The Council is comprised of eight members: six members are registered health practitioners and two members are laypersons.
Members are appointed by the Minister of Health for a term of up to three years. A member can be re-appointed for a further three-year term up to a maximum of three consecutive terms (i.e. nine years).
Brett Besley
Chair
Brett is an anaesthetic technician and was appointed to the Medical Sciences Council in June 2019. He has worked in both the public and private sector since qualifying in 2004 and is currently working for Te Whatu Ora - Hauora a toi, Bay of Plenty. Having been born in Papakura, and growing up in South Auckland, he has spent extensive time in both the Manawatū and Canterbury regions and has affiliations to Ngāti Kahungungu and Ngāti Tūwharetoa. Throughout his career he has specialised in clinical education and development, contributing to both the former AUT Applied Science diploma, MSC CPD audit process, and the online registration examination.
Ruth Beeston
(Deputy Chair), Medical Laboratory Scientist
A registered medical laboratory scientist, Ruth was appointed to the Medical Sciences Council in June 2019. Ruth has been a medical laboratory scientist for over 30 years, currently working in the Wellington Hospital for WSCL as a point-of-care coordinator. She is also a technical assessor for IANZ and has a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health.
Nicola Swain
Lay member
Associate Professor Nicola Swain was appointed to the Council as a lay member in late 2018. She is an Associate Professor in the School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, where she does health research. She has published over 70 peer-reviewed journal articles. She also teaches and supervises in well-being programmes at Te Pukenga. Nicola has been, and is currently, involved in a number of boards including: ADL (a mental health provider); Sport Otago; and the Medical Sciences Secretariat. She also sits on the Human Rights Tribunal and the Health and Disability Ethics Committee. Nicola lives in Arrowtown with her family.
Erolia Rooney
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Erolia, a registered Medical Laboratory Scientist, was appointed to the Medical Sciences Council in June 2019. Erolia was the Supervising Scientist for the NZ Blood Bank in the Dunedin hospital but is now the Regional Pacific Lead Te WaiPounamu at Te Whatu Ora. Erolia has been a registered practitioner in NZ for over 18 years. She has been involved in the profession as a NZIMLS examiner and conference organiser, an IANZ technical auditor, a University of Otago pathology tutor, a NZBlood staff trainer, a Samoa measles volunteer practitioner and a promoter of the profession as a career, especially to the Pasifika youth. Erolia is currently involved as a Community Board Trustee on The WellSouth Primary Health Network, The Otago Youth Wellness Trust and recently Diabetes NZ. Erolia volunteers as a Director of The Lupe Faalele a Samoa i Otago Incorporated Societies; as a Catholic Chaplain for the Otago Tertiary Chaplaincy; as a Pasifika voice on the Ōtepoti Community Support Group; the Otago Polytechnic External Advisory Committee; as a Samoan Cultural tutor and interpreter and most recently as an appointed Justice of the Peace.
“O lē pale i le tauasuasu i le vao, e úla i manuia i maota” (Blessings come through good service and deeds).
Varsha Desai
Medical Laboratory Pre-Analytical Technician
A registered medical laboratory pre-analytical technician, Varsha was appointed to the Medical Sciences Council in June 2019. Varsha has worked as an MLPAT in New Zealand since 2000. Varsha has a NZQA recognized Bachelor of Science (India). Varsha has integrated from being a Phlebotomist, to Phlebotomy trainer, to Team Leader, then to Phlebotomy Quality and Compliance Coordinator. She is currently an Area Manager, managing ADHB Central Collection Centres with Labtests. She coordinates, monitors and oversees the running of the area within best practice while reviewing staff competency levels to ensure all staff are compliant with NZIMS and MSC regulations.
Natasha Caldwell (Packer)
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Natasha is a registered medical laboratory scientist who was appointed to the Medical Sciences Council in June 2019. Natasha graduated with a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science from Massey University in 2004 and a Masters in Science, majoring in Medical Laboratory Science in 2009. Natasha worked briefly in Haematology before finding her passion in Histology where she has worked for more than 17 years. She is now managing the Counties Manukau laboratory and is involved in a number of workforce projects both regionally and nationally. Natasha has been involved in a range of teaching and training opportunities, with her particular focus being in specimen dissection, quality management and workforce development. Natasha joined the Registration Committee in 2016 and Chair of the Registration Committee in 2019.
Jujhar Singh Randhawa
Lay person
Jujhar Singh Randhawa is a dedicated community leader and successful entrepreneur based in Hamilton, New Zealand. Since arriving in New Zealand in 1998, Jujhar has made significant contributions to both the business and community sectors. He founded JSR Refrigeration and Air Conditioning in 2000, growing it from a garage-based operation into a thriving enterprise. Jujhar also serves as the CEO and managing director of Zephyr Pure Air Ventilation, JSR Management, and Hillcrest Spinal Centre, showcasing his versatility and business acumen.
Jujhar's commitment to community service is evident through his extensive involvement in various organizations. He holds numerous leadership roles, including Vice President of, and Head of Events for Indian Cultural Society Waikato Inc, co-founder and Chairman of IAMHE(R) Charitable Trust, and member of the Multicultural Advisory Board for NZ Police in Waikato. His dedication to social giving has earned him several awards, such as the ANZ Migrant Support Award, Hamilton Civic Award and the Indian NewsLink Community Award.
In addition to his professional and community endeavours, Jujhar is a Justice of the Peace and an entrepreneurship coach, continuously striving to make a positive impact. His unwavering dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to community service define his remarkable journey.
Mark Tumai
Anaesthetic Technician
Ko Tainui te waka,
Ko Waikato te awa,
Ko Taupiri te maunga,
Ko Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Pou ngā iwi
Ko Mark Tumai e tu nei.
Mark has dedicated his career to various capacities in the health sector for over two decades.
Mark has worked in both public and private hospitals. He has worked in NGOs and Māori Healthcare providers as a project manager throughout the Waikato region.
His commitment extends beyond the professional sphere, as he sits on various church boards and previously Marae Trusts. He also actively volunteers in the Miramar community.
Currently, Mark is serving as a Locum Anaesthetic Technician at Wellington Hospital, where he continues to bring his expertise and passion for service.