About Naso
How we were formed
NASO was established in 2008 as a joint venture between ACC and the Ministry of Health (MOH).
How we’re structured
We’re headed by a Group Manager and staffed by individuals seconded from each of our parent organisations.
How we’re funded
The running expenses of NASO are shared between our parent organisations.
Some of our key staff
Joy Cooper: Group Manager (04) 816 3364
Joy has worked in the health and disability sector for over 30 years in service policy and planning, and funding and purchasing roles at national and regional levels, across a number of service areas including: funding models for health services overall; primary care; aged care; and mental health services. Most recently she has held senior management roles at Wairarapa District Health Board, and ACC.
Robert Turner: Contract and Performance Manager (04) 816 3415
Prior to joining NASO in 2009, Rob worked as a Business Analyst and Project Manager gaining extensive experience in operational assessment and improvement. His qualifications include a BSc (Hons) Logistics and Supply Chain Management from the UK and a Six Sigma qualification in New Zealand. Rob is responsible for managing contracts for Emergency Ambulance services for ACC and the Ministry of Health, and for monitoring and reporting on the performance of the services.
Kate Chong: Senior Advisor (04) 816 2151
Kate has trained as a physiotherapist and has a Post Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation. She has worked in New Zealand as well as overseas and has experience in clinical, administrative (managerial and service development) and recruitment areas. Prior to joining the NASO team, Kate worked for ACC as a Programme Manager and managed a number of portfolios including General Practice, Community Nursing and Traumatic Brain Injury.
Dr David Galler: Medical Adviser
Dr David Galler has worked for more than 20 years in the health sector both in the UK and in Auckland. His qualifications include a BSc, MBChB, FFARACS, FANZCA and FJFICM. He is an Intensive Care Specialist by training and has worked as a Specialist at Middlemore Hospital since 1991 where he was previously the Clinical Director of Acute Care Services. As Medical Advisor, David provides advice to the Director-General and the Minister; medical input into policy development; and functions as a liaison between the Ministry and the medical profession.