Our People

I am an experienced Occupational Therapist who first qualified in 1986 and moved from Scotland to Central Otago New Zealand in 2003.  I have a Diploma and Degree in Occupational Therapy and also a Master of Health Science (endorsed in Palliative Care). In Scotland I worked for many years in community before moving into management of services for people with physical disabilities. On immigrating to New Zealand I managed an Occupational Therapy Team in a rural hospital before changing into private practice for a number of years.  In 2012 I moved into palliative care working within rural communities. In 2023 I moved to Dunedin and after taking a break I am about to take up a position in vocational rehabilitation. I have previously worked on the OTNZ-WNA council for 6 years first in the research and development portfolio before moving to the treasurer portfolio, when council members held portfolios. I am married with three adult children who have all flown the coup and we have Bailey, a huntaway/collie cross. We lived in Central Otago for 20 years before moving to Dunedin. I am looking forward to making new friends and catching up with old friends and family. I have a keen interest in always trying to see the bigger picture for the development of our profession.  I have enjoyed representing OTNZ-WNA as Tangata Tiriti Council President and look forward to supporting and guiding the Association over the next year.

Bio to be advised

For me, belonging to the Association for the past 3 years has meant many things. Here are some of the things that spring to mind and are not in any particular order:

- accessing opportunities to learn about governance and strategic decision-making,
- getting the opportunity to learn about co-governance through different perspectives
- having a 'voice at the table' when discussing the future of the profession
- creating new opportunities for learning and development for members

There have been so many diverse and varied learning opportunities as a Council member and perhaps one of the greatest benefits to date has been the ability to meet new people and make new relationships with a range of different people. Having the opportunity to represent members at both national and international levels was an absolute honour.

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.

Tēnā koutou, nō Ngāpuhi, Ngai Te Rangi me Ingarani tōku whānau. Kei Ūawa ahau e noho ana. I have practised as a Kaiwhakaora Ngangahau on and off for the past 10 years in between having my three tamariki. My work experience to date is in Kaupapa Māori Mental Health and private practice completing both ACC and MoH mahi. I have previously served as the Tangata Whenua Co-Chair on Te Kaharoa Mātauranga (OTNZ-WNA Conference Programme Committee) and currently serve as a Tangata Whenua council member. What I value most about the Association is the opportunity to connect with other Kaiwhakaora Ngangahau who are committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and supporting a treaty relationship governance model to thrive within the organisation and in turn magnify its importance within the profession.  My goal is to continue that working partnership and to afford safe spaces for Te Ao Māori to be present and practised not only by Tangata Whenua, but Tangata Tiriti and Tauiwi as well so that we can all continue to learn and grow together. I am passionate about Māori health and developing Māori within the profession, and want to ensure that all are well supported by the Association. Mauri ora!