Office of Board / CEO / Senior Management

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.

Executive Assistant

Elly joined the Tongan Health Society in 2018 as the Executive Assistant to the CEO. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Office Systems Management in 2010.

While juggling full-time work and studies, she earned a Master of Applied Management in 2022, for which she was awarded an A+ for her thesis, "Exploring Employee Engagement in the New Zealand Healthcare Industry during the COVID-19 Pandemic." This achievement led to her presenting her research findings at an international business conference in Singapore in 2023.

In 2024, Elly received a scholarship from Harvard Business School Online, where she completed the course Innovations in Teamwork for Healthcare which focused on healthcare management and leadership.

Elly is adept at managing complex calendars, coordinating meetings and overseeing communications. She is committed to meeting the needs of the CEO and the Board. Her role requires adaptability, initiative, and a focus on operational efficiency.

Finance Manager

Mika Shang joined the Tongan Health Society in 2017. She is from China and has been living in New Zealand for over 18 years.

In 2020 Mika became a Chartered Accountant of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CAANZ).

Mika completed a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Auckland in 2013 and was awarded a Master of Financial Analysis with Excellence at UNSW Sydney in 2022.

With over 12 years of accounting experience, Mika’s expertise is in financial analysis, budgeting and forecasting. As the Finance Manager Mika uses her expertise to deliver measurable results and contribute to the long-term success of the organisation.

Accounts Assistant

Eric joined the Tongan Health Society in 2022. He was awarded a Bachelor of Commerce, with a double major in Accounting and Finance from the University of Auckland in 2022. Eric is currently working towards becoming a Chartered Accountant.

His role focuses on financial reporting, maintaining records and supporting the management team. Eric is also responsible for the management of the company fleet.

Eric believes that accuracy and integrity are the cornerstones of a successful financial team, and he strives to uphold these values in his work. He is committed to contributing to the financial health of Tongan Health Society and making a positive impact on the Pasifika community.