Dunstan Hospital Foundation Charitable Trust
Meet our Trustees.
Warwick Deuchrass
Warwick is a highly experienced legal and governance professional, having practised law for more than 40 years as a partner in a major New Zealand law firm. His expertise spans commercial and corporate law, local government, and asset and succession planning across a wide range of sectors, including rural and agricultural. He retired from legal practice in 2017 and continues to serve as a Notary Public.
Throughout his career, Warwick held senior governance roles within the legal profession, including Chair of his firm’s board, South Island Vice President of the New Zealand Law Society, and Chair of both the New Zealand Law Foundation and the New Zealand Council of Law Reporting.
A strong advocate for community service, Warwick has served on numerous charitable and community boards, including the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust, Otago Youth Adventure Trust, Otago Wellness Trust, and the Upper Clutha Palliative Care Trust.
ChairmanHaley Van Leeuwen
Haley van Leeuwen grew up in Alexandra and after spending over two decades away has returned to Alexandra with her husband Johnny to raise their young family. Haley brings to the Trust over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. She has since held various roles across the banking, finance and portfolio management sectors.
Haley was attracted to the Trust through her interest in the healthcare sector and seeing how crucial the Dunstan Hospital is to our rural based community and the wider lakes district and Upper Clutha regions. Having experienced healthcare in a larger urban environment Haley is passionate about securing a high level of healthcare service for our region and is excited to see what the Foundation can achieve towards this.
TrusteeRichard trained as a Clinical Psychologist and was a Lecturer in the Department of Psychological Medicine at Otago Medical School.
He developed his own business interest and resigned to set up what is now the Acquisitions nationwide chain of gift and homeware stores alongside his partner Anita Cessford. Richard has over 25 years involvement in Health governance with roles which include Chair of the Otago DHB, Board member of Southern DHB and Deputy Commissioner SDHB. He now holds the position of Chair of Central Otago Health Services Limited (COHSL) - the operating company of Dunstan Hospital. Richard set up the Hawksbury Community Living Trust which provides 24-hour care for 100 intellectually disabled adults in Dunedin and Christchurch. After 30 years as Chair, he stepped down to role of the Deputy Chair when he took over the Chairmanship at COHSL.
TrusteeRichard Thomson
Vicki brings a wealth of experience in business transformation and community engagement to her role as Trustee of the Dunstan Hospital Foundation. As the founder of Sparcgap Communications, she has spent over two decades helping businesses align leadership, culture, and team dynamics to drive sustainable growth and performance. Her strategic insight and passion for unlocking potential have made her a trusted partner across a range of industries.
Vicki is also the owner of The Central App, a digital platform that connects the Central Otago community through local news, events, and essential information. Her commitment to fostering strong, informed communities aligns closely with the Foundation’s mission to support and enhance healthcare services in the region. With deep roots in Central Otago and a strong belief in the power of collaboration, Vicki is proud to contribute her expertise to the Foundation’s vision for a healthier, more connected future.
TrusteeVicki McLean
John is a Senior Advisor at Forsyth Barr and Company Director. He has over 40 years of experience in the financial services industry in funds and investment management, commercial and chartered accounting, management and banking. He is a Fellow Chartered Accountant, a full member of the NZ Stock Exchange, an Authorized Financial Advisor and a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors.
John is currently Chairman of NZCEO Ltd/NZCEO Finance Ltd, Grow Dunedin Partners and Te Kupenga Catholic Leadership Institute, a Director of the Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust and past Chairman of Mercy Hospital Ltd, Tracplus Global Ltd and City Forests Ltd. He also has an active involvement in the non-profit and sporting sectors as Chairman of the Catalytic Foundation, the William Sherriff Charitable Trust, and previously as Chairman of Basketball NZ and Member of the FIBA Finance Commission.
TrusteeJohn Gallaher
Rebecca Williams is an experienced local government professional with a strong background in community services, policy, and organisational development. She brings extensive experience from her work with the Central Otago District Council, where she has held a range of roles supporting community wellbeing, regional planning, and strategic council initiatives.
A graduate of Otago Polytechnic, Rebecca has built a reputation for her ability to navigate complex community issues, strengthen collaborative relationships, and contribute to initiatives that enhance the quality of life for people across the region. Her professional history reflects a solid understanding of local government systems, stakeholder engagement, and service delivery across Central Otago.
Rebecca’s deep connection to the Central Otago community and her strong governance experience make her a valued contributor to the Foundation’s work, helping ensure local health services remain responsive, sustainable, and community‑centred.
TrusteeRebecca Williams
