Dr Carmel Donohoe-O’Dwyer
Chief Executive Officer
Goodwood Park Healthcare Group is delighted to welcome Dr Carmel Donohoe-O'Dwyer as its new Chief Executive Officer from August 3rd, 2026.
Carmel brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience across healthcare, life sciences, medical technology and other highly regulated environments. Her career has included Managing Director, Country Manager and global commercial leadership roles, through which she has led organisations and teams across complex international markets, supported growth and transformation, and strengthened operational performance, governance and organisational capability.
Her leadership approach is distinctly people-centred, collaborative and values-led. Carmel believes that exceptional outcomes are achieved when people feel trusted, heard and empowered to contribute. She is passionate about creating environments where teams can thrive, where leadership is visible and accountable, and where a shared sense of purpose guides decision-making.
Carmel joins Goodwood with deep respect for the organisation’s exceptional team, established leadership capability and strong reputation for delivering specialist rehabilitation and support services. She sees her role as building on these strengths, working closely with the Board, leadership team, employees, partners and wider community to support Goodwood’s continued development and impact.
Combining strategic, commercial acumen with clinical and scientific understanding, Carmel holds a PhD, MBA, MSc in Biopharmaceutical Science and BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Operations. She also arrives with significant governance experience, including serving as Chairperson of Youth Work Ireland. This breadth of experience gives her a distinctive perspective across strategy, organisational leadership, quality, innovation and sustainable growth.
Carmel is excited to begin this next chapter with Goodwood and looks forward to working alongside its talented people to strengthen the organisation’s impact, support those it serves and shape an ambitious future together.
Sue Thomson
General Manager Mental Health Services and Aged Care Service
Email: SThomson@goodwood.org.nz
Phone: 094127373
Mobile: 0275271041
Sue Thomson began her psychiatric nursing career in 1980 at what was Carrington Hospital in Point Chevalier. She completed her General Nursing qualification in 1984 and has gone on since to work as a Charge Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Educator and Advisor in the community and inpatient settings, and attain many university qualifications. Since 2007 she worked as Manager of the Ons Dorp Retirement Village, and then with the Oceania Group (one of the largest providers of aged residential care in NZ) before returning to the DHB to work as an advisor to the four Northern Region DHBs on services for older people with mental illness. She comes to Goodwood Park Healthcare Group after nearly two years as the Charge Nurse of the Acute admission ward at Middlemore with a wealth of clinical knowledge, skill and humour.
She has two adult children and in her spare time writes non fiction and has her own TARDIS because she is a life long Whoee.
Ipsita Sircar
General Manager Mainstream Residential Services
Email: isircar@goodwood.org.nz
Phone: 09 412 2709
Mobile: 027 527 1040
Ipsita Sircar has a Post Graduate Diploma in Special Education and has been involved in disability support services in New Zealand for over 10 years. She has worked in a variety of roles like hands on support, operational management, training and designing services. She has managed a wide range of services including vocational, residential and choices in living services in various geographical regions.
Sarah McCraith
Health and Safety Manager
Phone: 09 412 7373 ext 206
Mobile: 027 294 3249
I am the Health and Safety Manager for Goodwood Park Healthcare Group. I have been in the position since September, 2016. Over the past 10 years or so, I have been in a variety of roles, my most recent being the General Manager of a New Zealand owned franchise group. I studied at Massey University where I got my BA in business psychology. I have experience in HR, management software, audit and general management. I live at Muriwai with my husband and 3 children along with two dogs, chickens, horses and handful of cows. In my spare time I ride my horses, spend time at the beach with my family.
Debbie Wood
Quality Assurance Manager
Email: dwood@goodwood.org.nz
Phone: 09 412 2702
Mobile: 0274 530 596
Debbie has worked in Mental Health and Addictions in various roles since 1990. Her long established relationships with DHB's and cross sector funders and planners such as ACC, Department of Corrections and the wider NGO sector and other providers bring immense knowledge to the business. Since 2016, her role as Quality Assurance Manager allows her to focus on her passion of ensuring our clients receive high quality services with real and meaningful outcomes.
Anaru Grant
Cultural Advisor
Anaru brings a depth of experience, cultural knowledge and leadership to his role as National Cultural Advisor. Grounded in Te Ao Māori he holds a Bachelor of Māori Performing Arts, combined with an extensive background in kapa haka, where discipline, creativity and collective excellence have been central to his practice. This experience enriches his approach to cultural leadership, weaving performance, tikanga and identity into his professional work. During his tenure in the NZ Police, he was seconded into the office of the late Te Arikinui Kiingi Tuheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII, where he supported the Kiingitanga in advancing kaupapa that united Iwi and communities nationwide. Anaru demonstrates a commitment to uplifting Māori voices, advancing authentic partnerships and ensuring cultural integrity is embedded within organisational practice.
Our Values
Respect
For each other and value each other’s differences.
Integrity
Having personal honesty and holding true to one’s values. Knowing what is important and living accordingly.
Inclusiveness
Acceptance and support, denying any form of discrimination
Empathy
Empathic listening builds up healthy relationships. The ability to put oneself in another’s shoes.
Openness
Willingness to share your thoughts with others.
Honesty
Communication and acting in a truthful way
