Applications for 2025 are now closed

Fellowships will be conferred at Digital Health Week 2025 in Ōtautahi, Christchurch (24–27 November).

Who Can Apply?

Anyone who has demonstrated sustained leadership in digital health in Aotearoa is eligible to apply. Leadership may come from clinical practice, policy, research, industry, consumer engagement, education, or innovation roles. 

Minimum Eligibility 

• Experience: 10+ years of leadership experience in digital health or equivalent roles. The committee may also consider transferable experience outside of digital health such as:
  • Senior leadership roles in healthcare, technology, policy, or research. 
  • Postgraduate qualifications, research, or advanced professional training relevant to digital health leadership. 
  • Recognised professional certifications (e.g., CHIA, PMP, clinical informatics, governance or executive leadership programmes). 
  • Equivalent advanced contributions, such as: 
    • Leading or founding social movements, advocacy initiatives, or community programmes that demonstrably build capability, equity or innovation in digital health.   
    • Sustained leadership in cross-sector coalitions or networks that influenced digital health adoption or policy. 
    • Recognised thought leadership through public engagement, sector-wide education, or policy influence. 
• Membership: Current annual financial member of HiNZ. Not a member? It's not too late  JOIN NOW
• Letters: Two letters of recommendation, with at least one from a current Fellow.
  • If you do not know any current Fellows, contact Alex Kemp, Director of Engagement for an introduction.

Meeting these eligibility requirements is the first step. Applications are then assessed against the 10 domains shown below. 

What We're Looking For

A strong application will provide evidence of leadership and impact across digital health. This includes demonstrating influence in shaping initiatives, delivering measurable improvements, and embedding equity and Te Tiriti principles in practice. 

Applications should also show a commitment to responsible innovation, sound data stewardship, and collaboration across the health system. Evidence of consumer-centered design, supporting workforce capability, contributing to policy or governance, serving the digital health community, and sharing expertise through recognised forums will strengthen your application. 

How We Assess Applications

Applications are assessed by a panel of Fellows, with representation from industry, academia, clinical practice, and the health sector, ensuring balanced perspectives. Each application is scored through a structured process designed for consistency and fairness: 

• Ten Assessment Domains: Each application is reviewed against ten domains that reflect the breadth of digital health leadership.
• Minimum Standards: Each domain has a minimum threshold that must be met to maintain integrity and ensure balanced capability.
• Balanced Judgement: Exceptional strength in some areas may balance emerging capability in others, provided all minimum criteria are achieved. 
• Evidence-Based Review: Assessors focus on demonstrable outcomes and contributions rather than job titles or position descriptions.
• Commitment Beyond Achievement: Applicants are expected to contribute as Fellows through mentoring, thought leadership, and sector engagement. 

Before You Apply

• Review the assessment criteria to understand the minimum standards for eligibility. 
• Gather your CV, evidence of achievements, and recommendation letters.  
• Once you begin the application, it must be completed in one session. 
  

What to Include in Your Application

• Current CV.
• Summary of leadership experience and key achievements in digital health.
• Evidence addressing each of the 10 assessment domains (include measurable outcomes).
• Two letters of recommendation (one from a current Fellow).
  • Each letter should validate your leadership and achievements, not just endorse you. 
  • Referees should confirm their relationship to you and reference one or two key examples from your application that demonstrate your impact.
  • Letters should be no more than one page and uploaded with your application.
  • Share our Referee Guidance and optional Letter Template with your referees to help them prepare a strong letter. 

   

Application and membership Fees

• There is no fee to apply for Fellowship. 
• HiNZ membership and Fellowship membership fees are both ongoing expectations of Fellows. 
  •  HiNZ membership: $198
  • Annual Fellows contribution: $200

The Fellows contribution supports activities that maintain the Fellowship programme and networking opportunities.