Tanya brings extensive not-for-profit experience with leading charities both in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Her in depth fundraising and marketing expertise will be critical in continuing to raise awareness and generating crucial funds to allow ENZ to continue to support tens of thousands of women and girls with endometriosis.
Tanya’s demonstrated track record in operations management will ensure the path to change continues and we maintain and grow our important services and programmes effectively and efficiently throughout New Zealand.
Tanya has a huge passion for women’s issues, youth, education and equality which attracted her to leading ENZ and is looking forward to this fantastic opportunity.
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.
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.
Director EPP Coaching and Consulting (Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain)
Deborah has had a global influence on health promotion and prevention of endometriosis. Using her experience as a teacher, she developed the world’s first Menstrual Health and Endometriosis (me) school education programme in 1997. A unique well-health model promoting early intervention and appropriate management, ‘me’ is positively and profoundly influencing current data and improving health outcomes in this demographic.
Deborah has contributed to the medical literature through published articles and books and sits on International Boards, advisory and research committees for endometriosis.
She has frequently presented as key note speaker at international academic conferences and as MC at many functions. She was described by the judges at the 2012 Woman of the Year Awards as “a pioneer, a visionary, a highly effective lay person in a specialised medical world bringing relief from disability and pain to thousands.”
Deborah has established and maintains:
Deborah’s achievements are reflected in the following awards:
For the past 17 years, Glenda has been facing endometriosis head on, with a daughter who has endured more surgeries than the years she’s been suffering. She is thrilled to have been asked to contribute and be a part of the board of Endometriosis NZ. 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 NZ 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.
Dr Fiona Connell is on the Endometriosis New Zealand Board. Fiona is a New Zealand trained gynaecologist. She completed her fellowship at The Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne, an accredited advanced laparoscopy training centre. This means she is qualified to perform the most difficult levels of endometriosis surgery.
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.
Katie Holcroft is on the Endometriosis New Zealand Board. Katie works as a technology consultant for a large professional services firm, her role includes advising clients on transformation and strategy projects primarily focusing on the public sector. Katie graduated from Victoria University of Wellington in 2018 with a Bachelors degree in Public Policy and International Relations.
Katie has a keen interest in politics (both domestic and international) and has a strong understanding of the machinery of government. Katie enjoys travelling, baking and exploring the many cafes around Wellington in her spare time.
Joining the Endometriosis New Zealand Board of Trustees in 2020 is Katie’s first board opportunity. Katie looks forward to being a fearless advocate for those suffering with Endometriosis, a strong supporter of the me™ education programme and being apart of the development of initiatives to increase early detection and intervention.
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 is a Director (Kaiwhakahaere Matua) at Manatū Wāhine Ministry for Women leading the team responsible for coordinating the Government’s response to the Mana Wāhine Kaupapa Inquiry before the Waitangi Tribunal. Nicola is also the Crown representative on the Joint Research Committee related to the Inquiry’s research programme and is a Ministerial appointment to the Board of Diversity Works New Zealand. Nicola has extensive experience in diversity and inclusion, equal employment opportunities and the interface with the Crown/Māori relationship, together with previous experience representing New Zealand offshore as part of the diplomatic service.
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.
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.
