MEET US
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.
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).
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NIA WILLIAMS
Sales Director | Orion Health
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 moved to New Zealand in 2019 where she now works for Orion Health as Sales Director, establishing partnerships with customers to support them on their digital health journeys.
Nia was very honoured to be part of the 2024 intake of the Women in HealthTech Mentoring Programme, EmpowerHer.
I am no bird; and no net ensnares me;
I am a free human being with an independent will.
Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre
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