Diabetes New Zealand appoints New Chief Executive

Diabetes New Zealand appoints New Chief Executive

Diabetes New Zealand has appointed Joe Asghar as its new chief executive, effective from 31 May 2010.

Chris Baty, President of Diabetes New Zealand, said: “The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Asghar as our new chief executive at such a pivotal time in our organisation’s development.”

Naseem Asghar or Joe as he prefers to be known was born in Scotland and moved to New Zealand some seven years ago with his wife Judith, a general practitioner, and their three children.

A qualified pharmacist, Joe has experience working in the health sector in the United Kingdom in management roles in both the public service and in industry, and in academia.

Since moving to New Zealand he worked as a Strategy Manager at the Foundation for Research, Science & Technology and more recently as Manager, External Affairs with the Royal Society of New Zealand contributing to international activities, policy development and relationship building

Joe has served as a board member on the Pharmacy ITO, New Zealand Healthcare Pharmacists’ Association Executive, Wellington Regional Ethics Committee and the Professional Conduct Committee of the Pharmacy Council. In 2009, became Chairperson of the Familycare PHO in Upper Hutt. He is also a member of the Institute of Directors.

He was educated at Strathclyde and Durham Universities and has a masters in science and a masters in business administration.

In his spare time is a member of Cashmere Avenue School Board of Trustees and is active in civil defence and the Coast Guard. A keen cyclist, he rides a bike to work most days, his recreational activities include do-it-yourself projects at home and fishing off the Kapiti coast from his aging tinny.

“Joe is joining Diabetes New Zealand at a time when the disease is increasing at a rate that fulfils our worst predictions. In this environment, it is imperative that Diabetes New Zealand reinvents itself to meet a growing demand for our services given our limited resources. To this end, we are about to embark upon a comprehensive organisational review to ensure the organisation is best able to meet the needs of its growing constituency.

“We welcome the appointment of such a capable manager to take up this challenge and to continue to develop the capability of Diabetes New Zealand,” Chris Baty said.

About Diabetes New Zealand
Diabetes New Zealand is an incorporated society, and is a nationwide, non-governmental, non-profit organisation. Established in February 1962, the aim of the organisation is to support its 14,000 members, 39 diabetes societies throughout New Zealand, and health professionals involved with diabetes.
Diabetes New Zealand acts for people affected by diabetes by:
Encouraging local support for people affected by diabetes.
Acting as an advocate for people affected by diabetes.
Raising awareness of diabetes, especially concerning interventions that will prevent or reduce its incidence.
Educating and informing people about diabetes, its treatment, management and control.
Supporting research into the treatment, prevention and cure of diabetes.
The National Office is based in Wellington.
Members can choose to either join Diabetes New Zealand direct or belong to their local diabetes society. Members who belong to a local society get automatic membership of Diabetes New Zealand. Corporations and companies are encouraged to join.
Diabetes New Zealand is funded by members' capitation fees, direct members fees, donations, grants and bequests and operates a diabetes product distribution and mail order service, Diabetes Supplies Limited (DSL). The Lottery Grants Board kindly provides assistance towards employing staff and Government agencies provide targeted funding for specific initiatives and programmes.
Established in 1994, DSL now employs nine people and is based in Oamaru. DSL provides blood glucose meters, finger pricking devices and blood glucose testing strips free-of-charge to people with diabetes who have a Community Services or High User Card. Others who are not entitled to card benefits have to pay a nominal amount for the blood glucose strips. Prices are discounted for members but the scheme is open to everyone.
DSL also distributes educational pamphlets and books. For information, phone 0800 DIABETES (0800 342 238), or write to Freepost DNZ, PO Box 54, Oamaru.
Diabetes New Zealand’s website, http://www.diabetes.org.nz provides up-to-date information on diabetes and the products available through DSL in New Zealand.
Diabetes New Zealand is a member of the Western Pacific Region of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), a membership organisation for all diabetes consumer groups throughout the world.
diabetes, the magazine of Diabetes New Zealand, is a professionally produced quarterly magazine which is distributed to more than 18,500 people, including members of Diabetes New Zealand and health professionals.

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