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.

Henry is a New Zealand-trained Haematologist with expertise in multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. After completing his advanced specialist training in clinical and laboratory haematology, Henry undertook a clinical fellowship. Henry was part of the internationally-renowned Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto where his main focus was on the management of patients with lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Henry also has a passion for clinical research, he is a principal investigator on many national and international trials, and has recently been recognized with the Clinical Genomic Fellowship at The University of Auckland. Henry is committed to both training of junior doctors and improving medical education for patients.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ellen has been nursing for over 8 years, the last three of which have been in Oncology in public and now in private. Ellen enjoys caring for oncology patients and their families, and providing support during challenging times. When Ellen isn’t at work she enjoys spending time with her son and husband and getting outside.

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

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 and Wednesdays.

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.

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.

Vanessa is a Business Manager who works hard at integrating healthcare and business to provide the utmost effective and compassionate care to our patients and Cancer Centre. Working alongside our multidisciplinary team, she uses her diverse background in business management and Nursing to help achieve Harbour Cancer Centres philosophy of patient centre care. Vanessa brings with her a decade of nursing experience ranging from gynaecological cancer care to post-operative and Rural care environments across the lifespan, her passion for business is evident in the successful ownership and management of several businesses throughout her Career. Vanessa uses her diverse expertise to ensure the day to day operations run smoothly alongside planning for the sustainable future growth of Harbour Cancer Centre.

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.

Paula trained in Brazil as a Laboratory Technician, after moving to NZ in 2016 she volunteered at the New Zealand Blood Bank. Paula brings her health sector knowledge to her role as Harbour Cancer Centre Receptionist; she ensures patients are well cared for and supported. When Paula isn’t working, she enjoys camping with her family and gardening.

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.