Mathias, Dr Lee

Jocelyn Peach
Jul 19, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Jan 6

Health Entrepreneur

DHSc, MBA, BA, RGON

Dr Wanda Lee Mathias is a registered nurse. She was principal nurse of Middlemore Hospital from 1987-1993. She holds a BA from Massey University, an MBA from Auckland University and DHSc [2009] from AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand with a thesis looking at the shaping of governance decision-making in public healthcare services

She has many years of experience as a health manager and director in public health services including Crown Health Enterprises and Hospital and Health Services, ACC, social enterprises (NGOs) and private companies. She established the 47-bed maternity hospital, Birthcare Auckland, the first private maternity company to contract with the public sector in NZ and co-founded Labtests Auckland Limited to provide community laboratory services. She has held a number of directorships and advisory roles: a member of the New Zealand Midwifery Council, director of the Midwifery and Maternity Provider Organisation Limited; was chair of the Health Promotion Agency; and was deputy chair of the Auckland District Health Board. She is former Chair of Medicines NZ, Counties Manukau DHB, the Health Promotion Agency and Unitec. Lee has also been Deputy Chair of the Auckland District Health Board (up until late 2019) and a board member of Health Alliance. Is a Director of Pictor Limited and Director at Tend, a biotech company which focuses on human, animal and food diagnostics

Dr Lee Mathias was honoured for her services to health and business and was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2013. She is an accredited fellow of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand and an Associate Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Healthcare Managers. Member of New Zealand Hall of Fame for Women Entrepreneurs.