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Meet our Team

richard_sullivan

Dr Richard Sullivan

Chair of the Governance Group
MBChB, FRACP

RSullivan@adhb.govt.nz

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Kirsten Ballantine

National Programme Manager

kirsten4@adhb.govt.nz

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Ellyn 2025

Ellyn Proffit

National Clinical Lead
AYA Key Worker, CNS

EllynP@adhb.govt.nz

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Houston 2025

Houston Murray

Project Manager and Coordinator

houstonm@adhb.govt.nz

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Cristal 2025

Cristal Salatas

Research and Data Lead

cristals@adhb.govt.nz

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Toihi 2025

Toihi Mahuika-Wright

Project Manager

toihi.mahuika-wright@adhb.govt.nz

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Telesia Brown

Chair of the AYA Keyworker Team

Lousie Sue

Louise Sue

Chair of the AYA Palliative Care Working Group

Governance Group

A governance group of senior-level sector experts and co-chairs of the Consumer Advisory Group are responsible for setting the national strategic direction for AYA Cancer Services in New Zealand. They will ensure the projects and activities undertaken by the Network both inform and support the high level objectives of the network.

The Governance Group members are:

  • Dr Richard Sullivan – Chief Clinical Officer, Health NZ – Te Whatu Ora

  • Dr Stephen Laughton – Clinical Lead, National Child Cancer Network Clinical Lead

  • Stephanie Turner – Director Māori Health Outcomes, Health Quality & Safety Commission

  • Tess Luff – Public Health Medicine Specialist, Cancer Control Agency – Te Aho o Te Kahu

  • Esther Pekepo – Co Chair, AYA Consumer Advisory Group

  • Mackenzie Tohill – Co Chair, AYA Consumer Advisory Group 

Dr Richard Sullivan

Dr Richard Sullivan is the Chief Clinical Officer Health NZ – Te Whatu Ora and Director of Canopy Healthcare Group. He has previously held positions as the Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Director of Surgery at Auckland City Hospital,  the Director of Cancer and Blood Directorate at Auckland City Hospital, and the Director of the Northern Cancer Network. 

 

Richard is a medical oncologist with a specialist interest in lung cancer, head, neck, and brain tumours, and mesothelioma. He has been the principle investigator on several New Zealand lung cancer research trials and sat on numerous national cancer-related committees and boards including Te Aho o Te Kahu, Auckland Northland Cancer Society, and Mesothelioma Trust. 

 

In 2013 Richard co-chaired the AYA Cancer Advisory Group which – following a comprehensive review of AYA cancer services and outcomes – recommended the establishment of the AYA Cancer Network Aotearoa. He has been involved in the Network at a leadership and governance level ever since its inception. 

Kirsten Ballantine

Kirsten 2025

Kirsten officially joined the Network leadership team in 2019 but her involvement with the Network goes back much further. In 2013 she co-authored the 2000-2009 AYA cancer incidence and survival analysis which contributed to the establishment of the AYA Cancer Network Aotearoa the following year. She has presented her work in this and other AYA cancer research at international conferences and in academic journals.

She enjoys advancing New Zealand cancer research through conducting statistical analysis for clinician-led studies and supervising summer studentship projects. Kirsten strongly believes in the importance of having ready access to high-quality data to improve the outcomes for all young cancer patients and their families.

Ellyn Proffit

Ellyn 2025

Ellyn Proffit is the Clinical Lead of the AYA Cancer Network Aotearoa, with over 30 years in oncology nursing and 18 years dedicated to adolescent and young adult cancer care. As the founding Keyworker/Clinical Nurse Specialist for Midland AYA Cancer Services, she helped shape national standards for AYA care. Ellyn is a passionate advocate, respected researcher, and collaborative leader known for her work across national advisory groups. She continues to provide frontline care as an AYA Key Worker, keeping her leadership grounded in clinical practice.

Houston Murray

Houston 2025

Houston started with the AYA Cancer Network in 2024 after completing her Master’s in 2023. Her research was based on the Child Cancer Counselling Network and her passions lie within the area of patient and family psychosocial support on their health journey. Houston also works for the National Child Cancer Network (NCCN). 

Cristal Salatas

Cristal 2025

Cristal Salatas is the Research & Data Lead for the AYA Cancer Network. She is also a PhD candidate at the University of Auckland, specialising in Perinatal Sciences. Her research utilises Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyse the spatial, nutritional, environmental, and socioeconomic determinants of preterm birth risk across New Zealand. Cristal’s research bridges spatial epidemiology, GeoAI-driven risk modelling, and public health policy, ensuring that geospatial insights translate into actionable healthcare solutions.

Cristal has also conducted cancer research at her alma mater (University of Florida), where she developed a successful killing assay for glioblastoma multiforme. Now, she will build on that foundation by leading research and data efforts to support adolescents and young adults facing cancer across Aotearoa.

Toihi Mahuika-Wright

Toihi 2025

Nei rā te mihi ki a koutou, 

Ko Toihi Mahuika-Wright tōku ikoa, 

He uri ahau nō Waitaha, Kāi Tahu, Kāti Mamoe, Te Ātiawa me Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō. 

I am a proud west coaster, trying to make it big in the city, although i never stray far from my turangawaewae. My passion lies in hauora, creating spaces where whānau feel supported, connected, and empowered to thrive. Over the years, I’ve built experience as a project manager, leading kaupapa that bring together people, resources and vision to make a real difference. I love weaving together the practical skills of planning and delivery with a deep commitment to wellbeing and equity, ensuring every project I’m part of reflects aroha, tika and pono. Sucess to me isnt about money or prestige, but about creating impact and sustainable change. mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei. 

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Heidi Watson

The Clinical Leader is responsible for providing clinical leadership and national oversight of the network .

Heidi is a passionate and experienced health professional with a strong clinical, education and leadership background. Her enthusiasm for, and commitment to youth health has focused on improving the outcomes of youth with cancer and chronic health conditions. Previously, Heidi held the position of AYA Cancer Nurse Specialist for Auckland District Health Board. Alongside her AYA clinical leadership role she holds a youth health academic position at the University of Auckland.