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!

Matt McGuinness

North Shore Hospital
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I am currently a SET 3 General Surgery Registrar at North shore hospital. I attended medical school at UOA and have worked in Auckland since graduation.

I joined STONZ because I believe their philosophy and attitude is aligned with my own and I am keen to help members with any issues that arise. I have a passion along side surgery for doctor well-being and medical education.

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

Auckland City 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.

Matt Stretton

Starship Hospital
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Matt is an ORLHNS (ENT) trainee. He enjoys traveling (when the borders are open), eating and spending time with his friends and family. He is motivated to make work and training a rewarding and enjoyable experience and doesn’t think we should have to choose between training and life/family.

Email me, call me, yell at me in the corridor, whatever. I want to make training better and can’t do it without our members thoughts and dreams. Always happy for a philosophical chat whilst working behind the scenes on the details. Obviously I have a surgical background, so it is even more important that our non surgical trainees/members get in touch to make sure we’re representing you all.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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 surgical registrar working in the Waikato district. I joined STONZ for many reasons but I particularly value their transparent and concise communication and that they place patient safety as their top priority, while allowing members the flexibility to ensure training requirements are met.

Becoming a STONZ delegate meant I was able to disseminate these values and provide support to my peers in maintaining a safe working environment. You will find me in the coffee shop.

Cam Bringans

Waikato Hospital
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I am currently a non-trainee neurosurgery registrar and I am passionate about surgery, science, and team-work.

I joined STONZ because I believe that the only way to achieve truly “Safe Working Hours” is through subtle argument and evidence-based practice. STONZ advocates for those who know that experience is the key to becoming a safe doctor.

I want to help improve our union by facilitating communication between our members and the union leadership.

Minesh Prakash

Waikato
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I am currently a non-training Cardiothoracic Registrar. I joined STONZ because it represents fairness - for the patients, ourselves, and our colleagues.

I believe STONZ is the way forward for all doctors as their versatility in facilitating fairness for all regardless of our status, it benefits us all.

Jonathan Blake

Tauranga Hospital
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Kia ora!

I’m Jonathan, an anaesthetic registrar currently based in Tauranga Hospital. I joined STONZ because I firmly believe in the importance of joining a union that will protect the interests of its members to ensure patient safety. From personal experience I’ve found navigating contracts, RMO units and rosters at best perplexing, but at worst a real challenge. I hope I can help others with any issues they have, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch. In true anaesthetic style, no issue is too hard to hash out over a coffee.

Arna Long

Tauranga Hospital
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I am a General Surgical Registrar in Tauranga Hospital, having recently relocated from Auckland. 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.

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.

James Lewis

Palmerston North Hospital
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I am an Ophthalmology non-Training Registrar currently based at Mid Central District and moving to 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!

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.

Fitri Fadzlullah

Whanganui Hospital
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Kia ora!

Fitri is the name. I am an aspiring general surgeon, currently working as a PGY2 House Officer in Whanganui.

I joined STONZ because of the holistic values that empower upskilling doctors.

I am a passionate advocate for ideas that would help improving the health and well-being and training of our workforce. So, please do say hi or email or call if you are in need to address any issues or just wanted to chat!

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!

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.

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.

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.

Gabriella Giacon

Christchurch Hospital
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I’m currently a PGY3 at Christchurch Hospital. Originally from the Kapiti Coast, the South Island caters for all of my hobbies including snow boarding and mountain biking.

I joined STONZ due to its emphasis on caring for both Doctors and patients alike. The team is progressive and transparent, and I look forward to working together to promote positive outcomes.

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.

Lower South Island

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.

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!