NZBA Staff

Jules has a passion for, and working knowledge of health equity and equitable access to services for whānau.

She has a background in health system alliancing and service design, business ownership and directorships, governance and primary care operational management.

Jules is a qualified physiotherapist and owned a private practice in Christchurch for 11 years before working in the wider health system.

Cara is originally from the USA and has a background in maternal-child nursing. She has worked as a postnatal nurse, community health nurse and lactation consultant (IBCLC) in the inpatient and outpatient settings. 

Cara has been an IBCLC for 18 years and previously worked at Christchurch Women’s Hospital from 2009-2012.  She is very happy to be working to protect, support and promote breastfeeding in Aotearoa.  

Pania began in the field of school psychology wanting to help children have a happy childhood. As a mother, she discovered that breastfeeding is the best possible start! Since then she has devoted her energy to help mothers achieve their own breastfeeding goals through roles as a La Leche League leader and IBCLC.

Carmen is of Ngati Kahungunu descent and lives in Wellington. She is the Māori Advisor for the New Zealand Breastfeeding Alliance.

Previously, Carmen worked in a primary care well-child service, as a nurse educator and researcher. She has had a long relationship with NZBA. Carmen has been a Lead Assessor for BFHI and has worked for the NZBA as an assessor since 2001. She has been the Māori representative on the NZBA Board (2014-2016) and chaired Te Rōpu Whakaruruhau, NZBA's Māori Advisory group.

Wendy manages the NZBA website, social media, newsletter and NZBA resources. She prepares the annual breastfeeding data for Te Whatu Ora. Wendy is also a Registered Nutritionist and works in community nutrition in Ōtautahi.

Joanne is responsible for all aspects of our office management. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact her.