Membership role: Layperson with expertise in the law
Debra was initially appointed to ACART in December 2021 then reappointed in December 2024 for a term ending in December 2027. Debra became the Chair in December 2024.
Debra is a professor of law at the University of Canterbury where she teaches in the areas of Medical and Criminal Law.
Debra has a strong interest in researching and teaching medical law, particularly relating to surrogacy. She has previous Fellowships in Medical Law for a range of universities such as Oxford University and Cambridge University. Debra is a member of the Expert Advisory Panel for the New Zealand Law Commission (Surrogacy Laws) and has previously been an Expert Advisor to the United Kingdom Law Commission on Surrogacy Reform.
Membership role: Expertise in Māori customary values and practice and the ability to articulate issues from a Māori perspective
Dr Karaitiana Taiuru PhD, JP
Iwi affiliations: Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Toa.
Karaitiana was initially appointed to ACART in August 2020, then reappointed in December 2024 for a term ending in August 2026.
Karaitiana completed his PhD in Māori Genetic Data - Inalienable Rights and Tikanga Sovereignty in 2021 at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, after a life time of being immersed in Te Ao Māori and mātauranga. He is a nationally recognised Tikanga Māori expert with significant networks with Iwi and Māori organisations.
Karaitiana is a father of six children who range in ages from adults to young children and is a Pōua to four mokopuna.
Membership role: Expertise in human reproductive research
Appointed in December 2024. Bio to be published in January 2025.
Membership role: Ability to articulate the interests of people with disabilities
Seth was initially appointed in August 2020, then reappointed in December 2024 for a term ending in August 2026.
Seth lives in Wellington. He is a practicing barrister with experience in the disability sector of the law including numerous clients with disabilities in various Courts. He has also been appointed by the High Court and Court of Appeal to assist litigants with disabilities.
Seth has a Master's degree in Law and a Bachelor of film with Honours from Victoria University. He also holds a Graduate Diploma in Digital Media from the National College of Design.
Seth has three children.
Membership Role: Layperson with expertise in law
Neuton was appointed to ACART in August of 2023.
Neuton is a Solicitor at a general law practice in the Auckland CBD, and graduated from law school at the University of Auckland in 2013. Neuton began his legal career as a Barrister, practicing in crime, civil, and the Waitangi Tribunal jurisdictions.
Neuton has extensive experience across a diverse range of legal disputes and has advised hapū, iwi, and whānau on Treaty of Waitangi issues and general civil matters, as well as Māori land trusts and incorporations. Neuton is also fluent in te reo Māori and has a particular interest in tikanga approaches as a forum for dispute resolution.
Neuton is of Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Kahungunu, and Ngāti Ruapani descent.
In his spare time Neuton enjoys spending time with his son and partner, camping, and listening to music.
Membership Role: Layperson with expertise in ethics
Amanda is a senior lecturer in AUT's Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences. She leads interdisciplinary courses in applied healthcare ethics, including postgraduate studies in the ethics of emerging biotechnologies. She is a Senior Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy. Amanda’s research explores ethics education, ethical decision-making in clinical practice, the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, and research ethics. Her current doctoral studies explore research participants' perspectives of ethical conduct in research.
Amanda lives in Auckland and has three adult children.
Membership role: Expertise in assisted reproductive procedures
Appointed in December 2024. Bio to be published in January 2025.
Membership role: General layperson
Catherine was initially appointed to ACART in August 2020 for two years, then reappointed in July 2023 for a further three years.
Catherine is a graduate of Education and Law. She has taught law at the University of Waikato Commerce Faculty and worked in Private Practice and as Legal advisor for Waitemata DHB.
Catherine’s medical experience is in Research Ethics at Waikato DHB and Clinical Ethics for Auckland, Waitemata and Counties Manukau DHBs. At present, Catherine is a member of Counties Manukau Clinical Ethics Committee.
Catherine is a member of 2 Medsafe Committes; Medicines Adverse Reaction Committee and Medicines Assessment Advisory Committee.
Catherine is a Trustee of the Waikato DHB Complaints Service which facilitates resolution of complaints between the Provider and the Consumer.
Membership role: Ability to articulate issues from a consumer perspective
Appointed in December 2024. Bio to be published in January 2025.