Health Funds Association appoints new executive director

The Health Funds Association, which represents the majority of health insurers, has appointed Claire Austin as its new Executive Director.

Austin has long-standing experience as a chief executive in the New Zealand health sector. A former ceo of the Families Commission, The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, and Age Concern New Zealand, Austin has also held a range of national and international strategic advisory roles in health, change management and ageing policy.

"With 33% of the population having health insurance, the important role of the private health sector cannot be underestimated," she says. "There is a growing international trend of governments turning to the private sector to cooperate for health gain. The Health Funds Association can play an important role in facilitating new private sector roles that strengthen the performance of the health system and ensure better health outcomes for New Zealanders," she said.