Our People

At OTNZ - WNA, our strength lies in our diverse and dedicated community. Our people, including occupational therapists, professionals, students, and passionate advocates, are the driving force behind our mission to empower lives through occupation. Together, we form a vibrant and collaborative network committed to promoting excellence in occupational therapy practice, advocating for the profession, and supporting one another in making a positive impact in the lives of individuals across Aotearoa. Explore the experiences, and expertise of our Council and the Association's operations team as they contribute to the heart and soul of Occupational Therapy New Zealand.

Ngaire Magner, Council President

Tangata Whenua Council

Bio to be advised

Christine Guttenbeil, Tangata Whenua WFOT Delegate

Tangata Whenua Council

I am privileged to have the opportunity to be a Council member of OTNZ-WNA. It’s a great opportunity to share knowledge, ideas, and passion with like-minded people, in the hope of positively impacting our profession and the wider community, as well as developing a range of skills along the way.

Dr Mary Silcock, Tangata Tiriti Council

Tangata Tiriti Council

I grew up in South Waikato in the rohe of Waikato-Tainui waka and Ngāti Koroki Kahukura, Ngāti Hauā, and Raukawa iwi. I am tangata Tiriti pākeha with ancestry back to England. I graduated as an occupational therapist from AUT in 1994 and was one of the inaugural students of the new Auckland based occupational therapy programme. Since then, I have worked as an occupational therapist in Tauranga, Hamilton and the West Coast of South Island. I served as an appointed member of the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand from 2014-2017 whilst completing my PhD examining social forces and drivers of occupational therapy practice in Aotearoa. I also was the Professional Advisor for the OTBNZ before joining the Ministry of Health to support the COVID-19 response. I am currently a Principal Advisor in the Health Science team at the Ministry, working in the Strategy and Policy Group.

Carolyn Paddy, Interim Operational Lead

Interim Operational Lead

I am the Interim Operational Lead for Occupational Therapy New Zealand Whakaora Ngangahau Aotearoa (OTNZ-WNA), bringing together clinical experience as an Occupational Therapist with earlier careers in banking and in managing the administrative operations of a family business. Additionally, I have previously served a term as a tangata tiriti council member. My breadth of experience supports a practical, systems‑focused approach to leading in complex environments.

In the interim role, I will provide stabilising, member‑centred leadership during a period of transition. I will be responsible for ensuring that day‑to‑day operations run reliably, engaging with members and laying strong operational foundations for the organisation’s next permanent leader.

More recently as a Council member, I am proud of what Council has achieved since March, and I am committed to building on that momentum in partnership with OTNZ-WNA members.