At Max Health we work within New Zealand’s changing healthcare system. We partner with trusted suppliers around the world to bring high-quality medicines to our communities. Our mission? To provide innovative solutions, overcome obstacles, and deliver products that stand the test of time – building trust with our partners and customers every step of the way.
Since our founding in 2008, we’ve embarked on a journey of expansion, growing steadily as we supply both hospital and retail environments with critical pharmaceutical products. Guided by an agile business model, we tap into the expertise of skilled specialists in regulatory, technical, and niche disciplines – ensuring that every challenge is met with precision and adaptability.
We prioritise efficiency, rely on our expertise, and leverage our local knowledge. With a strong network and a commitment to quality, we work hard to uncover new opportunities to deliver products of value to the local market while meeting commitments to our partners.
Company History
At Max Health, we seek new opportunities that others might overlook. Since our establishment in 2008, we’ve embarked on an ambitious journey – one that began with a single product in 2009 and has now expanded to a portfolio of over 80 products, each selected to meet a recognised need or opportunity.
We initially joined forces with Martindale Pharma, a UK-based pioneer, to build the foundation of our hospital injectable portfolio. From there, we have ventured further, partnering with reputable suppliers worldwide to expand our reach and enhance the solutions we provide. Current international partners include Martindale Pharma (United Kingdom), Hameln Plus (Germany), Orion Pharma (Finland), and Rivopharm (Switzerland) along with other suppliers from Europe and the United Kingdom.
Our expertise in local regulatory and reimbursement landscapes has allowed us to carve out a seamless pathway for international pharmaceutical suppliers seeking entry into the New Zealand market. With keen insight and a resolute approach, we navigate complexities so our partners can confidently establish their presence.
As our journey continues, we have increased our team to support the expanding horizons of our business. Every product, every partnership, and every decision is underpinned by our drive to explore, innovate, and deliver excellence to healthcare in New Zealand.
The Team
DAVID PASCOE
Director
David has over 25 years experience within the NZ pharmaceutical industry, having worked for several ‘big pharma’ companies including Janssen, Bristol Myers Squibb and SKB, prior to becoming a founding partner of Max Health in 2009. Senior roles in marketing, pre-marketing and business development have enabled him to build an enviable list of contacts within the NZ reimbursement and regulatory environments. David manages operations for Max Health and leads our regulatory group.
PATRICK FORRESTER
Director
Patrick also has over 25 years of pharmaceutical experience in the NZ and Australian markets. After starting in sales with Glaxo, he had a long career with Janssen on both sides of the Tasman, culminating in leadership of the new product development function for the Asia Pacific region. He returned to NZ as the Sales and Marketing Director for Astra Zeneca, before establishing Max Health with David Pascoe. Patrick manages finance for Max Health and leads the sales and marketing function for the company.
LINDA LEYDON
Sales and Marketing Manager
Linda joined Max Health late in 2024. She brings a wealth of experience from many years in the New Zealand pharma industry. Her background includes many ‘big name’ global pharma companies as well as local players. Linda’s previous roles include a variety of senior leadership sales and marketing positions across a broad range of therapeutic areas. She is experienced in all aspects of product life-cycle management – from the evaluation phase and launch through to direct-to-consumer campaigns and health care professional promotion. A dedicated problem solver and innovative marketer, Linda enjoys the challenge of navigating the complex journey which results in a product being in the hands of the person who needs it most – the patient.
At Max Health, Linda leads the sales and marketing function with a goal of driving our business forward while embracing the company culture of lean, effective and fun!
MICHAEL GREENWOOD
Supply Chain Manager
Michael joined the Max Health team at the start of 2021. His previous experience working for Maersk and AFT Pharmaceuticals has developed his thorough understanding of international freight and logistics, particularly as it applies to the pharmaceutical industry. Michael manages the Logistics function at Max Health; a critical role for a company experiencing our current level of growth. He also provides oversight of the accounts function for the business.
LEANNE CARPENDALE
Office Manager and Logistics Co-ordinator
Leanne joined the Max Health team at the start of 2023. She brings with her a vast array of skills, experience, and wisdom to the Max Health team. Leanne previously worked for Janssen-Cilag for 23 years in a variety of marketing and administrative roles. At Max Health, Leanne provides support for logistics functions. She also manages the Max Health office, handling a wide range of administrative duties.
LYNDA McCREE
Product Specialist
Lynda joined the Max Health team in January 2025 as the organisation’s Product Specialist. With years of hands-on experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Lynda brings a depth of knowledge and a demonstrated history of successful sales performance. She has had sales roles across numerous therapeutic areas, delivering value to a wide range of key stakeholders.
Lynda enjoys building strong relationships with customers, understanding their unique needs and providing tailored solutions that make a real difference. Whether it is through personalised customer consultations, in depth product discussions or ongoing customer care, Lynda is committed to helping connect the Max Health products with our customers and patients through every interaction.
CAROLINE NORWOOD
Regulatory Affairs
Caroline is a highly capable Regulatory Affairs specialist, who has extensive experience working with both innovator and generic companies in New Zealand and Australia, including Novartis, AFT and Multichem. This experience has encompassed OTC, prescription and hospital/specialty product areas.
Caroline has her own consultancy business. She has been working with Max Health for several years and is responsible for management of all regulatory submissions for the company. She provides us with technical expertise, regulatory know how and she has close connections with industry and government regulatory bodies. She is also closely involved with the development of our longer term regulatory strategy.
