Adrian Evans welcomed to Starship Foundation Board
28 January 2021
The Starship Foundation is excited to welcome new member Adrian Evans onto its board.
Of Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Kahu, and Te Aupōuri descent, Adrian brings a diverse set of skills to the boardroom table.
“I'm thrilled at this opportunity to be involved with this great kaupapa at Starship,” says Adrian.
Adrian is the owner/operator of The Gentry – two high-end barber shops in Central Auckland.
As a successful business owner, Adrian brings with him entrepreneurial and business nous, along with a range of contacts in finance, property, media, and Māoridom.
Adrian's passion for child health is underpinned by his time as a health journalist. This experience also means Adrian has deep understanding and connections with clinicians and service providers in his native South Auckland. As a father of three, he feels passionately about improving health for children in Aotearoa.
“During my time as a journalist in the Counties Manukau area, I gained intimate knowledge about how our communities access healthcare. I’m greatly encouraged by Starship’s focus on equity, and I hope I can add insight and energy in this area.”
Starship Foundation CEO Aisha Daji Punga says, “Adrian’s understanding and experience of business, te ao Māori, and healthcare delivery makes him a fantastic addition to the Starship Foundation board. I’m delighted he’s chosen to join us on the journey.”
As well as understanding the ins and outs of healthcare delivery in at-risk communities, Adrian also has experience driving initiatives to improve child health. That includes initiating a vaccination program for expectant mothers during the 2011 pertussis outbreak where there wasn’t one previously.
He looks forward to bringing that drive to the Starship Foundation.
“There’s so much more we can do to provide better health for our tamariki if we can respond to the needs of our communities. I’m looking forward to bringing this lens to the Starship Foundation.”