The Council is comprised of eight members: six members are registered health practitioners and two members are lay persons.
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 (ie nine years).
Brett Besley
Anaesthetic Technician
Brett is an anaesthetic technician and was appointed to the Council in June 2019. He has worked in both the public and private sector since qualifying in 2004, mostly in the Counties Manukau Region, and is currently working for Te Whatu Ora - Hauora a Toi (Bay of Plenty).
Born in Papakura, and growing up in South Auckland, Brett has spent extensive time in both the Manawatū and Canterbury regions. He has affiliations to Ngāti Kahungungu and Ngāti Tūwharetoa.
Throughout his career Brett 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
Chair - Medical Laboratory Scientist
A registered medical laboratory scientist, Ruth was appointed to the Medical Sciences Council in June 2019, and elected as Chair in February 2025.
Ruth has been a medical laboratory scientist for over 30 years. She is currently working in the Wellington Hospital for Awanui Labs as a point-of-care coordinator. She is also a technical assessor for IANZ and has a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health.
Dr Nicola Swain
Deputy Chair - Lay person
Nicola was appointed to the Council as a lay person in late 2018, and Deputy Chair in February 2025. She is an Associate Professor in the School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, where she does health research.
Nicola 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 was appointed to the Council in June 2019. Prior to being the Regional Director Pacific Health for Te Wai Pounamu at Te Whatu Ora, she was the Supervising Scientist for the NZ Blood Bank in the Dunedin hospital.
Erolia has been a registered practitioner in Aotearoa New Zealand for more than 20 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 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). Soifua ma ia manuia.
Varsha Desai
Medical Laboratory Pre-Analytical Technician
A registered medical laboratory pre-analytical technician, Varsha was appointed to the Council in June 2019. She has worked as an MLPAT in New Zealand since 2000 and has an NZQA recognised 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.
Varsha 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 (nee Packer)
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Natasha has more than 20 years’ experience as a registered medical laboratory scientist. She 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 (Palmerston North) before finding her passion in Histology (Lab Plus Auckland) and developing a particular interest in specimen dissection, quality management and workforce development.
Natasha’s love is in people leadership where she has been leading the Counties Manukau laboratory service in Auckland for the past five years. She is actively involved in several workforce projects, both regionally and nationally, as well as many teaching and training opportunities for both high school and university students.
Natasha joined the MSC Registration Committee in 2016 (as Chair) and was appointed to the Council in June 2019.
Jujhar Singh Randhawa
Lay person
Jujhar was appointed to the Council as a lay person in July 2024. He is a community leader and entrepreneur based in Hamilton.
Since arriving in Aotearoa New Zealand in 1998, Jujhar founded JSR Refrigeration and Air Conditioning in 2000. He serves as the CEO and Managing Director of Zephyr Pure Air Ventilation, JSR Management, and Hillcrest Spinal Centre.
In November 2024, Jujhar was appointed the inaugural Chairman of NZ Business Connect.
He holds numerous leadership roles, including Vice President and Head of Events for the Indian Cultural Society Waikato Inc., is co-founder and Chairman of the IAMHE(R) Charitable Trust, and a member of the Multicultural Advisory Board for NZ Police in Waikato.
Jujhar is a Justice of the Peace and an entrepreneurship coach.
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 was appointed to the Council in July 2024, having dedicated his career to various capacities in the health sector for over two decades.
He has worked in both public and private hospitals, in non-government organisations, and with Māori Healthcare providers as a project manager throughout the Waikato region.
Mark’s commitment extends beyond the professional sphere, as he sits on various church boards and previously on Marae Trusts. He also actively volunteers in the Miramar community.
Mark works as an Anaesthetic Technician in various locations around the motu, where he continues to bring his expertise and passion for service.