Our Endometriosis New Zealand (ENZ) Staff bring a wide range of skills, passion and experience to the organisation. We collaborate with our stakeholders and the endometriosis community in Aotearoa to provide information, education, advocacy, research and awareness on endometriosis. Together, we work to progress our mission of improving the lives of all individuals impacted by endometriosis in New Zealand. Read more about our team, their role at ENZ and experience below:
The Endometriosis New Zealand Board of Trustees play a pivotal role in guiding the strategic direction and growth of our organisation. Our Board members voluntarily commit their time and expertise to drive Endometriosis New Zealand advocacy efforts and ensure we are championing the needs of those affected by endometriosis in New Zealand. Read more about our Trustees and their experience below:
Our Clinical Advisory Committee (CAC) is made up of endometriosis professionals and experts in this field, all volunteers who each have a special interest in the condition. The committee is composed of leading professionals, endometriosis specialists, gynaecologists, physiotherapists and endometriosis researchers. Their commitment to Endometriosis New Zealand is to ensure our resources, platforms and services remain credible and backed by the latest advancements in care for those impacted by this condition. The diverse experience, insights and expertise of our members is important in promoting an inclusive and equitable approach to our work. Read more about our CAC and their experience below:
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.
Kara is a dedicated professional with a strong background in organisational change, holding a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources and a Bachelor of Science in Change Psychology. With a wealth of knowledge in project and event management, Kara has extensive experience supporting senior leadership and management teams. Her career journey includes a variety of roles within the non-profit sector, showcasing her commitment to making a difference in her community.
Kara’s lived experience with endometriosis inspired her to join Endometriosis New Zealand, where she aims to bring both her professional and personal experience to help improve the lives of women, girls and those assigned female at birth, who are also affected by this condition.
A proud North Canterbury native, of Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāi Tūhoe descent. Kara has built her life around family with her young daughter and nurturing her love for nature and animals as a plant mum to 64 indoor plants and some fur babies.
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.
Dr Michael Wynn-Williams works in public and private practice as an endometriosis and pelvic pain specialist and Minimally Invasive Gynaecology Surgeon based in Auckland, New Zealand.
Michael leads the Minimally Invasive Gynaecology Service (MIGS) at Te Toka Tumai, Auckland, Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand and is the training director for the Auckland AGES Advanced Training Program (AATP) Fellowship.
Michael’s private rooms are based at Advanced Gynaecology Auckland, Ascot Central, and he provides surgical services at Ascot Hospital.
Internationally, Michael is the current Vice President of the Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy & Surgery Society (AGES) and is the founder and chair of the AGES Laparoscopic Anatomy Pelvic Dissection (LapD) education program run at Queensland University of Technology, Australia. Michael is a deputy editor of the prestigious Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynaecology. Locally, he is chair of the clinical advisory committee and a board member of Endometriosis New Zealand. He is also a member of the medical advisory committee of Endometriosis Australia.
Having struggled for around seven years to obtain a diagnosis for her endometriosis, Belinda knows how important advocacy and understanding of the condition is to improving the lives of those impacted, living in New Zealand. She is excited to have the opportunity to be able to support the Board of Endometriosis New Zealand, and help to further its objectives in educating and supporting those suffering from endometriosis in Aotearoa.
Having held a range of positions throughout the public sector, primarily in supporting the tertiary education sector, Belinda returned to New Zealand after a brief stint in the Middle East and joined PwC, in 2020. As a Director at PwC, she works across its People and Organisation and Finance and Economics consulting practices, primarily focused on workforce transformation, public policy, remuneration and reward, and people-centred change and transformation.
Though Belinda has extensive experience in supporting organisations to develop good governance practices, her appointment to the board of Endometriosis New Zealand represents her first governance position. She hopes to be able to support the board with her strategic, risk, and policy mindset, along with her passion for advocacy.
Belinda lives in Wellington with her husband Patrick, and two very naughty cats. In her spare time, she likes history, travelling, and spending time with friends and family.
Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Te Arawa
Tui is the founder of Bird Island, a boutique consultancy focused on innovation for global good.
She has designed national programmes in the innovation and entrepreneurial space. This included the Lightning Lab, the blueprint for business acceleration in New Zealand and Mahuki, the world’s first accelerator for the culture and heritage sector.
Formerly, the lead of the Māori enterprise team for New Zealand’s international trade agency she supported the export aspirations of major indigenous entities and provided in-market support to NZ exporters as Trade Commissioner Melbourne. She has extensive experience in the culture and heritage sector supporting efforts to tell our nation’s rich stories and is an international speaker on innovation in the culture and heritage sector.
In her most recent role with the National Library, she led a team that developed educational experiences around our nation’s founding documents; He Whakaputanga, the Declaration of Independence, ti Tiriti o Waitangi and the Women’s Suffrage Petition. This included the journey to pay equity e-learning module, the ‘are we there yet’ speaker series and other resources for student and adult learners.
Tui currently works with entities focused on impact investing, STEM education, student entrepreneurship, a global knowledge exchange programme and supporting the next generation of Maori and Pacific creatives.
Her current directorships include the Mary Potter Hospice in Wellington and the Dev Academy.
Tui experienced period poverty and endured painful periods and undiagnosed fibroids. As such, she feels privileged to support the health and vitality of people living with endometriosis.
Dr. Jordon Wimsett, MBChB (Otago) is an advanced trainee in Obstetrics and Gynaecology with RANZCOG. She has worked throughout New Zealand during her training and is now based at Te Toka Tumai Auckland (Auckland Hospital). Throughout the last 8 years she has seen patients on a daily basis who are suffering from endometriosis and/or pelvic pain and has seen how it impacts negatively on a person’s quality of life and also how important and beneficial multidisciplinary wrap-around care can be. She strongly believes in equitable access to healthcare and evidence-based medicine.
Jordon is passionate about research and is an honorary lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Waipapa Taumata Rau (University of Auckland) and is also undertaking her PhD, aiming to improve outcomes for māmā and pēpi at caesarean section. She has published several papers in peer reviewed journals.
Jordon is the current National President (Chair) of Pregnancy Help Inc, a not-for profit providing practical assistance and support to whānau around Aotearoa New Zealand. During her tenure she has been focused on improving governance and fiscal responsibility across the organisation, setting strategic direction and driving policy development. In 2022 she was selected for the Tuakana Teina Chair Mentoring Programme through the Institute of Directors.
She is looking forward to the opportunity to combine her previous governance and clinical experience in this role with Endometriosis New Zealand.
Jordon lives in Auckland with her husband Julian and two young children (Hugo and Isabelle). She is an avid reader, loves cooking for family and friends, travelling and skiing.
Quentin has significant executive experience from a 35 year career with Deloitte as a client serving Partner, before roles of Chief Operating and Chief Financial Officer, in a number of Deloitte locations around the world. As an Audit Partner for 20 years, I served a variety of companies, both large and small, across several industries and geographies. Operational roles have encompassed General Administration, Property, Procurement and Logistics, Human Resources, IT, Finance , Quality and Risk Management. From a financial aspect, full responsibility for all management and statutory reporting across multiple locations, annual financial planning and performance, capital expenditure and cash flow management, funding strategies and sourcing, treasury, investment and foreign currency management, monitoring risks and returns on investments, regular reporting to Executive and Boards. Experienced in leading procurement processes, mainly in property, technology, travel and accommodation, professional services, and have managed several transformation projects. A member of the Institute of Directors, and member of Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Zealand.
Quentin is married with twin daughters who are both in their final year at University of Canterbury. He has a keen interest in domestic and international current affairs, is a sports enthusiast (spectator not participant these days), though continues to keep fit through regular exercise.
Dr Michael Wynn-Williams works in public and private practice as an endometriosis and pelvic pain specialist and Minimally Invasive Gynaecology Surgeon based in Auckland, New Zealand.
Michael leads the Minimally Invasive Gynaecology Service (MIGS) at Te Toka Tumai, Auckland, Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand and is the training director for the Auckland AGES Advanced Training Program (AATP) Fellowship.
Michael’s private rooms are based at Advanced Gynaecology Auckland, Ascot Central, and he provides surgical services at Ascot Hospital.
Internationally, Michael is the current Vice President of the Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy & Surgery Society (AGES) and is the founder and chair of the AGES Laparoscopic Anatomy Pelvic Dissection (LapD) education program run at Queensland University of Technology, Australia. Michael is a deputy editor of the prestigious Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynaecology. Locally, he is chair of the clinical advisory committee and a board member of Endometriosis New Zealand. He is also a member of the medical advisory committee of Endometriosis Australia.
Dr Fiona Connell 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.
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.
Dr Amelia Ryan is a gynaecologist based in Auckland, New Zealand. She holds a public appointment at Te Whatu Ora Waitemata and a private practice at Advanced Gynaecology Auckland (AGA).
Amelia attended the University of Otago to complete her medical degree. She moved to Melbourne, Australia to embark on specialist training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Royal Women’s Hospital, completing advanced training in advanced laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) and the management of endometriosis at the Royal Women’s Hospital. She also spent time in the reproductive medicine/fertility unit at the Royal Women’s Hospital.
In 2019, Amelia moved home to New Zealand to take up a senior medical position in the Endometriosis/Pelvic Pain unit at Te Whatu Ora Waitemata. Her deep passion is the management of complex pelvic pain and endometriosis. She believes in comprehensive education, multidisciplinary care and timely, appropriate surgery to manage this complex and debilitating condition.
Amelia has been involved in research locally and internationally in the field of endometriosis and has recently published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
In her spare time, Amelia runs a small Instagram page @drameliaryan which provides bite-sized information on women’s health topics . She also contributes to local podcasts and journalism content.
Health Psychologist (MSc.PGDip.HthPsych) & Fertility Counsellor (ANZICA)
Andy Leggat is a Health psychologist and current Psychology Director at Fertility Associates. She trained through Auckland University’s Department of Psychological Medicine and is registered with the NZ Psychologists Board.
Andy has practiced clinically for the past 15 years. Primarily working with a physical health population, and has a special interest in Women’s health, Gynaecological pain conditions, Oncology and Reproductive health.
In her work, Andy provides therapeutic support primarily to patients undergoing Assisted reproductive procedures and those managing gynaecological conditions. This includes a strong focus on the interface between psychological and physical health and includes building and delivering initiatives which aim to improve mental health outcomes for patients.
Andy is passionate about promoting a biopsychosocial approach to healthcare and assuring psychological support is accessible and integrated into standard care.
Susie Ferguson is an award winning journalist and broadcaster at RNZ, and for 8 years was co-host of Morning Report. A former war correspondent, she’s reported from around the world – most notably the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan – and covered the aftermath of the 2004 Asian tsunami from Sri Lanka. She moved to New Zealand in 2009, and for over a decade has produced and presented for RNZ, including rolling coverage of the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes and from Gallipoli. An experienced radio documentary maker, she won gold at the New York Radio Festivals in 2021 for her podcast The Unthinkable. Some of her most recent work is the documentary series Undercurrent for RNZ on disinformation. Susie has lived experience of Endometriosis and has long supported the organisation and the endometriosis community in New Zealand through sharing her story and the experiences of other individuals navigating this condition.
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.