Our People

I’m in my fourth year as President of the NZRDA, following roles as Vice President and Southern Region Executive Representative. I’m an advanced training Paediatric registrar based in Wellington and, though originally from Scotland, I’m now proud to be a citizen of Aotearoa New Zealand. Passionate about advocating for the rights of both patients and colleagues, I believe in leaving things better for those who come after us. A strong union is essential for achieving this in healthcare, and the NZRDA provides a meaningful platform to address the power imbalance between employers and employees. I’m approachable and happy to assist with union or workplace challenges—feel free to reach out in person or via the NZRDA office.

Tēnā tātou katoa Ko Alex Hedley tōku ingoa Nō Ahuriri ahau Ko Ngāti Porou tōku iwi. I am a Public Health Medicine Trainee with a background as a Registrar in General Surgery and Otorhinolaryngology. Since joining the RDA as a trainee intern, I’ve been active in our union movement as a regional delegate, national executive member, and now Vice President. I’ve worked in member advocacy, support, and CA enforcement and negotiation, while supporting employee rights across all industries. I’m proud to represent members from centres across New Zealand—feel free to contact me with any concerns.

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.

Bill is a PYG5 based in Dunedin hospital 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 has a 14 years old black lab named Bungy and enjoys working and running in his spare time.

My name's Rex and after spending the last three years at Waikato Hospital, I will be commencing GPEP1 in 2024 in the same region. I have been a delegate ever since the beginning of my tenure as a RMO as I have been passionate about advocating for my peers and working towards safer working conditions for RMOs as a whole. I am proud to now represent my colleagues working in the community as I embark on training. I hope to continue to build on the work laid down by my predecessors with the NZRDA.

Kia ora, I’m Mike, a 3rd-year RANZCOG trainee based in Auckland and one of the Auckland representatives on the RDA National Executive. I’m passionate about the RDA’s advocacy for reducing fatigue, improving leave access, and ensuring safer working conditions for doctors. I strongly support the RDA’s goal of leaving the medical workforce in a better state for future generations. If you have any issues or just need a friendly face to talk to, feel free to reach out!

Kia ora, I’m Rosa, an advanced Emergency Medicine trainee 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 and became a delegate as a house officer, representing both the southern and Auckland regions on the executive. I’ve worked to improve rosters, advocate for members, and support contract bargaining. 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!

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!

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!

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!

Kia ora e te whānau, I'm Savannah, ow in my third year of work based in ED, but am chasing a dream to work in orthopaedics. Waipounamu is a region dear to my heart, having grown up here. I joined the RDA to ensure RMOs have a voice in shaping the future of our public healthcare system, as prioritising RMO wellbeing benefits everyone who engages with it.

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.

Holly entered the union advocacy world in early 2022 after completing a Bachelor of Applied Management and gaining experience in HR in the kiwifruit industry. Having worked in hospitality during her university years, Holly is no stranger to poor working conditions. Her time in HR further expanded the need for employee advocacy, especially as Covid continues to challenge workplaces. Rest and meal breaks, and safer hours remain two of her crucial ER focus points.

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.

Kauri joined us in 2023 after completing his Bachelor of Laws at AUT. Prior to commencing his studies, Kauri lived in remote Western Australia for 2 years, where he worked in aged care. With this background in residential aged care, he is interested in worker safety and upholding workers’ rights. Kauri organises the annual delegates conference, handles individual cases, and answers day-to-day queries.

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.