Helen Foot
Otago Central Lakes Project Convenor
Helen Foot is a Queenstown-based expert in health systems and infrastructure, who works across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia. She has extensive experience leading complex, cross-cultural health projects – including a year heading up the new Dunedin hospital, New Zealand’s largest health infrastructure build.
Known for her ability to bring diverse voices together, Helen regularly works with clinicians, technical experts and stakeholders to find common ground in high-stakes or conflict environments.
Helen has been President of the New Zealand Project Management Institute, and is a certified Project Management Professional since 2008. She holds a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Social Sciences.
E: helen@markitconsulting.nz
Dr Jez Leftley
Otago Central Lakes Project Clinical Advisor
Dr Jez Leftley is a rural hospital medicine specialist based in Queenstown, and a contributor to health system planning through the University of Otago’s Department of Rural Health. His leadership and advocacy provide valuable insights into developing sustainable healthcare for geographically dispersed communities.
Jez has worked across multiple rural hospitals in both Aotearoa New Zealand and Scotland, giving him insight into the logistical, workforce, and accessibility challenges affecting patient care. Prior to relocating to Queenstown, he supported national rural healthcare planning and development, through NHS Health and Education for Scotland.
He currently works with Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora Southern, collaborating closely with Otago Rescue and St John to strengthen rural and remote health systems.
E: jezleftley@gmail.com
Roselle O’Brien
Otago Central Lakes Project Coordinator
Roselle is a quality and change consultant with an extensive qualitative research background. Her focus and priority are understanding how system design impacts user experiences and outcomes, with a particular interest in the impact of funding mechanisms and performance targets. She has lead quality change programmes across Downer Construction (Facilities), leading the roll out of the new quality, governance and risk programme.
She holds a Master of Business Studies, Master of Management (Health Services), Bachelor of Management Services, Bachelor of Social Sciences and is a Certified Risk Manager.
E: roselle@theampersand.co.nz
