Pam Elgar (Ngāruahine, Te Atiawa) has been appointed as interim Chief Executive Officer (interim Kaiwhakahaere Mātua) of Presbyterian Support Northern (PSN).

She takes over from previous CEO Dr Bonnie Robinson, who left the organisation in June.

Ms Elgar is a current member of the PSN Board and has a good understanding of the organisation and its mission, as well as established relationships with PSN’s leadership team.

She will take a leave of absence from her Board role until a new permanent CEO is in place and then return to the Board.

Ms Elgar’s career spans many years in leadership and governance roles across the public, financial and NGO sectors. As CEO or general manager, she has led significant not-for-profits such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Diabetes Auckland, Surf Life Saving Northern Region, and Alzheimer’s Auckland. She has recently concluded a contract role with Auckland Council as General Manager Community and Social Innovation.

Ms Elgar has extensive governance experience and serves on the boards of Paralympics New Zealand, Auckland Hockey, and Auckland Restorative Justice Trust. She also continues her involvement with the Sport Integrity Unit for Gymnastics NZ and Women in Sport Aotearoa.

In 2022, Ms Elgar became an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to hockey and women.