Ko wai mātou Who are we?
We are an experienced team of researchers who have previously collaborated on a range of research studies. Our collective expertise covers cancer epidemiology, health inequities, Māori health, Pacific health, co-design methodologies and community-oriented research. This work is co-led by Dr Fiona McKenzie and Associate Professor Mona Jeffreys.
Co-principal investigators
Dr Fiona McKenzie
Dr Fiona McKenzie is a senior epidemiologist with significant experience in access to health care and health inequities both in Aotearoa and internationally. Much of her career has been focused on highlighting and addressing inequities in cancer, including disparities in diagnosis, treatments and outcomes.
Associate Professor Mona Jeffreys
Associate Professor Mona Jeffreys is a senior epidemiologist who has significant experience in designing, leading and analysing epidemiological and health services research studies. She has a particular interest in addressing inequities in access to care, with a focus on primary health care and cancer care.
Research team
Dr Lis Ellison-Loschmann (Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Raukawa, Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Toa Rangatira)
Dr Lis Ellison-Loschmann is an epidemiologist and a co-director of Flax Analytics Ltd, a research consultancy based in Wellington. Her research focuses on addressing health and social inequities, the epidemiology of chronic disease, translational research and health system performance. She has previously collaborated on several projects with Māori and Pacific providers to co-design, develop and implement evidence-based programmes. Dr Ellison-Loschmann is currently co-leading the joint HRC/MoH-funded four-year evaluation study of Whakamaua, the implementation plan for He Korowai Oranga Māori Health Strategy (HRC 22/659).
Dr Kahurangi Dey (Ngāti Pūkenga, Ngāi Te Rangi)
Dr Kahurangi Dey is a senior research fellow in Māori health, with significant expertise in kai-related research. She has recently completed her PhD on Ka Ora, Ka Ako (the Healthy School Lunches programme), and also works closely with health and social services provider Kōkiri Marae and health research organisation Tū Kotahi Māori Asthma Research Trust, both members of Tākiri Mai te Ata Whānau Ora collective in Te Awa Kairangi.
Dr Marianna Churchward
Umair Waqas
Umair Waqas is a PhD candidate at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. His research investigates ethnic- and age-related inequities in colorectal cancer outcomes in Aotearoa New Zealand, spanning screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survival. Drawing on linked national datasets and ecosocial theory, his work seeks to identify structural and health-system factors that shape inequities and to generate evidence to support more equitable colorectal cancer care. His PhD is funded through this project.
Bailey Yee
Bailey Yee is a PhD student at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. Her research focuses on exploring the intersectional effects of sociodemographic characteristics on inequitable breast cancer outcomes among women in Aotearoa New Zealand. She is employed part-time as a Research Fellow, working to identify local initiatives that support and improve participation in the National Bowel Screening Programme.
Thilanthi Kaluarachchige Dona
Rōpū Kaitiaki | Advisory Board
Our research is supported by a Rōpū Kaitiaki | Advisory Board.
Dr Amy Henry
Dr Amy Henry is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Lecturer in the School of Nursing at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), whose research focuses on equity in palliative and end-of-life care for Pacific peoples and health ethics. She is a registered nurse with experience working in district nursing, palliative care and perioperative nursing. Dr Amy Henry is the Chair of the Advisory Board.
Prof Parry Guilford
Professor Parry Guilford is the Principal Investigator in the Cancer Genetics Laboratory, University of Otago and co-founder of the cancer diagnostics company Pacific Edge Ltd. His current research interests include the genetics of inherited and sporadic cancers, in particular stomach cancer. He led the research group that first described the inherited cancer syndrome Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer, and he continues to work on approaches for the chemoprevention of this cancer. Other active research involves the development of circulating tumour DNA for early cancer detection and the monitoring of treatment response, with an emphasis on how this technology can be made cost-effective and accessible.
Dr Calvin Harris
Dr Calvin Davis is a vocationally registered General Practitioner with a passion for providing comprehensive, patient-centred care across all stages of life. Originally from the United States, he completed his Family Medicine residency in Alaska before moving to New Zealand where he has worked extensively in rural general practice on the West Coast. Calvin has a particular interest in rural health, point-of-care ultrasound, and clinical leadership, and has held a number of leadership roles focused on improving healthcare systems and patient outcomes. He is committed to delivering evidence-based care while building lasting relationships with patients and their families. Outside of medicine, Calvin enjoys tramping, travelling, and exploring New Zealand with his wife, Elise.
Victoria Thompson
Victoria Thompson is the Community Engagement and Patient Support Team Lead at Bowel Cancer New Zealand. She has an extensive background working in palliative care both as an inpatient nurse and in the community throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and in Melbourne Australia. In her role at Bowel Cancer New Zealand, she plays a vital point of contact for patients affected by bowel cancer and their families, providing emotional and practical support. Her research contributions explore patient-reported experiences, specifically focusing on early-onset colorectal cancer.