Debbie Sorensen
Debbie Sorensen (ONZM, CCT) is an experienced Chief Executive, Governance Practitioner and
leader in Pacific Health in Aotearoa and the region. Debbie originally trained as a
Psychiatric Nurse, was responsible for designing and implementing the community-
based Crisis Mental Health Services in Auckland, led the decommissioning of
Psychiatric hospitals and the deinstitutionalisation of incarcerated patients. She
established community mental health centres and established the Crisis Liaison
service at Auckland Hospital. She is at the forefront of developing Primary mental health
services which are integrated with Primary care teams and has led the design and
development of Psychosocial Humanitarian teams who have been mobilised following
large scale weather events or volcanic eruption. She was invested as a Dame
Commander, Royal Crown of Tonga for her services to health in the Kingdom of Tonga
and recently received a New Zealand Kings Honour as an Officer of the New Zealand
Order of Merit.