Ara Institute of Canterbury appoints new Head of Nursing
27 May, 2026
A nurse, researcher and academic leader with more than three decades of experience across clinical and educational settings
Ara Institute of Canterbury has appointed Dr Claire Minton as its incoming Head of Nursing, bringing more than three decades of clinical and academic experience to one of the region's most significant nursing education roles.
Dr Minton will commence in the role on 29 June 2026.
A registered nurse and researcher with a PhD from Massey University, Dr Minton has spent 15 years working in intensive care and 21 years as a nurse academic, most recently as Director of the Bachelor of Nursing at Massey University, where she led a multi-campus programme supporting more than 600 students.
She joins Ara from ABI Rehabilitation, where she has been working as a Brain Injury Nurse Specialist and Educator since 2024, contributing to specialist neurorehabilitation services across the Central North Island and strengthening access for Māori, who are disproportionately affected by traumatic brain injury.
Dr Minton also holds academic positions as Adjunct Associate Professor at La Trobe University's Rural Health School and Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Auckland.
Her research focuses on recovery trajectories following critical illness and complex injury, with an extensive publication record in nursing and critical care journals.
Ara's Dean of Faculty - Health, Science and Sustainability, Dr Michael Shone, said Dr Minton's combination of current clinical practice and senior academic leadership made her an outstanding appointment.
"Claire brings a depth of experience that is rare. She understands nursing education from the classroom, the clinical environment, and the research perspectives. That breadth will be enormously valuable as we continue to train nurses who are ready to meet the workforce needs of our region and beyond."
Dr Minton said she was energised about the opportunity to lead nursing education in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
"Ara's location within Te Papa Hauora (the Christchurch Health Precinct) and its partnerships with Ngāi Tahu and Te Whatu Ora position it uniquely to deliver nursing education that’s responsive, collaborative and future-focused. I'm looking forward to working with kaimahi (staff), ākonga (students) and clinical partners to strengthen outcomes for both ākonga and the communities they'll serve."
Ara Institute of Canterbury is the South Island's largest educator of nurses and the second largest in New Zealand, behind only Auckland University of Technology. Ara's Bachelor of Nursing programme is accredited by the Nursing Council of New Zealand and prepares graduates for registration across a range of clinical settings.
Thinking about a career in health? Ara offers a range of health programmes, from nursing, midwifery and applied science to social work and beyond. Semester 2 enrolments are open now. Visit ara.ac.nz to find out more.