On Wednesday evening, after a very short illness, we lost Dr Lee Mathias ONZM, a pioneering leader whose impact on healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand has been profound and enduring.
Over more than four decades, Lee helped shape the way healthcare is delivered in this country. She was a nurse first and foremost, beginning her career at Middlemore Hospital and rising to become Principal Nurse. That grounding stayed with her throughout her life. She never lost sight of the critical role nurses and frontline teams play, consistently championing and empowering them as the foundation of a stronger, more equitable health system.
Lee’s impact on healthcare in New Zealand is both wide-reaching and lasting. As the founder of Birthcare (her PhD) and Labtests, she transformed maternal care and diagnostic services — creating supportive, woman-centred environments and building infrastructure that set new standards for care delivery in Aotearoa.
Her broader influence on New Zealand’s healthcare system through her governance roles shaped policy and practice in ways that continue to benefit patients today. As Chair of Counties Manukau District Health Board and Deputy Chair of Auckland District Health Board, she was a strong advocate for health equity, championing initiatives that addressed the needs of under-resourced communities.
Across her wider governance roles, including the Health Promotion Agency, Medicines New Zealand and numerous public and community organisations, she consistently advanced more equitable access to care and better health outcomes for all New Zealanders.
Lee was also a founding director and investor in Tend Health, where she played a central role in building a modern, patient-centred model of care that continues to serve communities across the motu. From day one, Lee backed our vision and invested in our purpose of helping New Zealanders be the healthiest people in the world. Her influence extended beyond healthcare into business and leadership, where she was a tireless advocate for women and an inspiring mentor to many.
Lee’s legacy is one of courage, razor wit, innovation and deep compassion. She leaves behind a healthcare system that is stronger, more accessible and more equitable because of her life’s work.
Our thoughts are with her sons Jack and Matt, their families and grandchildren, her husband Rob, all her whānau, and all those who had the privilege of working alongside her.