Gwendoline (Gwen) Tepania-Palmer ONZM Te Aupōuri, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Paoa, is a long-time advocate of Māori health who has held numerous directorship and leadership positions across the health sector. She is currently on the board of Fire Emergency New Zealand, Waikato Lotteries Community Grants, Ngāti Hine Health Trust, a Māori Primary Healthcare Organisation based in Northland, and is chair of Kotui Hauora, a partnership board between Northern Iwi and the Northland DHB.

Gwendoline was previously on the Auckland District Health Board for nine years, including time spent as interim chair and deputy chair, and on the Waitematā District Health Board for nine years. She has also held governance roles with the New Zealand Health Quality and Safety Commission, the Northland Community Lotteries Committee, and a number of charitable trusts.