Our Team

Gareth is a Medical Oncologist specialising in cancers of the lung, melanoma, brain and soft tissue tumours (sarcoma). He works at both Harbour Cancer Centre and Auckland City Hospital, and is involved in both scientific research and clinical trials. Gareth undertook his medical training at the University of Auckland where he was the recipient of the Abbott Watson Memorial Scholarship. On completion of his Medical Oncology specialisation, he accepted a research fellowship at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Melbourne, Australia, where he undertook a research doctorate, focusing on the immune system and cancer. Gareth’s research has been internationally recognised with an American Society of Clinical Oncology Merit Award (2017). Gareth is committed to using the latest research to obtain the best possible outcomes for all his patients.

Karen is a New Zealand trained Medical Oncologist with expertise in the care of breast cancer and cancers of unknown primary. Karen worked extensively throughout the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand before receiving her FRACP in 2006. Karen completed Medical Oncology training in Auckland and Waikato, and was subsequently awarded the Murray Jackson fellowship. Karen has extensive experience in leadership roles within the Auckland and Northland cancer services, having worked as the Clinical Director of Medical Oncology for Northland Health from 2010-14, leading the project to establish a telehealth service, and as Thoracic Oncology Team lead at Auckland Hospital. Karen has also worked in breast, gastrointestinal and thoracic oncology throughout her career.

Amanda is Medical Oncologist with extensive expertise in the care of gastro-intestinal malignancies. She completed her medical training in Auckland in 1995, and went on to receive her FRACP specialist qualification in 2003. Following this she spent two years undertaking research at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, USA. She has worked in both breast and gastrointestinal Oncology throughout her career and is the Gastrointestinal Oncology Team Leader at Auckland Hospital. She is a member of American Society of Clinical Oncology and Australasian Gastrointestinal Trials Group. She is the Oncology representative on the Royal Australasian College of Physicians advisory committee. She works closely with surgeons, radiation oncologists. pharmacists and nurse specialists to ensure patients receive the best possible care and treatment options.

Dr Henry Chan is a consultant clinical and laboratory Haematologist at North Shore Hospital and an honorary senior lecturer at the University of Auckland. He is the clinical lead of the Haematology Research Unit at North Shore Hospital and is the principal investigator of multiple international and investigator-led clinical studies. After graduating from the University of Auckland and completing his specialist training in New Zealand, Dr Chan went on to work at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Canada, as a clinical fellow. Dr Chan has a strong interest in multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and he has co-authored over 20 publications in these areas to date. He currently serves as the co-chair of the New Zealand Myeloma Interest Group and a trustee in Myeloma New Zealand. He is a member of the Myeloma Scientific Advisory Group for Myeloma Australia and is the recipient of the Rotary Grant for Myeloma Genomic Fellowship at the University of Auckland.

Sanjeev is a New Zealand trained Medical Oncologist who specialises in looking after patients with gastro-intestinal cancer. He completed his Medical Oncology training in Auckland in 2010 and then completed a Clinical Fellowship in Experimental Oncology at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Hospital in London, UK. Sanjeev returned to Auckland in 2015 as a Medical Oncologist. He has also established and is the Current Medical Director of the Auckland Clinical Trials Centre at Auckland Hospital. He is the Principal Investigator on many ground-breaking studies and has collaborated with New Zealand’s leading researchers. Sanjeev is a sought-after lecturer, is an invited speaker at national conferences, and is widely published in peer reviewed journals. He prides himself on clear communication and making sure his patients receive the best multidisciplinary care.

Soizick is a general Medical Oncologist specializing in the care of patients with breast cancer. She has a background of a Masters in Science with First Class Honours, completed her Medical training at the University of Auckland, and became a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in 2016. She undertook a Clinical Research Fellowship in Gynaecological Oncology at the Gustave Roussy Institute, an integrated cancer center of excellence in Paris, France. She has experience in palliative care and symptom control, having completed a post-graduate Clinical Diploma in Palliative Medicine. Soizick now works as a Medical Oncologist at Harbour Centre and Auckland City Hospital, she is committed to providing patients diagnosed with cancer the best possible care, in close collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team. She carefully considers the individual needs of patients and their families, and practices with compassion and clear communication. Soizick has an interest in research and is currently working with scientists on evaluating the genomic and immune profiles of gynaecological cancers, with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for women diagnosed with these cancers. This work has been recognized internationally recognized with an American Society of Clinical Oncology, Conquer Cancer Merit Award (2016).

Rosalie is a nationally-recognised expert in melanoma and gynaecological cancers. She undertook her Oncology training in Auckland and completed a fellowship at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, culminating in a research doctorate at the Institute of Cancer Research. Rosalie’s passion for research has continued in New Zealand, conducting clinical trials and collaborating with academic research teams. She is an established leader in the Oncology community and is currently the Chair of the National Melanoma Research and Therapy special interest group; a board member of Melanoma NZ; an active participant in national governance groups; and a member of the NZ Gynaecological Cancer Group. Rosalie has also featured on TV and radio as a prominent advocate for New Zealand cancer patients. She is a regular speaker at national cancer conferences, contributes to GP education, and has published widely in peer-reviewed journals.

Anna is a New Zealand trained Haematologist with specialist expertise in myeloproliferative and myelodysplastic disorders as well as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Anna completed her specialist qualifications in 2011 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia. Anna is a passionate advocate for patient-centred care. She values clear communication and sees the importance of a multidisciplinary treatment programme. Anna is actively involved in haematology research and is the lead investigator for several clinical trials in New Zealand.

Navjot Dhillon is an American trained medical oncologist with expertise in multidisciplinary cancers. She completed her medical school in India in 2003, and went on to receive her Internal Medicine residency training at University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA at the serene Montgomery campus. Following which she completed Phase-1 Clinical trial fellowship at the world-renowned MD Anderson Center of Cancer in Houston, Texas and also worked there as a clinical coordinator in the Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Medicine. She then completed her Haematology & Oncology Fellowship at the Louisiana State University in the 'The Big Easy' city of New Orleans. Navjot is board certified physician with the American Board of Internal Medicine both in Internal Medicine (2011) and Medical Oncology (2015) and prior to moving to New Zealand has worked in California as part of a multidisciplinary group of cancer specialists. Alongside all tumour streams, Navjot has a special interest in genitourinary, breast and head & neck malignancies. Navjot describes her goal in caring for people with cancer: "to establish trust with my patients and to create supportive relationships with them and their families so that we can build an individualised plan of care together." As a lifelong sportswoman, she knows the importance of teamwork. She has witnessed the strength it gives each member. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family, and enjoying the gorgeous Kiwi outdoors.

Vicki is one of New Zealand’s most experienced cancer nurses, having been charge nurse for over ten years of New Zealand’s largest chemotherapy day unit at Auckland Hospital. She has decades of experience in Oncology/Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation. Vicki has worked in a variety of senior and leadership roles in NZ and the UK, such as a Clinical Nurse Educator, Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Manager with both adults and children. Vicki has had a lifelong passion for providing the best care possible to people living with cancer in an empathetic and compassionate way.

Joanna has over 15 years experience as a clinical pharmacist, including over a decade as a specialist oncology pharmacist, providing high-quality care to adult oncology, haematology and palliative care patients. She has extensive experience working in busy hospital settings. Joanna is interested in the use of complementary medicines in cancer care and loves to spend time with patients, helping them better understand their treatments. She works closely with our oncology team to ensure high-quality medicine management for our patients.

Levonne has over 20years of Oncology nursing experience. She delivers an exceptional level of care which is very patient centred. She enjoys being able to make a positive difference during what is often an emotional and difficult time for patients and their families, in a supportive and holistic manner. Aside from being a passionate oncology nurse, Levonne enjoys spending time on her lifestyle block.

Nimitha has over 15 years of nursing experience and has spent the past five years as a nurse in New Zealand. ​Nimitha enjoys helping our oncology patients and understands what a hard time it can be for them and their families. When Nimitha isn’t nursing, she enjoys cooking delicious meals for her friends and family.

Amy has been nursing for 13 years, majority of that time was spent in the Auckland City hospital oncology department as a staff nurse and then in the later years she was the nurse educator. Amy’s passion for oncology nursing is very evident in the care she delivers. Her empathetic nature encompasses not just the patient but also their family/whanau. Aside from oncology nursing Amy is a mum and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Lisa is a New Zealand trained registered nurse who has specialised in medical oncology since 2011. Having worked in senior clinical roles in oncology/haematology in both NZ and Australia, Lisa brings a wealth of experience to the team. Lisa is passionate about delivering the best oncology nursing care to people living with a cancer diagnosis

Sally has over 20 years of nursing experience in both the UK and New Zealand, the majority of which has been in the public oncology setting.  Sally is kind and approachable, placing individuals and their family/whanau at the heart of all her practice. Outside of work she enjoys family and friends, a caravan in Waihi and as much running as she can squeeze in.

Claudia is a New Zealand trained registered nurse who has been nursing for 8 years, all of which have been within the oncology/haematology specialties. Claudia has worked in inpatient and outpatient settings for both adult and children undergoing treatment. Claudia is passionate about delivering a high standard of care to oncology patients through knowledge and compassion.   Aside from nursing, Claudia enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters.  

Marina is originally from South Africa where she specialised in oncology nursing from 1984. She has continued to work in oncology ever since, as this is her passion. Marina brings a wealth of experience and commitment to excellence.   Marina was the Nurse Manager for a private oncology practice in Pretoria. When she emigrated to NZ in 2012, Marina worked in the oncology team at Auckland City Hospital until joining Harbour Cancer Centre in 2019.  

Hristina has been an oncology nurse for 20 years. Seventeen of those years Hristina was a nurse in Macedonia, with experience in chemotherapy day stay; specialising in breast cancer. Her qualities include a great sense of humour and making her patients feel at ease.   Outside of nursing, Hristina is a dedicated wife and mother of two sons. Her interests include cooking and spending time with family and friends.

Mitchell joins our team with a background in emergency medicine working in Australasia’s busiest emergency department. High pace triage and advanced assessment skills are his foundation. He brings these to the team with strong cannulation experience and a want to focus on cancer care and grow his knowledge in this field of medicine. Mitchell graduated from AUT and has postgraduate in advanced assessment in emergency medicine. Having travelled extensively living in Europe and Australia, Mitchell brings a wealth of cultural knowledge and background of lifestyle differences. Outside of work Mitchell has played professional sport and enjoys the beach and travel.

Cherry, a dedicated mother of four, is an essential part of our Health Care Team. Working as a Health Care Assistant Cherry draws on her industrious background to provide both compassionate and professional service to all of our patients and staff.

Geraldine recently moved to New Zealand from Saudi Arabia, where she has been working in hospitals for the last 15 years; she joins the team as a Health Care Assistant. Geraldine has a wonderful, positive attitude, making patients feel comfortable and at ease.

Megan has over 20 years of physiotherapy experience and has spent the last 12 years specialising in oncology physiotherapy. Megan joins the Harbour team to lead our rehabilitation offering for patients. After qualifying in Australia, Megan worked in Queensland Health. She then spent five years working in London before settling in New Zealand. Megan holds international qualifications for lymphoedema management,cancer rehabilitation and Pilates. She has been an integral part of the development and delivery of national rehabilitation programs for men and women recovering from cancer. Megan is passionate about helping patients manage the physical side effects of their cancer surgery and treatment. She works closely with our oncology team to deliver patient-centred, evidence-based rehabilitation.

Ash has over 30 years’ experience in the health and wellness industry. Ash studied at AUT in sports massage, followed by further studies in decongestive lymphatic therapy, meditation and integrative nutrition. Ash’s therapeutic and gentle approach is a valuable tool in the recovery process, providing a soothing offering for patients during their treatment journey. Ash is available for on-site one-hour appointments Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays

Candice is an experienced oncology physiotherapist, graduating from AUT after moving to New Zealand from Canada. With over ten years of experience in health and fitness, Candice completed her postgraduate study in oncology and is a certified PINC physiotherapist. She has worked with many patients post cancer diagnosis, helping them to regain their strength and fitness. Candice is an integral part of our team and prescribes patients with an individualised exercise plan - helping them recover from their treatments quickly and effectively.

Geraldine has practiced as a psychologist since 2006 and has extensive experience of supporting individuals adjusting to the impact of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Geraldine studied at the University of Auckland, completing postgraduate clinical health psychology training at Auckland City Hospital. Previously, Geraldine was part of the counselling and psychology service at the Cancer Society. She also worked for 8 years as the breast service psychologist at Auckland City Hospital. Geraldine is a Registered Psychologist; Member of the NZ Psychological Society; Member of the Institute of Health Psychology and Psychosocial Oncology NZ.

Gemma is a NZ Registered Dietitian who has over 20 years experience and has worked throughout New Zealand, Australia and England, in both the public and private healthcare sectors. Gemma is able to provide you with a personalised eating plan to assist you at any stage of your treatment and this will be based around your cancer type, treatment regime and lifestyle. Gemma completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement ) in South Australia and a Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics in Queensland, Australia. She has worked in many varied and interesting roles throughout the world, including working with clients in the fitness industry,  in-patients at The Harley Street Clinic in London and she has also run a successful private Nutrition practice. Gemma has presented at national seminars and as a lecturer at the NZ Institute of Sport. Gemma specialises in healthy eating, weight management, bowel disorders, women’s health and hormone imbalances. She is passionate about following evidence based guidelines for health and Nutrition and helping people to make positive, sustainable changes for a healthy, well balanced lifestyle. Gemma works closely with our Oncology Team to deliver patient centred care and is available for appointments on a Wednesday in the Wellness Centre. She is available at other times by  appointment and also via telehealth.

Lynda is an experienced physiotherapist who has been working in both oncology and palliative care for the last 6 years. She also holds a post graduate diploma in Western Acupuncture and international certification as a Lymphoedema therapist. Lynda has done additional study in the use of TCM acupuncture in oncology and mental health and will often incorporate acupuncture in her treatment plans. Lynda is passionate about supporting her patients at all stages of cancer treatment and is available for appointments on a Friday in our Wellness Centre.

Annie brings three decades of experience working in health management. She works in tandem with clinical leadership to ensure the Harbour Cancer team provides exceptional care to patients and their families. Annie’s management experience spans private and public health and non-government organisations, along with national roles in health workforce development. Bringing operational, HR and quality management experience, Annie provides executive leadership to the Harbour Cancer team to deliver patient-centred expertise, innovation and care.

Maggie majored in Accounting at Massey University and has spent the last three years building her professional accounting experience in New Zealand. A native Mandarin and Cantonese speaker, Maggie is happy to help translate and communicate with patients when needed. Maggie has excellent attention to detail and loves problem-solving, helping our patients during a difficult time.

Shan-Marie Douglas works in the pivotal role of Medical reception and Admin. She is highly motivated with expertise in both clinical and surgical environment. Shan-Marie qualified as Operating department practitioner and practiced in the UK and SA before moving to Auckland in 2015 with her family. Her friendly patient approach is a testimony of her dedication and sincere patient care.

Helen joins the team as the Physiotherapy Receptionist and Admin. Over the last ten years, she has held support roles in various Physiotherapy Practices on the North Shore. Helen has an empathetic and caring nature and will provide a warm welcome to all patients. Originally from the UK, Helen and her family relocated to New Zealand in 2003. They enjoy the outdoor lifestyle and the close proximity to the stunning beaches and countryside.

Esther comes to Harbour Cancer Centre from Auckland Breast Centre where she worked as an Administrator/Receptionist and gained a broad knowledge of womens’ health. This followed a successful career in health with various roles in Waitemata DHB, being part of the first, and very successful, pilot programme for Bowel Screening as well as 3 years working in the sales department for Flight Centre Corporate Travel. Esther was born and raised in west Auckland, of Samoan decent, and her life revolves around her large family. She is passionate about her culture and helping her people.

Originally from Dubai, Desy tries to infuse every one of her endeavours with her strong values of caring and of service. Desy came to New Zealand in 2017 to pursue a Masters Degree in Management and since then has been working in the health sector for eight years. From her tenure at the Auckland Health Board, Desy is an experienced scheduler of treatment. She says that her daily interactions with our patients inspire her. Desy is an adventurer at heart, whether its indulging in her love for the outdoors, or in anything with four wheels and an engine, to sharing a passion for good music and travel and scouting out unheard of eateries- Desy is a foodie through and through!