Meet the team

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Dr. Simone Petrich - Chair

Simone graduated from Heidelberg University, Germany, in 1997 and received her Medical Doctorate the same year. She trained as an obstetrician and gynaecologist in Germany, which included breast diseases. Working in New Zealand she provides care in obstetrics and gynaecology as well as working as a breast surgeon at Dunedin Hospital. The main focus of her work is oncology. She established the genetics meeting in Dunedin for gynaecology and breast, is lead colposcopist, accredited breast surgeon for the breast screening program and fellow of the RANZCOG. Her academic interests are reflected in her commitment as a senior clinical lecturer for the University of Otago in Surgery as well as O&G and involvement in a number of research projects in the areas of CIN, BRCA as well as breast and gynaecological cancers.

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Nicola Coom  - Trustee

Nicola is the Chief Executive of the Cancer Society of New Zealand and brings experience that spans the private, public and NGO sectors. She is a member of the Institute of Directors, holds governance roles across health, NGO and tech sectors and has been involved in launching three start-ups. Nicola is a strong advocate for cancer prevention and ensuring the voices of those who need the health system the most are heard. She is widely recognised for her work in modernising service delivery, building collaborative partnerships, and developing strategy. Nicola has a strong family history of familial cancer and carries the BRCA1 gene mutation.

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Helen Harris  - Trustee

Helen is the Financial Controller at the University of Otago. She is a breast cancer survivor and carries the BRCA2 gene mutation. She is passionate about helping others to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Helen believes that cancer impacts so many families and the more that can be done to reduce this impact and share knowledge, the better the outcomes for all.

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Jody Bews-Hair  - Trustee

Jody is a senior executive with experience spanning marketing, digital, communications, PR, customer experience and customer operations. She is a carrier of the BRCA2 gene mutation and has lost a number of family members to familial cancer, including her father and sister. Jody has a keen interest in education and advocacy for those affected by familial cancer, and joined the Trust in 2024.

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Steph McKenzie  - Trustee

Steph brings to the Trust experience working in programmes and projects in the publicly funded healthcare sectors in New Zealand and the UK. She has an MA from the University of Auckland, a Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health from the University of Otago, and has received PRINCE2 Practitioner certification. Steph's whānau has been affected by familial cancers, and she is passionate about advocating for and supporting patients.

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Harry Fraser - Trustee

Harry practices as a Genetic Counsellor at the Northern Regional Genetics Service in Auckland. He trained in Manchester, UK, and relocated to New Zealand in 2019. Though his role includes working across multiple areas of clinical genetics, he has a particular focus on cancer genetics, including familial breast and ovarian cancer.

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Mike Legge - Advisor

Mike Legge retired as Associate Professor of Biochemistry, Associate Dean of Medical Education, and Director of Medical Laboratory Science at the University of Otago and holds an Honorary Associate Professorship with the University where he continues to undertake research. He is a member of the European Commission Ethical Review Panel, the European Commission Life Science Expert Panel and a Member of the Ministerial Ethics Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technologies. He is an inaugural Fellow of the Faculty Science with the Royal College of Pathologists Australasia in Chemical Pathology and a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences and the Institute of Biomedical Sciences UK in Clinical Biochemistry. Mike works with the NZ Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences as a Professional Affairs and Education Advisor.