Pam Elgar
Kaiwhakahaere Matua / General Manager – Community and Social Innovation
Pam’s career has spanned the public, banking and not-for-profit 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.
Pam has, or continues to hold, influential governance positions with Presbyterian Support Northern, Paralympics New Zealand and Auckland Restorative Justice Trust, and continues her involvement with the Sport Integrity Unit for Gymnastics NZ, Hockey New Zealand, and Women in Sport Aotearoa. She is the founding member of the New Zealand International Relations Network.
In 2022, Pam was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to hockey and women for over 20 years. She was a foundation member of Women in Sport Aotearoa (WISPA), supporting women and girls to build careers in sport and recreation in New Zealand. She chairs the Wāhine Toa Kei Te Kokiri committee which supports WISPA’s bicultural journey.
Pam is deeply committed to diversity, inclusion and equity, and has evidenced this across the many leadership and governance roles during her career. She is described as collaborative, communicative and collegial, with excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, and a calm, steady and authentic approach.
In her roles as CEO of Make-A-Wish and Surf Lifesaving Northern Region, Pam has managed significant relationships at both local and central government levels and helped advance the causes of these important organisations. She has also supported high growth or complex organisations to improve their systems and processes, and successfully managed complex competing priorities.