Meet the Delegates in your District

Northern Region

Brad Atkinson

Northland Hospital
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Brad is an orthopaedic registrar based in Whangarei Hospital who loves to spend his spare time outdoors hunting, tramping and 4-wheel driving.

I joined STONZ as a Trainee Intern because their work-ethic and approach to career development aligns well with my own. I then came to be a STONZ delegate after receiving significant support from STONZ early in my career. In 2024 I am one of the STONZ Delegate Representatives and am looking forward to developing this role.

If you find yourself facing any contract issues in the Northland Region or have any questions, come have a chat!

Bena Law

Auckland Region
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Kia Ora, my name is Bena, a non-SET ORL registrar working in the Auckland region. The values of STONZ align with my own philosophies, and I wholeheartedly stand behind their solutions focused approach and transparency. I believe in fostering an environment where our members feel professionally nurtured and also personally supported.

I'm particularly interested in initiatives prioritising RMO mental health, work-life balance, and overall job satisfaction. Outside the hospital, I am working towards becoming a polyglot and attending art shows and concerts. Catch me around the hospitals or get in touch anytime, I'm all ears!

Theo Clearwater

Northshore & Waitakere Hospital
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Theo is a dual trainee in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine. He attained his MBChB from the University of Auckland, where he also completed his Bachelor of Music prior.

Theo is a passionate advocate for both improved training and wellbeing for everyone including medical students and nurses. He is always keen to talk about issues and ideas over a drink.

He is currently an ICU registrar at Middlemore Hospital and will be moving to Wellington later in 2024.

Aysha Rashid

Middlemore Hospital
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Aysha is an advanced trainee in General and Acute Care Medicine and Dermatology at Auckland City Hospital. She trained at Imperial College London and worked in England for several years before moving to New Zealand. By joining the STONZ delegate team, she hopes to help improve working conditions for all doctors. She is keen to hear and represent your voice in key RMO issues.

Roy Spires

Auckland City Hospital
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Hello, I'm Roy, a Radiology Registrar currently in Auckland City Hospital. I joined STONZ for its transparency, two way communication between STONZ and its members, and the continual improvement of the MECA.

Current passions include learning to code in Python (ever the struggle) and being a fake coffee expert.

If you ever see me in hospital, please come and say hi!

Dale Andrew

Auckland Region
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My Name is Dale Andrew, and I am an ORL SET trainee currently based in the Auckland region. When I'm not at work I enjoy being anywhere there’s snow or tinkering in the workshop.

I am mid-way through a Masters in Bioethics and Health Law through the University of Otago which has further developed my interest in doctors’ welfare and medical/surgical education and training. I joined STONZ in order to support my colleagues by ensuring suitable protections to make work and training an enjoyable experience that can work for all RMO’s. Feel free to approach me anytime.

Gaby Donaldson

Middlemore Hospital
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Kia ora, my name is Gabriella (Gaby) Donaldson, I grew up in Christchurch but moved up to Auckland for university and worked in Middlemore and Auckland City Hospitals during PGY1 and PGY2.

In 2024 I will be working as a non-SET General Surgical registrar at Middlemore Hospital.

Luka Kablar

Auckland Region
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Kia Ora,

I’m Luka, an advance trainee in General and Acute Care Medicine, and hoping to pursue dual training in Gastroenterology. I completed medical school in Auckland, my house officer years in Gisborne, and then moved back to the Auckland region to pursue registrar training.

I joined STONZ as it aligned well with my values and philosophies with regarding RMOs in training. Also due to its flexibility and transparency between both members and employers.

As part of the STONZ delegate team, I hope to help advocate and support members in all regards, with a particular interest in improving RMO training and wellbeing.

Feel free to get in touch any time. I am always keen to discuss any ideas or issues, or just to simply have a chat.

Darren Ritchie

Auckland Region
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I am a Medical Administration (RACMA) trainee in the Auckland Region. My day job involves working to improve our hospitals for both RMOs and patients. I have also completed further studies in digital health.

I believe STONZ best represents the needs of our junior workforce in balancing training requirements and well-being through our career.

I hope that as a delegate I can help my current and future colleagues in making informed decisions that have positive impacts on our workforce in the future.

Diana Ng

Auckland Region
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I am a first-year radiology registrar in the Auckland region. I rotate through the Auckland hospitals every couple of months so am easily contactable.

I’ve been a STONZ member since graduation because I believe their values are aligned with my own and they commit to helping their members as best as possible. Having first-hand experience recently where STONZ were invaluable in supporting me through a work-based issue; now as a delegate, I aim to be a point of contact for other RMOs so that they can also access the support they need.

As a huge advocate of fair working and training conditions to maintaining a work-life balance; when I’m not at work, you can find me travelling, crafting, and eating out.

Tijana Vlajkovic

North Shore Hospital
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I am an advanced endocrinology and general medicine dual trainee at North Shore Hospital. I recently returned from maternity leave and have a year of training to complete. I strongly believe in having a good work-life balance and enjoy spending time with my family and getting outdoors.

I applied to be a STONZ delegate because I wanted to provide a voice for other medical trainees who are currently underrepresented at a delegate level. I am also a strong advocate for improving RMO wellbeing and want to expand on my research on perceived organisational support.

Andrew Muller

University of Auckland
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I'm a PGY7 registrar currently doing a Medical Education Fellowship at the University of Auckland. My background is in Emergency Medicine and Orthopaedics. I am based at the University of Auckland Grafton Campus this year. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I am in close proximity to Auckland City Hospital and occasionally also work in Middlemore Hospital.

I joined STONZ to advocate for the continuing improvement in RMO working conditions and to help RMOs navigate the contract to ensure their rights are represented.

Abhinav Swarup

Northern Region
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My name is Abhi and I am currently an Anaesthesia trainee in the Northern Regional training program. I grew up in Tamaki Makaurau before moving to Dunedin and Wellington for medical school followed by working in the Hawkes Bay and then moving back home to Auckland.

I am passionate about the wellbeing of doctors and understand the many demands both within and outside the workplace, hence why I joined STONZ to advocate for RMO's and improve our wellbeing.

If you see me around the hospital feel free to say hello, I'm always keen to discuss ideas/issues or have a chat.

Arna Long

Middlemore Hospital
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I am a General Surgical Registrar at Middlemore Hospital. I am a huge advocate for STONZ and the work the union does to help represent RMO's through all stages of their career. I hope that I can be a friendly and approachable delegate for those in the Bay of Plenty. Sing out if you have any questions!

I am a huge advocate for maintaining a good "work-life balance", so outside of the hospital you will find me enjoying the sunshine and keeping fit and active.

Central North Island

Thomas Hoffman

Waikato Hospital
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I’m currently an Orthopaedic Registrar at Waikato Hospital. I grew up in Wellington and worked there as a physiotherapist prior to retraining in medicine.

I joined STONZ because I believe in their philosophy of working collaboratively with Te Whata Ora to improve outcomes for patients, and the working environment for doctors.

Ali Sarfarazi

Waikato Hospital
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Hi, I’m Ali, a non-SET plastics registrar working in the Waikato district.

I joined STONZ many years ago to be able to support my colleagues in ensuring a safe and supportive work environment. SToNZ values around establishing a safe working environment, while balancing training requirements and maintaining a high level of patient care has always aligned with my own personal work values. Becoming a STONZ delegate meant I am able to disseminate these values and help others navigate contractual rights.

Tanushk Martyn

Lakes District

I am currently a Non-SET Orthopaedic Registrar at Lakes District. I graduated from the University of Auckland medical school and I have worked in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato.

I was interested in becoming a delegate after learning that many of my junior colleagues were not aware of the basic rights that are afforded them under our current collective agreement. I want to play a part in supporting my colleagues to know where they stand, so that they feel empowered to not only stick up for themselves but also for their colleagues. I have also recently published research, in conjunction with STONZ regarding doctor burnout and feel this an important issue which still requires ongoing discussion.

Keelan Eades

Gisborne Hospital
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I'm currently working as a PGY2 in Gisborne Hospital, and will continue to be based there in 2025 as a non-training ED registrar with the goal of dual training in intensive care and anaesthesia.

My career interests include quality & improvement, education, and RMO support. I joined STONZ because I feel that I share their values and support their strategies in improving RMO working conditions.

I also hope to serve as a strong advocate for those working in regional centres which are often disproportionately affected by health system and employment changes.

Lower North Island

Garry Yan

Palmerston North Hospital
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I'm Garry and I am a non training surgical registrar with aspirations to get onto the ANZCA anaesthesia training program. I joined STONZ as I like the transparency, the focus on training/career development, and the focus on the important issues that affect junior doctors well-being.

I became a delegate as I believe in the advocacy of a safe clinical working environment, along with the maintenance of a constructive and collegial working relationship with the RMO Unit.

Magnus Cheesman

Palmerston North Hospital
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I am now a PGY9 RMO, and work as Registrar on the USANZ (Urology) training programme. For the 2024 training year, I am based at Palmerston North Hospital.

I became a delegate to help support colleagues looking for face to face support to talk through union queries and problems with in person. I have worked in Invercargill, Dunedin, Christchurch, Nelson, and Waikato - so I have had my share of what it is like as an RMO with a family moving between centres both before and after selection onto training. I have served as a delegate since 2018, and am particularly passionate about helping prevocational doctors find their way onto training.

If you have a question or just want a chat, I will be happy to get you a coffee/beverage while we talk. No issue is too small for coffee.

Anika Radojkovich

Hutt Valley Hospital
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I'm a non-SET surgical registrar who has dabbled in plastics, general surgery and orthopaedics. I spent my early years as a doctor in the Auckland region and have recently moved to Hutt Valley.

I joined STONZ because I believe their work is key in protecting and improving conditions for doctors. I am passionate about creating a safe working environment while still enabling us to get the most out of our time and training - which ultimately gives our patients the best result. If you have any questions or want to know more about STONZ, get in touch!

Sloane Chan

Wellington Hospital
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Working as a junior doctor, I joined STONZ for unity. We need a strong union that works in partnership with the health system so that we can deliver the best for our people. STONZ is also the union that supports its members through their training. The STONZ agreement allows a high degree of flexibility; such individualised approach is what I need to succeed.

With my strong interest in the justice system, I will dedicate my career to medico-legals and forensic medicine.

James Lewis

Capital & Coast
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I am an Ophthalmology non-Training Registrar currently based in Wellington for the 2024-2025 training year.

I gained my MBChB from the University of Auckland where I previously completed a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance.

I joined STONZ because I am keen to work as an advocate for Junior Doctors, ensuring that Te Whatu Ora provides a safe working environment which is compliant with the SECA.

My current interests include learning the Cello and rock climbing. I look forward to meeting you!

Ravi Ram

Hutt Valley Hospital
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I am currently a non-trainee Orthopaedic registrar at Hutt Valley for 2022, previously at Wellington, Tauranga, Waikato and Christchurch.

I joined STONZ as I believe their philosophies promote a safe working environment for junior doctors to progress through training, managing fatigue and safe rostering.

Dan Scott

Wellington Hospital
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My name is Dan, and I’m an ophthalmology trainee based in Wellington. I joined STONZ because of its strong focus on prioritising training and career development. There are lots of challenges with medical training, and I’m passionate about streamlining the journey. My goal is to ensure that, at every step of the journey, our work environment fosters support, enjoyment, and growth.

I’m keen to contribute fresh ideas and actively support my colleagues.

Please feel free to reach out anytime —I'm always happy to help.

Upper South Island

Kodi Fearnley-Fitzgerald

Nelson Hospital
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Kia Ora! My name is Kodi and I am a current PGY1 based in my home town and in my (biased) opinion the best city in Aotearoa - Whakatū (Nelson)!

I strongly align with the core foundation and values of STONZ - a union that centres around individualised advocacy and support to help RMOs reach their future career goals and aspirations. We are part of a workforce that dedicates many years to train and countless days/nights/weekend to care for our patients and I’m really passionate in ensuring that we are supported and valued for the work we do. I joined the STONZ delegate team last year as the TI delegate and have continued in the role as a PGY1 to continue to support and advocate for junior doctors as part of the wider delegate team.

I am always free to chat and if you have any questions or queries please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Michael Sunderland

Christchurch Hospital
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I’m a Registrar based in Christchurch, I grew up in Invercargill and prior to becoming a doctor I had a stint as a squash player and started to study law when I went to university (ugh!). My wife is a surgical registrar.

I joined STONZ because of transparency. There is a real attitude of getting stuck in and working for the greater good of patients, while concurrently undertaking research to continue to foster safer rosters – working WITH our district health boards.

Jeremy Wild

Christchurch Hospital
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I am a SET 4 General Surgical Trainee at Christchurch Hospital.

I have experience in multiple surgical sub-specialties having worked in urology, cardiothoracics, vascular and general surgery registrar positions.

I hold a keen interest in football, surfing and golf!

Jamie Mckenzie

TI Delegate - Christchurch Hospital
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I am currently a training intern at the University of Otago, Christchurch Hospital campus. Previously I have completed a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and worked at Waikato Hospital in the Oral and Maxillofacial department. My aim as a STONZ delegate is to provide a point of contact and advocate for training interns, RMO's, dentists and the Oral and Maxillofacial Specialty. Please feel free to contact me with any concerns.

Carmella Catlow

Christchurch Hospital
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I am a Paediatric Registrar working in the Waitaha Canterbury District at Christchurch Hospital. I am originally from U.K. and trained at Cardiff University. After completing my foundation training I made the decision to move to New Zealand.

I decided to become a STONZ delegate as having worked in the NHS I have seen how easily working environments can become very unsafe very quickly and wanted to join a team that could effectively work to prevent this as well as improving RMO wellbeing and getting the most out of training. I believe that good work-life balance is key to being a good doctor. Outside of work I enjoy surfing, diving, hiking and playing netball.

Rohan Sejpal

Christchurch Hospital

Hi, I’m Rohan and I am currently working as a non-training Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Registrar based at Christchurch Hospital in 2024.

I grew up in Wellington and have previously worked as a dental house officer in the Hutt Valley for 2 years, before heading north to Auckland as a non-training OMFS registrar in 2023.

I joined STONZ as the union’s philosophies align with my own, and I hope to contribute to the ongoing improvements in RMO working conditions and wellbeing.

My aim as a delegate is to primarily represent and advocate for the dentally-trained RMOs as well as those working in OMFS roles around the country.

Jonty Morreau

Christchurch Hospital
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Kia Ora Team,

My name is Jonty Morreau and I'm a non-training Surgical Registrar in Christchurch Hospital.

I'm passionate about efficient medical training, resource allocation and ensuring that everyone gets a fair go. STONZ's advocacy for a safe and supportive work environment for healthcare professionals resonates deeply with me. As a delegate, I'm eager to contribute to a community that supports healthcare professionals in navigating their rights and responsibilities.

Lower South Island

Michael Ridgen

Timaru Hospital
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Kia Ora, I’m Mike; I’m a PGY1 House Officer. I trained in Dunedin & Christchurch prior to heading to the big smoke of Timaru Hospital!

I became a STONZ member this year to help communicate the needs of the hard-working RMO’s. We work in a busy, evolving healthcare system so I value STONZ in that they push hard for changes through their MECA in order to create safer working conditions in a system that has historically been afraid of change.

Feel free to send me a message if you need any help or advice!

Jibi Kunnethedam

Dunedin Hospital
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Kia ora, I’m Jibi and I’m currently a Psychiatry Registrar at Dunedin Hospital in stage 2 of training.

I grew up in Oamaru (North Otago) before heading to Auckland for med school.

After graduation, I returned to the mainland and have worked in both Dunedin and Christchurch as an RMO.

I joined the STONZ team as a delegate to contribute and advocate for us all.

I think RMOs from all specialties provide an incredibly valuable contribution to our health system and that we should be appropriately valued too.

Having a chat is pretty much my speciality now so feel free to hit me up!

Caroline Clifford

Invercargill Hospital

I am a non-SET surgical registrar, originally from Ireland, and currently working in Invercargill Hospital for 2024.

I look forward to being a STONZ delegate as a way of advocating for and supporting my colleagues' wellbeing in any way I can. I am always happy to be contacted, even just for a chat!