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MEET US

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Our Steering Committee is comprised of a group of women who are passionate about the development, advancement and career satisfaction of all women in our HealthTech sector. 

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ERIN CURRIE (CO-CHAIR)

New Zealand Country Manager | Philips Health Systems

Erin is an experienced Commercial and Governance Leader in the healthcare sector with a career spanning 30 years. Her knowledge and expertise are in medical devices, equipment and digital healthcare across radiology, surgical specialties, cardiology, gastroenterology, and endoscopy. Originally a registered nurse, she then transitioned into medical device sales and developed an aptitude for management, commercial strategy, and governance.

 

Erin is currently New Zealand Country Manager for Philips Health Systems, part of the ANZ leadership team, after joining in November 2020. Previous roles included 6 years leading Olympus New Zealand, and 10 years with Medtronic in various roles including sales, sales management, and branch leadership.

 

Erin is passionate about the New Zealand healthcare sector and represents the industry as the Vice Chair of the Medical Technology Association of New Zealand (MTANZ). She also has a passion for personal development and is a founding member of Women in HealthTech (WiHT).

Linkedin

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ANGE PANTANO (CO-CHAIR)

Chapter Lead, Access and Innovation | Roche Diagnostics New Zealand

Angela Pantano strives to help shape healthcare delivery and systems through seeking to understand and realising opportunities for change.  Angela is a firm believer that a healthcare environment that encourages and values innovation is the key towards achieving equitable access, creating resilient and sustainable healthcare systems.  Angela is passionate about empowering people and teams.   

Angela transitioned from being a NICU nurse to a seasoned medical technology executive. She has over 23 years of commercial experience in the healthtech industry, including pharmaceuticals and medical devices.  Her career encompasses both local New Zealand and international experience, reflecting a deep commitment to advancing healthcare through being innovative solutions to markets. 

Ange am passionate about developing women leaders for the future and creating a pathway for their success.  

LinkedIn

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GEMMA ABBOTT

Senior Technology and Transformation Consultant | Deloitte

Gemma is a Senior Technology and Transformation Consultant as part of Deloitte’s Health Practice, with a focus on digital health, health system transformation and AI-enabled products & services. Gemma has worked across Health New Zealand, the UK’s NHS and a variety of private sector clients, on engagements ranging from digital strategy & advisory to the design and build of AI-enabled clinical applications – shaping a rich background in the use of technology to enhance healthcare delivery. Additionally, Gemma is passionate about inclusion and diversity in outdoor spaces, including supporting initiatives for sporting trusts & charities to improve access for women. She has joined the Women in Health Tech Committee to continue to advocate for women in male-dominated spaces, aiming to increase WiHT presence in the South Island. 

LinkedIn

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KIRI AIKMAN

Pharmacist | Independent Consultant

Kiri’s journey began as a clinical pharmacist at Auckland City Hospital, where she gained a deep understanding of Aotearoa’s health system. She then took her passion for healthcare innovation to London, pivoting into publishing and leading the development of clinical decision-support products at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. After eight years, she returned home, eager to give back and bring fresh ideas. Now, as a freelance consultant, Kiri guides organisations through digital transformation, helping them move from outdated systems to scalable, innovative solutions. Kiri is excited to contribute to the growing energy and innovation in Aotearoa’s health tech space and to support the incredible community of women driving positive change and challenging the status quo.

LinkedIn

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ELLA DIXON

Research Engagement Advisor | Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland.

Ella works on a number of national strategic projects led by the Consortium for Medical Device Technologies (CMDT) to support and elevate the MedTech ecosystem for Aotearoa New Zealand. These include Te Tītoki Mataora the MedTech Research Translator, the Australia-New Zealand BioBridge, and Medtech-iQ Aotearoa. Ella holds a Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering (Hons) and Master of Health Leadership (Hons).

LinkedIn

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CLAUDIA EPSKAMP

HealthTech Activator Analyst | Callaghan Innovation

Claudia's unwavering dedication to advancing health tech commercialisation and scientific innovation stems from her passion for improving lives. With three degrees—a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology, a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Bioscience Enterprise—she is pursuing her master's degree, continually deepening her expertise.

 

As a member of the HealthTech Activator team at Callaghan Innovation, Claudia plays a crucial role in fostering groundbreaking innovations throughout New Zealand. Before this, she accumulated valuable experience in AUT's commercialisation office and successfully managed her marketing business, contributing to the success of nationwide events. Claudia's multifaceted background in science, business, and law equips her to contribute substantially to the industry.

 

Besides her professional pursuits, Claudia remains actively engaged in her community through volunteering initiatives like Habitats for Humanity and Auckland City Mission involvement. In her leisure time, she finds joy in outdoor activities and cherishes the company of friends, enriching her life beyond her career endeavours.”

LinkedIn

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NUALA FITZPATRICK

Account Director - Healthcare | FUJIFILM Business Innovation New Zealand

Nuala has extensive experience in IT innovation, process automation and deploying solutions that use AI.  She is passionate about utilising technology to improve clinical processes and is excited about collaborating with the WiHT network to foster and promote innovation and encourage institutional change.

LinkedIn

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MIEKE HABECK

New Zealand Business Manager | OLYMPUS AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND

I’d like to introduce myself, My name is Mieke  Habeck and I am a passionate & engaged business leader, with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, specializing in commercial strategy, sales, marketing and executive management. With a proven track record of leading teams to outstanding success, I bring a deep commitment to innovation, people development and stakeholder engagement. I am internationally recognized for building high-performing teams, achieving globally benchmarked market share, and enabling record-setting financial results.

 

Since joining Women in Health Tech NZ in 2020, I have been an active member, committed to fostering opportunities for women in the industry. My recent participation in the 2024 mentee program further enriched my understanding of the challenges and opportunities for women in health technology, reinforcing my dedication to supporting and developing future leaders.

 

With a strengths-based leadership style, I focus on empowering individuals and teams  to achieve their best through positive reinforcement and strength based feedback. I prioritize collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to align team strengths with organizational goals, ensuring long-term success. 

 

I look forward to contributing to Women in Health Tech NZ’s mission by applying my strategic insights and industry experience to support and inspire other women in healthcare technology.

LinkedIn

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LAURA HAYCOCK

Health System Partner | Roche

Laura has been working in the healthcare industry for 11 years, both in London and New Zealand, and is currently working in an access and policy role at Roche. She is passionate about equitable medicines access and improving the health system to deliver meaningful change for all New Zealanders. Laura is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment for women in the life sciences, and empowering women at all stages and challenges in their career. 

LinkedIn

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LUCI ISAAC

Senior Programme Manager | Volpara Health

Luci is a Senior Programme Manager at Volpara Health, working with a talented team developing and maintaining AI-powered healthcare software solutions. With expertise in project and product management, Luci ensures the delivery of high-quality, clinically validated software that enhances breast cancer screening and detection. Luci enjoys building strong relationships, optimizing customer satisfaction, and driving innovation in healthcare technology. She is dedicated to fostering opportunities for women in tech to collaborate and support each other and their career advancement.

LinkedIn

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GEN JOHNSTON

Clinical Research Manager | University of Auckland
Consultant - Project Leader - Prost-FIT | Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ

As a seasoned clinical researcher, Gen manages studies at University of Auckland on behalf of Alimetry Ltd, while also spearheading a joint University project focused on healthy aging. Gen has previously overseen initiatives like Prost-FIT, a nationwide program for men with prostate cancer. Thriving in the early-stage Med-Tech environment, Gen relishes forging connections with dynamic teams and startups.

Linkedin

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DR LENA KADRI, PhD

Senior Research Scientist, R&D | Environmental Decontamination (NZ) Limited (EDL)

Lena is a pharmaceutical scientist with a PhD in mechanochemistry from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. Her career spans academic research, global pharma, and deep-tech commercialisation.

Her work focuses on sustainable innovation and scale-up across the environmental and pharmaceutical sectors. Now based in Auckland, Aotearoa, she leads R&D and scale-up projects at EDL, home to the world’s only full-scale, commercially available mechanochemical technology.

Lena is currently exploring a pharmaceutical start-up concept focused on improving drug solubility through scalable, solvent-free manufacturing. Guided by the belief that science begins with empathy, her vision is to create solid-state solutions that address real patient needs, one molecule at a time.

LinkedIn

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EMILY MASON

Commercialisation Manager | Wellington UniVentures

As a Commercialisation Manager, Emily covers the Health and Medtech portfolio at Wellington UniVentures, the tech transfer office at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. She works closely with researchers to identify commercialisation opportunities and help guide the research towards commercial ends.

Originally from Leicester, she gained a Master of Chemistry from Lancaster University before moving to New Zealand to undertake her PhD in Chemistry at the Ferrier Research Institute.  Emily completed her PhD in 2023 before joining the Return On Science and Momentum Programmes first as a Programme Analyst and then as a Programme Manager.

Following her experience in the commercialisation ecosystem Emily happily returned to Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington mid-2024, joining Wellington UniVentures as a Commercialisation Manager.

When she is not at work, Emily can be found hanging out with friends, at the gym, or quizzing at the pub.

Linkedin

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MARTHA PALMER

Product Manager | Volpara Health

Martha is a Product Manager with over 15 years of experience in the tech industry. At Volpara Health, she leads the development of digital tools that support breast cancer screening, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the products meet customer needs.

At Volpara, Martha has championed product and design thinking culture and led the launch of a new tool that supports regulatory compliance in breast health. She is passionate about creating clarity from complexity—whether through visualising roadmaps, aligning stakeholders, or translating customer insights into actionable product decisions. 

 

Martha has spoken at conferences and industry events and is dedicated to supporting women across the sector.

Linkedin

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JAN ROBINSON

Surgical Product Specialist | InterMed Medical

Jan has been privileged to work with some of the most respected medical healthcare companies over the last 20+ years. She has sold products designed for use in the operating theatre and enjoy this environment as well as radiology focused products. 

The highlight of Jan’s career was starting up Big Green Surgical Company NZ in 2011 and watching it grow over the 5 years she managed the portfolios. 

After navigating through cancer and consequent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment twice while living in Auckland, Jan decided to move to Christchurch in 2018. Jan was fortunate to have the support of both companies she was working for at the time (OBEX and InterMed), with her colleagues and customers also being very supportive. 

Work life balance is important.  

Jan spends her spare time with family and friends and running on the Port Hills training for ultramarathons; the next one being Southern Lakes Ultra 2025, running 225 kms over 7 days. 

The medical industry is constantly changing however it still contains people who are committed to making a difference in NZ healthcare. 

Linkedin

TORI STANLEY

Sales Specialist | Olympus New Zealand

Tori Stanley is a seasoned medical industry expert with over 25 years of international experience across diverse medical disciplines within the healthcare sector. She has held roles at some of the world’s leading medical technology companies, earning a strong reputation as a high-performing Sales Specialist known for driving strategic growth and fostering trusted, long-term partnerships.

 

Tori’s global perspective provides her with a nuanced understanding of the evolving healthcare landscape. She is deeply committed to supporting the development of healthcare systems that are accessible, equitable, and patient-centred. She firmly believes that innovation flourishes through meaningful collaboration with clinicians and a strong grasp of frontline challenges.

 

In her current role as Sales Specialist at Olympus New Zealand, Tori is responsible for rolling out commercial and strategic direction of the Gastroenterology and Respiratory Endoscopy portfolio, helping deliver impactful, patient centric, solutions across the sector.

Linkedin

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TORI WALKER

Country Sales Manager - New Zealand | Applied Medical

Tori is an experienced, senior leader who is inspired by working in varied environments where she can clearly contribute to the success of an organisation. Her key strengths are around creating and building enduring relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to foster collaborative partnerships and achieve results.

LinkedIn

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SAMANTHA WESTON

Creative Design Lead | Orion Health

Samantha is an accomplished graphic designer and creative with 5 years of experience specialising in healthcare technology communications. She is passionate about creating impactful visual solutions and improving people's well-being through innovative technology. Samantha is committed to fostering a positive work culture that celebrates diverse perspectives and provides opportunities for all. 

LinkedIn

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KYLIE WILLIAMS

Chief Operating Office & Deputy CEO | Health Informatics New Zealand (HiNZ)

Kylie Williams is currently Chief Operating Officer at Health Informatics New Zealand (HiNZ) and oversees the day-to-day administrative and operational functions for HiNZ, running the media and events arm of HiNZ.
 

Kylie has over 25 years of global management experience across the commercial and social profit sectors, with particular experience in digital media and digital transformation.
 

Kylie spent a decade in the UK working for BBC worldwide and has held senior management roles in the social profit sector for Blind Low Vision, Fred Hollows Foundation, Melanoma Foundation and World Vision.  She worked for Microsoft NZ as a Senior Manager in Partner Business Development and Developer Experience teams, running major events (TechEd/Ignite), working with tertiary students and startups, and was involved in outreach programmes aligned to Microsoft Philanthropies' work with education charities in NZ. She is also a Fellow of the International Chartered Institute of Marketing (FCIM).
 

Kylie is motivated by helping empower people and organisations to reach their optimum potential and making a positive difference to humanity through harnessing technology as an enabler.  She is an advocate for diversity, inclusion, and equity.

Linkedin

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NIA WILLIAMS

Sales Director | McCrae Tech

After studying at Trinity College Dublin, Nia started her career in health over 12 years ago as a Registered Nurse.   

She worked in the public health sector in Ireland, later moving to London to work in private healthcare, gaining experience across a wide range of clinical areas. 

Following this, she worked for the medical device company Olympus, where she managed sales territories across London with portfolios in Surgical Energy Devices and ENT Endoscopic Imaging, gaining expertise in the commercial aspects of health and technology. 

Nia later relocated to New Zealand, taking on the role of Sales Director NZ at Orion Health for 4 years.  Most recently she was appointed Sales Director ANZ at McCrae Tech where she is focused on building strong partnerships with customers and supporting their digital health transformation journeys. 

Nia was honoured to be part of the 2024 intake of the Women in HealthTech Mentoring Programme, EmpowerHer. 

LinkedIn

I am no bird; and no net ensnares me;

I am a free human being with an independent will. 

 Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre

We look forward to you signing up and joining the Women in HealthTech community! If you have any questions or would like to join, please click the Join Now below and we will respond to any questions and will include you on future events.

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