Hon Tracey Martin

Chief Executive, Aged Care Association

She brings to the role a rich background in both governance and Cabinet experience, having chaired the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and sat on the board of Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency prior to joining the Association.  As CE, Tracey is deeply committed to advocating for a robust, well-supported residential care sector, drawing on her policy expertise and networks to amplify the voices and needs of aged-care professionals and residents.

Tracey’s political career spanned nearly a decade, during which she represented New Zealand First as a list Member of Parliament from 26 November 2011 to 17 October 2020.  

In the 2017 Labour-led Coalition government, she served as Minister for Seniors, as well as Minister for Children, Internal Affairs, and Associate Minister of Education, portfolios in which she spearheaded initiatives like the Better Later Life Strategy and oversaw reforms in children's services and internal affairs.  Granted the lifelong honorific “Honourable” upon leaving Cabinet, Martin has since transitioned her passion for equitable, supportive policy to New Zealand’s aged care sector—continuing her career-long dedication to improving outcomes for vulnerable and older New Zealanders.