Dr. Stuart Jones originates from the Far North, however headed to the far south attending Otago Medical School from which he graduated in 1995. He spent his initial post-graduate years working at Dunedin Hospital before taking up a post as respiratory research fellow at the Dunedin School of Medicine.
In 2003 he graduated with a PhD from Otago University with a thesis entitled: Exhaled nitric oxide and the clinical control of airway inflammation. He commenced his respiratory specialist training in Dunedin before heading to the UK for a further 3 years of training. During his time in the UK he was based in Cambridge where he worked at the local university hospital (Addenbrookes) and at Papworth Hospital, a specialist cardio-respiratory unit. While at Papworth he trained in pulmonary hypertension and sleep medicine. He then went to Edinburgh where he worked as a sleep fellow at the Royal Infirmary.
He is currently employed as a Respiratory and Sleep Physician at Middlemore Hospital. He specialises in general respiratory medicine, with a particular interest in sleep medicine, asthma and airway inflammation, and bronchiectasis.
Dr Jones is also the President of the New Zealand branch of TSANZ (Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand).
He is the current Principal Cultural Advisor to the Minister of Treaty of Waitangi negotiations. He regularly provides consultancy services to the Crown Law Office, the Office of the Treaty Settlements, and the policy division of the Ministry of Justice.
John spent the early part of his career in education which spanned over 25 years, and included time spent teaching in Awanui, Wairoa, Te Teko, and at Epuni Primary School. He 'pioneered' the teaching of Te Reo at Wainuiomata College, and over his educational career went on to become principal of Ngata Memorial College, Ruatoria and Wellington High School and Community Institute.
John has an excellent and thorough understanding of Māori issues. His role with the Foundation will include, providing advice on the various aspects of tikanga Māori and protocols. John is a fluent speaker of Te Reo Māori, and represents the Foundation to raise awareness within the wider Māori community and with other key stakeholders.
John has held numerous high-level roles including Chief Executive of the Ministry of Māori Affairs, former Race Relations Conciliator and Human Rights Commissioner of Aotearoa New Zealand. He is a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM), which was awarded in 2011 for outstanding service to Māori.
In May 2018, John was named a knight companion to the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM) at Government House to be honoured for services to Māori and heritage preservation.
The Foundation is privileged to have John's support, and we thank him for offering his services to us.
Letitia was previously the Chief Executive for the New Zealand Organisation of Rare Disorders (NZORD) an organisation, which under her leadership raised its national awareness, professionalism and support group engagement.
Letitia has over 20 years extensive experience in the health sector which includes the introduction of new health technologies, improving access to medicines, initiating imaging and diagnostic trials and establishing international healthcare networks.
She holds a Bachelor of Science, a Post Graduate Diploma in Business and a Masters in Health Management all from the University of Auckland, School of Population Health. Letitia has sat on a number of international and national advisory boards, and been an invited speaker at both New Zealand and overseas conferences.
She has held senior management positions in both the corporate diagnostic and pharmaceutical industry, and collaborated with many NGOs over the years.
Teresa is responsible for the education portfolio, which includes educating on respiratory conditions, the annual national respiratory conference and providing professional development and training for health professionals.
She has extensive experience in management positions within intensive care, elderly care, public health, school nursing, practice nursing and respiratory health education. Teresa is a registered nurse with over 30 years of experience working in the health sector.
Teresa is currently a trustee on the board for PSYLO (Porirua Sing Your Lungs Out), and sits on the Activity and Nutrition Aotearoa (formerly named Agencies for Nutrition Action) Strategic Council.
Harriet is responsible for the Foundation's Grants program as well as seeking out new fundraising opportunities.
She has worked as both an NZ Lotteries advisor and an in-house lawyer, before turning her
hand to fundraising in a voluntary capacity for her children’s kindergarten in Karori for the past four years. Harriet holds a Law degree and a Bachelors degree majoring in Criminology and Art History.
Brian is the Foundation’s marketing and communications team leader, and is responsible for making sure that New Zealand knows what the Foundation does.
Whether it’s radio, magazines, or internet, he’s the Foundation’s key storyteller. He holds a Bachelors of Environmental and Health Science, as well as a Masters in Science Communication, both from Dublin City University.
Originally from Ireland, Brian moved to Wellington in 2014, and remains convinced that it was a good idea. He’s worked across multiple industries, from small local startups to big government, and most recently the horticulture industry.
Grant is responsible for the marketing activity for the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ and the Sensitive Choice® programme.
He has a strong background in digital and direct marketing, with an emphasis on relationship marketing. He holds a degree in Marketing and a Diploma in Communication from Massey University. As well as Certificates in Direct and Digital marketing from the New Zealand Marketing Association.
His work experience includes Foodstuffs (Wellington), Thomson Reuters, RaboDirect and Massey University.
Victoria is the Foundation's key designer and social media coordinator. Victoria holds a Marketing degree with a media minor from Massey University.
Victoria enjoys creative marketing communication with a strong focus on digital media and design. Prior to beginning her degree, Victoria spent almost a decade working in the health and beauty industry as a qualified hair stylist.
Ruby is our Office Coordinator here at the Foundation and is responsible for keeping our office and administration running smoothly in addition to being the first point of contact for most enquiries.
Ruby is holds a communication degree majoring in marketing with a media minor and enjoys traditional and digital marketing.
Prior to studying, Ruby was working in customer service based roles for the past four years.
Is your asthma under control?
Take the asthma control test to find out
