Tanya’s passion and extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector led to her appointment as Endometriosis New Zealand CEO in May 2021. Previously holding senior roles at leading charities in both the United Kingdom and New Zealand, Tanya’s proven track record has more than equipped her for this role.
Her drive to lead Endometriosis New Zealand stemmed from her passion for women’s issues, youth, education and equality. The opportunity to make a significant contribution towards highlighting the need for improved women’s health services and championing for change for endometriosis sufferers, was what attracted Tanya to this leadership position.
Tanya has developed a unique skillset in the sector over the past 15 years. Her in depth fundraising and marketing expertise is critical in continuing to raise awareness and generating crucial funds to allow Endometriosis New Zealand to continue to support tens of thousands of women, girls, and those assigned female at birth, with endometriosis.
Tanya’s passion to advocate for New Zealanders living with endometriosis is evident, and representing the 120,000 kiwi’s living with endometriosis, is not a responsibility she takes lightly. She will ensure the path to change continues and Endometriosis New Zealand maintains and grows our important services and programmes effectively and efficiently throughout Aotearoa.
Abby is our ENZ co-ordinator and joined us in 2020. She has an extensive history with endometriosis, this means she has a true understanding of a “lived” experience. In her role, she supports anybody dealing with endometriosis and the effect it has on everyday life. She aims to raise awareness and educate the community of New Zealand about endometriosis.
Abby previously spent 14 years working in Early Childhood and Primary education, but it was time for a change and working for ENZ was the perfect fit. She has lived in Christchurch her whole life and enjoys spending time with her fiancé and step-daughter as well as her close knit family and friends.
Libby is a project manager skilled in marketing, media, and communications, with extensive experience in the industry. With a passion for working with people, Libby began her career in advertising, working with several major Kiwi brands. She then transitioned to the non-profit sector, specifically working in mental health. Her desire to work in women’s health led her to her current role at Endometriosis New Zealand.
Libby’s personal experiences with endometriosis and PCOS have given her a unique perspective and deep understanding of the challenges faced by those living with chronic health conditions. She is committed to using her expertise and personal journey to raise awareness and advocate for better health outcomes in New Zealand, particularly for Māori communities.
Originally from Taranaki (Ngā Ruahine), Libby now calls Auckland home and is dedicated to extending the organisation’s reach within Aotearoa. When she’s not working, Libby enjoys spending time with friends and family, being by the water, and going on weekend adventures outside of Auckland.
Katherine developed an interest in female reproductive health at a young age, leading her to pursue a mechanical engineering degree with a minor in biomedical engineeringIn 2021, Katherine worked with her academic supervisors to establish the Engineering Endometriosis research project at the University of Canterbury.
Since graduating with her First-Class Honours degree in 2022, Katherine has been dedicated to researching endometriosis in New Zealand. In June 2023, she will officially start her PhD in Chemical and Process Engineering focusing on the influence of the mechanical microenvironment on the invasive properties of endometriosis.
Katherine has already begun to establish herself as an endometriosis researcher, publishing two articles in peer-reviewed academic journals during her undergraduate studies. She is actively studying endometriosis in both the lab and through talking to patients to hear their stories of trying to access endometriosis care in New Zealand.
Her passion for advocating for endometriosis patients, and for reducing the knowledge gaps associated with the disease make her well suited to the role of Research Project Co-ordinator at Endometriosis New Zealand.
Ann joined the team in early 2021 and is a qualified and experienced bookkeeper, day-to-day accountant and payroll specialist. She specialises in the finance platform Xero and the associated app ecosystem, and particularly loves assisting small and medium sized non-for-profit organisations with their finance and systems work; keeping processing and reporting efficient, timely and accurate. Ann works closely with the team and provides support to decision makers and the wider leadership team.
Ann has lived in Christchurch since 2007, previously having lived in various cities in UK and New Zealand. Outside work, Ann enjoys getting into the New Zealand wilderness for a few days of nature, tramping, good conversation with friends and lots of nice food.
An experienced independent director specialising in Remuneration and Organisational Change. Directorships include; GNS Science and Chair of People and Culture Committee. A member of DESC (NZ Defence Employer Support Council).
Prior directorships include ; Board member Global Women and Chair of the Leadership Committee. EEO Trust (now Diversity Works) , ANZ National Bank Staff Superannuation Fund, member of the State Services Commission Audit and Risk Committee.
Significant executive experience as the former ANZ Human Resources Executive for New Zealand and Pacific Islands, leading major change projects both in NZ and globally.
A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), a Chartered Member of NZ Institute of Directors, an Associate of the Bankers Institute of New Zealand and member of Global Women.
Strong advocate for Women in Leadership.
For the past 22 years, Glenda has been facing endometriosis head on, with two daughters who have both suffered terrible symptoms and endured multiple surgeries. She is thrilled to have been asked to contribute and be a part of the board of Endometriosis New Zealand Without the support of this organisation and Deborah Bush she can’t imagine where they may have ended up.
Glenda owns Harding Conferences, a consultancy that organises conferences, seminars and events for a wide variety of organisations. She is one of only 50 certified Event Managers throughout Australasia. She also runs a very successful recruitment training business, where she trains recruitment consultants throughout New Zealand. Board roles in the past included Chairing the Board of Trustees at Paparoa Street Primary School (11 years) and Dress for Success Christchurch (5 years). Charity work has involved the Koru Care Charity Auction, Canterbury Cancer Ball and Lions Foundation Charity Dinner for Camp Quality (Children Living with Cancer). She is regarded as someone who ‘can look outside the square’ to help create and look at different and unique solutions.
Glenda is married to Julian, who has his own jewellery business, and has 3 children, Abby, Tyler and Rosie who have fabulous partners; along with 3 gorgeous grandchildren.
Glenda joined the board of Endometriosis New Zealand in October 2016 and enjoys contributing to this amazing organisation that has a well proven track record in supporting the research and treatment of endometriosis; a significant education programme and ongoing support to the many thousands of sufferers.
Sandra understands from personal experience how endometriosis can impact lives, as she and her adult daughter both suffer from endometriosis and can appreciate the pain, issues and frustration surrounding this condition.
Sandra has extensive experience in the charitable and volunteer industries. She co-founded and is retired Chairperson of Farming Women Tairāwhiti (FWT), a successful charitable organisation established to support rurally based women with connection and education in the Tairāwhiti region. The organisation won the 2021 Westpac Tairāwhiti Business Awards Community, Not-For-Profit & Volunteer category.
Sandra owns SM Coach Consulting providing coaching services and facilitation delivery of educational programmes for primary industry and SME, including for the Agri-Women’s Development Trust and The Icehouse. She sits on the boards of Rural Women New Zealand and Rural Communities Trust.
Sandra lives at Rere in Tairāwhiti with husband Ian, where they focus on producing environmentally sustainable food. She has 2 adult children, daughter Emma who is a Diabetes Nurse Educator in Pediatrics at Canberra Hospital in Australia, and son Jamie, a Graphic Designer.
Sandra believes creating change as an individual is challenging, although as a collective, change is achievable. With a financial background, strengths in communication, strategy development and change management, she is looking forward to contributing to the Board of Endometriosis New Zealand and continuing to support impactful change for those who suffer from endometriosis.
Dr Michael Wynn-Williams, MBChB (Otago) FRANZCOG, is an Auckland, based Gynaecologist & Endometriosis Specialist with extensive experience in minimally invasive pelvic surgery. He favours a multidisciplinary approach to managing complex endometriosis and persistent pelvic pain.
Michael trained in obstetrics and gynaecology in Christchurch, New Zealand where he developed an interest in caring for women with endometriosis under the mentorship of Dr John Doig. Post-training, he undertook a two-year Fellowship in advanced laparoscopic surgery with A/Prof Alan Lam in Sydney. Michael backed up his sub-specialty training with a post-fellowship year in Glasgow, before completing a 2-year consultant post at Cambridge University NHS Trust, Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
Sharing his knowledge and skills with the next generation of women’s health specialists, Michael taught and demonstrated advanced laparoscopic gynaecology surgery to doctors around the United Kingdom and Ireland. He continues to teach and demonstrate pelvic anatomy and advanced laparoscopic surgery to gynaecologists around Australia, New Zealand and Mongolia.
For 14 years, Michael was the lead advanced laparoscopic gynaecologist at Mater Mothers’ Hospital, Brisbane, caring for complex endometriosis cases from around Queensland, northern NSW and the Northern Territory. Michael was also Senior Lecturer with the University of Queensland.
Since returning to NZ in 2020, Michael has taken on the lead role of the Minimally Invasive Surgery Team and is a member of the Women’s Health Pelvic Pain Team at Auckland District Health Board. He provides care privately at Mercy Ascot Hospital.
Michael is the current Treasurer of the Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy & Surgery Society (AGES) and is a member of the medical advisory board of Endometriosis Australia.
Dr Nicola Ngawati (Ngāpuhi, Ngati Hine) joined the Endometriosis Board in November 2021. Nicola has extensive experience as a senior public servant working within the Crown/Māori context (currently working as the Director of the Office of the Chief Executive at Te Arawhiti – Office for Maori Crown Relations), diversity and inclusion, equal employment opportunities and has previously represented New Zealand offshore as part of the diplomatic service.
Nicola also serves as a Board member of Tāwhiri Limited and has previously served as a Ministerial appointment to the Board of Diversity Works New Zealand and was the inaugural Crown representative on the WAI 2700 Mana Wāhine Kaupapa Inquiry Joint Research Committee.
Nicola is a Member of the NZ Institute of Directors and holds a Doctor of Government (PhD) from the Victoria University of Wellington.
Dr Michael Wynn-Williams, MBChB (Otago) FRANZCOG, is an Auckland, based Gynaecologist & Endometriosis Specialist with extensive experience in minimally invasive pelvic surgery. He favours a multidisciplinary approach to managing complex endometriosis and persistent pelvic pain.
Michael trained in obstetrics and gynaecology in Christchurch, New Zealand where he developed an interest in caring for women with endometriosis under the mentorship of Dr John Doig. Post-training, he undertook a two-year Fellowship in advanced laparoscopic surgery with A/Prof Alan Lam in Sydney. Michael backed up his sub-specialty training with a post-fellowship year in Glasgow, before completing a 2-year consultant post at Cambridge University NHS Trust, Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
Sharing his knowledge and skills with the next generation of women’s health specialists, Michael taught and demonstrated advanced laparoscopic gynaecology surgery to doctors around the United Kingdom and Ireland. He continues to teach and demonstrate pelvic anatomy and advanced laparoscopic surgery to gynaecologists around Australia, New Zealand and Mongolia.
For 14 years, Michael was the lead advanced laparoscopic gynaecologist at Mater Mothers’ Hospital, Brisbane, caring for complex endometriosis cases from around Queensland, northern NSW and the Northern Territory. Michael was also Senior Lecturer with the University of Queensland.
Since returning to NZ in 2020, Michael has taken on the lead role of the Minimally Invasive Surgery Team and is a member of the Women’s Health Pelvic Pain Team at Auckland District Health Board. He provides care privately at Mercy Ascot Hospital.
Michael is the current Treasurer of the Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy & Surgery Society (AGES) and is a member of the medical advisory board of Endometriosis Australia.
Dr Fiona Connell, who also sits on the Board of Endometriosis New Zealand, introduced advanced laparoscopy to North Shore Hospital in Auckland and leads their Period Pain and Endometriosis Service. She completed her AGES fellowship at The Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne.
Fiona’s focus with patients is to understand how their symptoms and concerns affect them and to figure out what they need to be able to live their lives to the full. Her aim is to help patients find a solution that works for their lifestyle and if they need surgery, will always recommend the safest option that will give the least disruption to their life. She understands the complexity of pelvic pain and endometriosis and keeps up to date by attending international conferences and keeping in contact with endometriosis experts internationally. When a broader approach is needed and the answer is not entirely based in gynaecology, she enjoys working with other experts to give the best quality of life possible.
Dr Mike Armour completed his honours degree in biomedicine at the University of Auckland before going on to study traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture. Mike is a senior research fellow in reproductive health at NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University where he is currently running several clinical trials on endometriosis, menstrual health, and complementary medicine. Mike has published 67 peer reviewed articles on various aspects of women’s health including medicinal cannabis and both western and Chinese herbal medicine. Mike is also an author on several textbook chapters including a forthcoming chapter on the use of medicinal cannabis to treat endometriosis. Mike has had significant media attention on his work including articles in The Conversation, an SBS Insight special on endometriosis, an SBS special on herbal medicine for period pain and over 300 pieces of international news media with an estimated readership of 80 million across over 100 countries including Channel 7 News, ABC News, and The Guardian.
Mike is heavily involved in research and treatment of endometriosis, and he was the invited complementary medicine expert on the endometriosis expert working group (EEWG) for the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) that developed the first Australian guidelines for Endometriosis, released in January 2021. Mike is also a World Endometriosis Society Ambassador, Chair of Endometriosis Australia’s clinical advisory committee, Chair of Endometriosis Australia’s research committee, Academic lead of the Menstrual Cycle Research Network (MCRN) at Western Sydney University and Chair of the Australasian Interdisciplinary Researchers in Endometriosis (AIRE).
Keryn graduated from the University of Otago and completed her specialist Obstetrics and Gynaecology training in New Zealand and Australia. She recently returned to Christchurch with her husband and 3 young boys after completing a 2 year fellowship in Melbourne, at the Royal Women’s Hospital and Mercy Hospital for Women, in advanced laparoscopic surgery and endometriosis.
Keryn works at Christchurch Women’s Hospital and is the lead consultant for advanced endometriosis, receiving referrals from throughout the South Island. She has recently established a shared service with the Colorectal Surgery team to provide care for people with severe endometriosis with bowel disease. She is proud to be the only AGES accredited gynaecologist in the South Island. She has extensive training in minimal access surgery including surgery for large fibroids and hysterectomy.
Keryn is passionate about endometriosis care and is an investigator with a leading research group- endometiosis.org.au in Melbourne. She is also completing a PhD with the University of Melbourne investigating endometriosis-related ovarian cysts and their impact on fertility. She has published several papers in peer reviewed journals.
Keryn is a fellow of RANZCOG and AGES and participates in the continuing professional development programme.
Simon is a dual trained subspecialist in Wellington, New Zealand. He completed CREI training (subspecialty training in fertility medicine). He also completed a fellowship in advanced laparoscopic surgery, specifically in the treatment of endometriosis. Simon works at Fertility Associates, Wellington Public Hospital and Wakefield Private Hospital. He is a senior lecturer at the University of Otago.
Simon grew up in Kirikiriroa, and is of Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti descent.
Since qualifying as a general practitioner in the UK in 2001, Orna has held a variety of senior clinical and leadership roles including 3 years as the Clinical Director of Primary Care Women’s Health at Auckland District Health Board.
Her specialist interest is in women’s health, and particularly equity of access to services for women which can be delivered in the community. By training and educating other medical professionals she aims to increase the level of knowledge in the community so that women can access appropriate care closer to home.
Orna is also the founder and current chair of the New Zealand Women in Medicine Charitable Trust, an organisation which aims to support and empower women doctors and advocate for issues affecting women and whanau.
BHB MBCHB FRANZCOG
Dr Sarah Corbett (Ngati Rangiwewehi) is a specialist Gynaecologist who has completed her fellowship in complex gynaecological laparoscopy and minimal access surgery, and was awarded an AGES (Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy & Surgery) qualification in 2016.
She has worked at Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau since the start of her training in 2009, and for the last 6 years as a specialist, as well as her private practice in Auckland. For the last 5 years she has co-led the complex endometriosis team at CMDHB.
Her passion and previous research interest is in improving access to obstetric and gynaecological care particularly for Maaori and Pacifika women. To that end she has led the way in her hospital with the use of outpatient hysteroscopy to treat polyps and small submucosal fibroids under local anaesthetic, which led to her current project looking at bringing hysteroscopic and colposcopic clinics into community settings.
She wished to join the clinical advisory group particularly to raise awareness about endometriosis among Maori and Pacifika communities, and advocate for best practice in the management of endometriosis.
Areas of specialty
Work background
I have worked as a clinical psychologist since 1995. Prior to specialising in gynaecological and female sexual difficulties, I worked in community mental health. Prior to becoming a psychologist I worked in corporate settings and did volunteer work.
Therapeutic approach
I have been trained in a range of therapy models and often use a cognitive-behavioural approach (CBT) within a biopsychosocial framework. The one hour appointment takes the form of a collaborative discussion and is guided by your stated goals. I liaise with other members of your treatment team as appropriate.
Formal qualifications and professional affiliations
Caitlin is a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist practicing in Tamaki Makaurau. Caitlin is an Otago University graduate, and completed her post-graduate training in women’s and pelvic health at Melbourne University. Caitlin has worked across both private practice and the public health system in both Aotearoa and Australia, gaining valuable experience in the field.
Caitlin set up the Chronic Pelvic Pain management class at ADHB, which focuses on improving waitlist time for Endometriosis and painful period sufferers, and also focusses on education, empowerment and self management strategies for those who attended. Caitlin also aims to increase awareness and knowledge about pelvic health physio and Endometriosis via her advocacy on her Social Media channels and other Media.
Caitlin understands the complexity of Persistent Pelvic Pain, and aims to really separate out the different pieces of the pelvic pain puzzle with each of her patients, in order to address the different causes of their pain. Caitlin knows how powerful self management is, and also how important it is to have different parts of the Multidisciplinary Team involved in each of her patient’s care.
Dr Anna Ponnampalam is a reproductive biologist and senior research fellow at the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland. She has expertise in menstrual cycle, endometrial physiology and pathology. Her current research includes exploring the pathophysiology of endometriosis, investigating the role of epigenetics in the development of endometriosis and developing non-invasive diagnostic options for endometriosis. She has been a member of the previous research expertise group within Endometriosis NZ since 2017.
John served voluntarily on the ENZ Board as a founding Trustee from January 1994 until his retirement in 2011. His commitment to the organisation was unfaltering until his unexpected passing on July 23rd 2013. ENZ has had tributes from women and families throughout NZ and afar expressing their sadness, loss and sincere gratitude to their much loved and respected doctor, obstetrician and surgeon.
In 2011 John was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal of the RANZCOG for his work in Endometriosis and Advanced Endoscopic Surgery.
John will be remembered by his patients for his deep sense of compassion, hope and life altering treatment and by the medical community worldwide for his outstanding academic and clinical contribution, mentoring and camaraderie. Kua rakatira tenei ao I a koe me āu mahi – You have made this world a better place with the contributions you have made We have lost a dear colleague and friend whose influence will continue to guide and motivate to improve health outcomes for girls, women and their families.