Management team

CEO/Clinical Director/Board Secretary

Dr. Glenn Doherty, MB ChB (Otago), FRNZCGP, is a distinguished leader in the New Zealand healthcare sector, with over 42 years of experience spanning clinical medicine, health management, research, and policy. A prominent figure in both Māori and Pacific health, Dr Doherty has made significant contributions to primary care and governance, particularly in the Pacific health space.

As the CEO and Medical Director of the Tongan Health Society Inc., Dr. Doherty has been instrumental in the organisation's growth and success. The organisation serves a large percentage of the Tongan community in Auckland. Under his leadership, the Society was recognised with the prestigious General Practice of the Year award at the inaugural Primary Healthcare Awards in 2020, a testament to the team's unwavering commitment to providing holistic, high-quality care.

Dr. Doherty's vision extended beyond clinical practice with the establishment of the Langimalie Research Centre. This groundbreaking research facility is the only Pacific provider in New Zealand to have an affiliated research arm focused on Pacific health. The Centre's work addresses key health challenges within Pacific communities, enabling the Tongan Health Society to remain at the forefront of health innovation.

For over two decades, Dr. Doherty has worked extensively within the Tongan community, both in New Zealand and Tonga. His leadership and strategic alliances with government agencies, NGOs, and community organisations have significantly enhanced the delivery of healthcare services to Pacific populations. In recognition of his contributions, Dr Doherty has been awarded several honours, including a Community Service Medal from the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners.

In addition to his roles at the Tongan Health Society and Langimalie Research Centre, Dr Doherty is a Member of the Pasifika Medical Association and a Lifetime Member of the Te Ora Māori Medical Practitioners Association. He continues to serve as a senior lecturer at the University of Auckland's School of Medicine, mentoring the next generation of medical professionals.

Clinical Services Manager

PBCert Nursing, BHSc Nursing, PGCert Pacific Health, RN (Tonga and NZ)

Mele uses her qualifications, experience and people skills to successfully lead and supervise our clinical staff. Her compassion and attention to detail ensure our clinics operate efficiently and provide a high standard of care for all clients.

“I really enjoy the daily challenge of working to ensure the best outcomes for our staff and clients. No two days are the same and I get plenty of opportunities to learn more about leadership”, says Mele.

Both a Tonga and New Zealand-registered nurse, Mele holds a Post Basic Certificate in Nursing, a Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) degree and a Post-graduate certificate in Pacific Health. Before joining Langimalie, she had been a nurse manager at the paediatric ward of Vaiola Hospital in Nuku’alofa, a nurse manager at Niu’ui Hospital in Haapai and a co-ordinator at the neuro services ward of Starship Hospital in Auckland.

Clinical Administration Manager

Wendy Allen is a Med Tech Specialist from Med Tech NZ who oversees the clinical administration of the Society medical centres and medical administrators.

Ako Langimalie Preschool Centre Manager

Lavinia has worked at Ako Langimalie for three years and has led the team in her role as Centre Manager since 2021.

She has worked in education her whole life and has had a varied and rich career, teaching at tertiary, high school and primary levels. Teaching at ECE level is now her passion.

Lavinia’s strengths are leading and guiding the curriculum, and mathematics, and science. And her passion is for Ako Langimalie children to grow up confident and competent in their learning and development.

Her personal goal is to be the best at what she does and to continue learning to gain even more knowledge in education to the highest degree.

Lavinia is full Tongan. She loves working with the Tongan community and in particular seeing her people striving to be the best they can be.