes she can help provide stability and clear governance at an important time for MEDSAC, ensuring the Board remains focused on the right priorities so the organisation can continue to grow and deliver effectively.
As Chair, Pip is focused on ensuring the Board works collaboratively and effectively, and continues to support MEDSAC to deliver on its purpose.
Under my leadership, people can expect steady governance, clear priorities, and a collaborative approach. My focus will be on ensuring the Board is working well, and supporting our General Manager and organisation to deliver on its purpose and strategic priorities. This includes ensuring that the Board’s governance is strongly informed by the expertise of our clinician trustees and wider contributor network, keeping clinical perspectives at the centre of MEDSAC’s work, and making sure governance supports, rather than gets in the way of, delivery.
It also means a strong focus on clarity, good decision-making, and constructive relationships both around the Board table and across the organisation. My aim is to provide calm, thoughtful leadership, help keep MEDSAC focused on its purpose and priorities, and maintain strong relationships with funders and stakeholders.
Pip SwaleOutside of her professional and governance roles, Pip is kept busy by her three young children, aged five, seven, and nine. She enjoys making the most of the outdoors—walking on the beach with her dog Jazz, exploring the Nelson region, and spending time with family and friends. A keen skier (and once a trained instructor who spent a season in Val-d’Isère), she also enjoys pilates, yoga, mountain biking with her children, and, when time allows, reading and baking sourdough. Kaiteriteri is her favourite place to explore, relax, and recharge.
Pip brings both capability and care to her role as Chair, along with a steady focus on supporting MEDSAC’s people, purpose, and future.