About Us
Committee
Anne McMahon
Chair person
Moving and Handling Programme Manager – Auckland
Reason for joining the committee:
To create and develop a professional forum for this very under resourced science in New Zealand. I have worked in a Moving and Handling focused culture before and have experienced the benefits it can bring for healthcare providers and receivers alike. As we do not yet have the legislation, MoH directives or treasury funding to really embed this, it is up to us the healthcare professionals to get the ball rolling. We do very difficult jobs and this is one area that risk can really be reduced for our patients and us.
Mary Gill
Mary.Gill@waitematadhb.govt.nz
Secretary
I have been a Moving and Handling Educator at Waitemata since 2007. Participating in national Roadshows (2012, 2015 and 2018) has been a fantastic way to get to know MHANZ members, and share knowledge and solutions for safe handling of patients. I am presently the Secretary of MHANZ.
Eleanor Barrett
Treasurer
Moving and Handling Specialist - Te Whatu Ora CC&HV district
Kritika Satija
Committee Member
Mercy Ascot Hospital
(Auckland)
Meredith Rookes
Committee Member
Team Lead Injury Prevention
(Te Whatu Ora, Canterbury and West Coast)
Anne Maisey
Committee Member
Consumer and Former trainer
Michelle A’Court ONZM
MHANZ Patron
Website: www.micheleacourt.com
Appointed ONZM in 2023.
Winner of “Female Comedian of the Decade” at the 2010 NZ Comedy Guild Awards, Michèle A’Court is a stand-up comedian, freelance writer and best-selling author. Michèle is the Patron of the Moving & Handling Association of NZ (MHANZ) which cares for carers in the health sector. She is a proud member of Actors’ Equity, and a Life Member of the NZ Comedy Guild. more about Michèle
Rebecca Washbourn
Patient Handling Trainer,
On the Go Physio (Christchurch)
Web administrator
web@mhanz.org.nz
Life and Honorary Members
David R Thomas
David Thomas is Emeritus Professor in Social and Community Health at the University of Auckland. David coordinated the writing of Moving and Handling People: The New Zealand Guidelines published by ACC in 2012, and another ACC-funded project, Guidelines for Moving and Handling People in Home Care, completed in 2012.
His publications and reports are available at: www.researchgate.net/profile/David_Thomas11
Ann Newsom
Physiotherapist and Moving and Handling Trainer/ Advisor Therapy Professionals (retired)
I am passionate about promoting safe practice for nurses/careers and patients.
Now that I am retired I would like to act as a resource person and pass on my knowledge to people new to the area. I will also continue to have an interest in MHANZ and the dedicated people who belong to it”
