Meet our team of specialists, who have been working together with Kiwis all over the country since 2004.
Director Disability Services
Amanda Bleckmann has joined New Zealand Health Group as the Director of Disability Services. She will be leading Explore, Geneva Deaf & Disability, OTRS, and Seating To Go.
Amanda brings deep expertise in the health and disability sector and a strong values-driven approach to her work. Most recently, Amanda served as the Deputy Chief Executive (Commissioning Design and Delivery) at Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People. In this role she led the commissioning portfolio, where she led the commissioning of disability support services for over 50,000 disabled people and their families/whānau. She also oversaw the Enabling Good Lives sites and supported the transformation of disability supports. Amanda worked closely with her colleagues in other government agencies, community partners, and community leaders.
Amanda is passionate about ensuring disability supports are responsive, relevant, and reflect the aspirations of disabled people. She is a strong advocate for innovation, continuous improvement, and empowering disabled people to have greater choice and control in their lives.
Clinical Services Lead
Nathan has been a Clinical Psychologist for almost 20 years. Prior to working at Explore he worked in paediatrics, private practice, and child and adolescent mental health. He has been with Explore for almost nine years.
As Clinical Service Lead, Nathan is responsible for the design and implementation of clinical services, working to ensure that these services are of the highest quality and always person-centred, evidence-based, and culturally informed. The role maintains a focus on clinical leadership, strategic vision, quality and risk management, and business development.
National Strategic Projects Manager
Craig has over 30 years of extensive business and leadership experience in the infrastructure and health sectors, providing strategic and project management disciplines and practices to significant growth and development opportunities.
Craig serves as the conduit connecting our Clinical, Cultural and Commercial drivers, and leading the support services for Explore Hāpainga Ora.
Regional Operations Manager North
Vicky has over 30 years leadership experience in the development and delivery of wellbeing and disability support services in NZ and the UK. She has held senior operational and governance roles, managing leadership and specialist teams across a diverse array of services and regions. Vicky has led teams through substantial organisational and cultural change aimed at enhancing sustainability and service outcomes, all of which are relevant to fulfilling the role of Regional Operations Manager of Explore Hāpaigna Ora.
“I find it exciting to lead and work alongside highly competent and compassionate teams, in a combined effort to deliver specialised person-focused support which is culturally sensitive and accessible across urban and rural Aotearoa.”
Regional Operations Manager South
Anita has over 25 years’ experience working in health, disability, education and social service sectors. She complements her clinical skills with a passion for leading high performing teams to deliver quality clinical services. Skilled in coaching, management, leadership, developing partnerships, and growth opportunities, to improve wellbeing and equity for people, organisations, and communities across Aotearoa.