Our People

Kia ora, I’m Rosa, an advanced trainee in Emergency Medicine based in Auckland (formerly in Dunedin). I’ve always been passionate about our working conditions—so much so that I read our contract before even getting into medical school! I joined the RDA as a TI, became a delegate as a house officer, have represented both the southern and Auckland regions on the executive and am now stepping into the role of president. I’ve worked to improve rosters, advocate for members, and have been on the bargaining team for the last two contract negotiations. I’m dedicated to improving our working conditions and believe we’re stronger when we stand together. Feel free to reach out with any union-related queries!

Kia ora, I'm Mike - a 4th year RANZCOG trainee based at Te Toka Tumai Auckland City Hospital, and the Vice-President of the NZRDA for the 2025-2027 term. I am passionate about the NZRDA, and its kaupapa to leave the medical workforce in a better state than we found it. I believe that we are stronger together as RMOs when we work as a collective. We do not need to auction off terms and conditions to make progress, and we must not sacrifice the needs of our colleagues, for individual benefit. This term I'd like to push back on the narrative that safer hours are somehow detrimental to particular training programmes (such as surgery), and to help to further grow and strengthen the RDA.

Bill is a PYG5 based in Mason Clinic (Waitemata District) training in psychiatry. Initially trained as a pharmacist, Bill spent a few years with the NZDF prior to attending medical school in Dunedin. He is interested in organisational governance with a number of board memberships within both private and public sectors. Bill enjoys eating, working and running (in this particular order) in his spare time.

Deborah holds the overall management responsibility for the office with a particular interest in Collective Employment Negotiations and Personal Grievances. She represents health practitioners in claim situations with both employers and individuals. She holds a BSc from Victoria University and a Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery from University of Auckland.

Kia ora, I'm Ella. I'm a GPEP2 registrar working in Whakatū Nelson. Ever since I was a first year house officer, I found myself telling others about our contractual rights, so being a delegate for RDA became slightly inevitable. Since starting GP training I have represented our cohorts for bargaining with the GP college and supported colleagues when they needed it. I am looking forward to helping support fellow GPs and my other community registrars in Public Health as well during this difficult time for community healthcare.

I’m Maggie, a House Officer and a basic trainee in Medicine based in Auckland. I’ve been an RDA delegate since PGY1 after experiencing the union’s support with leave issues as a new graduate. That experience showed me the power of a union and inspired me to join the effort to support all doctors. With our workforce facing challenging conditions, I’m passionate about safer hours, fair resource distribution, and the wellbeing of colleagues. Feel free to reach out with any questions!

Hello! I’m Visharn, a Radiation Oncology trainee at Waikato Hospital. Guided by the principle of giving for the benefit of others, I developed a passion for supporting those in need, which led me to the NZRDA. As RMOs, we sacrifice daily for others, so it’s vital we stand together, improve conditions for future generations, and have a voice. I’m proud to be the Waikato Representative—feel free to reach out with any concerns or for a chat!

Kia Ora! I'm James, a PGY4 Paediatrics SHO at Palmerston North Hospital. I grew up in Wellington and went to medical school in Otago and later Wellington clinic school. My passion for improving working conditions for RMOs was ignited whilst working as a HO in Whanganui Hospital, which led me to become a delegate and later join the national executive. I have seen first hand the gains we can make through collective action. Feel free to reach out if you need advice or just want to chat!

Tristan is a 5th year doctor at Dunedin Hospital, where he is currently working in anaesthetics, and is an ICU trainee. He’s been actively involved with the RDA since starting as a House Officer, leading a successful run review on his first run as a new House Officer. He is passionate about working to make Dunedin one of the best hospitals in New Zealand for RMOs and loves everything about Dunedin. Originally from Canada, he’s proud to call Dunedin home where he lives with his wife and daughter and is a keen (and very average) runner and multisport athlete. He holds a BA from Auckland University, a BHSc from AUT, and an MBChB from the University of Otago.

Deborah holds the overall management responsibility for the office with a particular interest in Collective Employment Negotiations and Personal Grievances. She represents health practitioners in claim situations with both employers and individuals. She holds a BSc from Victoria University and a Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery from University of Auckland.

Melissa has been with CNS since 2006. She currently handles RDA member issues and doctors’ run reviews. We attribute Melissa’s excellent organisational and communication skills to her previous work in the fashion industry, and to her two gorgeous daughters.

Omar provides advice and representation for union members, particularly during collective bargaining, with individual matters and on health and safety issues. He has an LLB & MA (History) and joined us in 2016

Sarah holds a BA in Political Studies and an MA in Social Policy. Her work with community organisations like the Grey Lynn Neighbourhood Law Office and Beneficiaries Advocacy and Information Services shaped her interest and skills in advocacy and organising for people power, all the while hoping for a socialist revolution to overcome the forces of neo-liberalism. Sarah began her career as a union organiser with the Service and Food Workers Union, later joining NZNO, and finally the RDA in 2023. She is still waiting for the socialist revolution.

Jo has a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in History) / Bachelor of Laws conjoint degree from the University of Auckland. She joined us in 2023 after working for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment as a Labour Inspector/Senior Labour Inspector for 15 years. While at MBIE, she was also a union delegate for 10 years. Given her work history, Jo has a particular interest in the Holidays Act 2003 and Holidays Act compliance.

Denise has worked in various laboratories in Auckland, including Medlab, DML, Middlemore Hospital and Lab+, and has also worked in Quality Assurance for an Auckland Cosmetic company. As a past long-time New Zealand Medical Laboratory Workers’ Union (NZMLWU) member, strike co-ordinator and NZMLWU delegate, she brings a broad knowledge of operations and industry-specific issues, including Health & Safety and Quality, to her role as advocate.

Sam joined our team in 2010 and now manages accounts and insurance administration. Before joining us, Sam served as Treasurer for Plunket after stepping back from her full-time career as an accountant to focus on raising her two lovely boys. Sam is currently Secretary for the NZRDA Education Trust.

Sammy has been part of the RDA team since 2019. He has a keen interest in maintaining workers’ rights in respect to workplace Health & Safety.

In her role as Research and Policy Advisor, Natalia leverages her expertise to provide in-depth research analysis and a robust evidence base to advance the collective interests of RMOs. With an academic background – previously a Senior Lecturer – she has a strong research and personal interest in promoting healthy and decent work environments. Natalia holds a PhD in Management from Massey University and joined our team in 2024, bringing a passion for impactful research and policy development.

Kerry is a surgical registrar and a previous Wellington Representative on the National Executive - she was a part of the 2024 bargaining team. Passionate about educating RMOs on their terms and conditions, Kerry is committed to ensuring compliance and leaving the workforce better than we found it.

Divya holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management and was with Deloitte, India for three years. She later moved to New Zealand and worked with Health New Zealand – NRA before joining us in 2024. Currently she manages membership by processing applications and resignations, updating and maintaining records related to payments and other details in system.

Beth has vast administration experience in different industries, having started out in the hotel industry in Cape Town. She then spent 18 years with Kantar, also in Cape Town, and arrived in New Zealand in 2015. Here she worked for a mystery shopping company for 7 years before joining us in early 2024. Beth handles travel bookings, new delegates, Active choice, conference bookings, claims, posting and a host of other tasks.

Jono joined us in 2024 after completing his studies at AUT, where he majored in Event Management and minored in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Jono works in accounts, data entry and management, and general administration.

Bill Manning is a barrister based in Auckland. He has had more than 20 years experience in civil litigation. He has worked with Deborah and the RDA on employment and industrial matters since the early 90s. He has been a member of our medico-legal team representing RMOs and other health professionals facing investigation or disciplinary processes. When not working for us, he seems to spend an inordinate amount of time swimming, cycling and running; none of which can be terribly healthy.