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: Non-layperson with expertise in human reproductive research
Dr Lynsey Cree was appointed to ACART in December 2024 for three years. Lynsey is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Auckland, undertaking research and teaching in Reproduction. Her current research is aimed at developing novel non-invasive strategies for improving IVF success rates.
Lynsey completed her PhD at the Institute of Human Genetics, Newcastle University (UK) in 2004 studying a form of Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy. Her post-doctoral research was on the transmission of mitochondrial disease; before moving to the University of Auckland in 2011.
She is committed to exploring both the scientific and ethical implications of human assisted reproductive technologies. Her specific interests lie in understanding the cutting-edge technical advancements that progress the field while also examining the moral and societal implications of their application.
Membership Role: Layperson with expertise in ethics
Amanda was initially appointed to ACART in July 2023 and reappointed for a further three year term in July 2026.
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 doctorate explored research participants' perspectives of ethical conduct in research.
Amanda lives in Auckland and has three adult children.
Membership role: Non-layperson with expertise in assisted reproductive procedures
He was appointed to ACART in December 2024.
Group Medical Director & Fertility Specialist. MBChB (Otago) DipObsMedGyn (Auckland) FRANZCOG CREI MBA (Victoria)
Andrew is one of New Zealand’s most experienced fertility specialists and leads the doctors at Fertility Associates as Chief Medical Officer.
He has played an active role in the governance of fertility and gynaecology practice, serving two terms on the RANZCOG NZ Committee, and previously two terms on the board of the Fertility Society of Australia. He also Chair of the Mercia Barnes Research Foundation. Andrew runs his private practice from Wellington, where he sees gynaecology and infertility patients.
Andrew is a regular media spokesperson on all fertility-related issues.
He is a Fellow of the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, having originally trained in New Zealand he completed a two-year fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Monash IVF, Melbourne, Australia. Andrew was also a Senior Lecturer at Wellington School of Medicine, University of Otago teaching undergraduate students reproductive medicine for the past 20 years. In addition, Andrew has completed an MBA at Victoria University, including a thesis on Medical Decision Making, graduating with distinction. In his spare time, he enjoys hitting the mountain bike tracks, enjoying time with his family and is a novice olive oil producer.
Non-layperson with the ability to articulate issues from a consumer perspective
Shalomy was appointed to ACART in December 2024. She is the Asia-Pacific Surrogacy Expert at Carrot Fertility, a US-based global employment benefits firm. Her role involves educating and supporting individuals on surrogacy journeys, including guidance on international surrogacy law. She is also a casual academic, engaging in teaching and research.
Shalomy completed her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Sydney and her Master’s degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington. Her Master’s thesis: Commercial Transnational Surrogacy: Regulatory Lessons for Aotearoa New Zealand, focused on the ethical considerations and barriers faced by New Zealanders seeking access to surrogacy. Since then, she has researched the experiences of individuals facing infertility in New Zealand and has participated in public health research and initiatives in Australia. She is currently studying law to supplement her research in reproductive law.
Previously, Shalomy worked in management consulting, within the infrastructure team, advising on health and social services projects in Sydney. In 2019, she was recognised as a “Young Social Pioneer” for her advocacy work in supporting people with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Membership role: Layperson with expertise in Māori customary values and practice and the ability to articulate issues from a Māori perspective
Mania was appointed to ACART in July 2026.
Mōkau ki runga, Tāmaki ki raro,
Pare Hauraki, Pare Waikato, Te Kaokaoroa o Pātetere,
Mangatoatoa ki waenganui
Ngāti Maniapoto te iwi
Ngāti Paretekawa, Ngāti Unu ngā hapū
Ko Mania Maniapoto-Ngaia e mihi kau atu ana
Mania is a proud māmā of two, committed to working with whānau to develop and broaden opportunities that will benefit future generations, particularly of her hapū and whānau.
Mania graduated from Victoria and Massey Universities, and later worked between New Zealand and Canada developing and supporting capability of Māori, Pasifika, and First Nations iwi to enhance their health services and social outcomes. Her experience and background extends to the tertiary education sector, improving equity outcomes, undertaking quality assurance of tertiary education providers, evaluation and research.
He tina ki runga, he tāmore ki raro
Contentment above, firmly rooted below
Membership role: General layperson
Ming-chun was appointed to ACART in July 2026.
Ming-chun is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors with more than 19 years’ experience in governance, strategy, organisational transformation and public-sector leadership. She brings extensive experience in professional regulation and statutory governance, including regulatory oversight, public accountability, risk management and protecting the interests of the public.
Ming-chun is Deputy Chair of the Medical Council of New Zealand and Chair of its Audit and Risk Committee. She was Chair of the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand from 2019 to 2026 and has also served as Deputy Chair of the Chinese Medicine Council of New Zealand and as a board member of the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board. Her governance experience spans health regulation, technology, environmental stewardship, community investment and education.
Prior to her governance career, Ming-chun held senior strategy, policy and transformation roles across several government agencies, including Te Puni Kōkiri, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the Ministry of Education and the Department of Internal Affairs. She has led complex policy and organisational change initiatives involving legislative reform, significant public investment, technology-enabled service delivery and diverse stakeholder interests.
Ming-chun brings to ACART a strong public-interest and governance perspective on the ethical, social and regulatory implications of assisted reproductive technologies. She is particularly interested in ensuring that regulatory frameworks remain responsive to technological change, protect the public interest, reflect diverse perspectives and maintain public confidence.
Ming-chun is also Independent Chair of TechCollect NZ Ltd, Trustee and Investment Committee Chair of the Wellington Community Fund, and a director of Network for Learning Ltd.
Membership role: Layperson with expertise in relevant areas of the law
Stewart was appointed to ACART in 2026.
Stewart is a partner at Dalley Sundar, a specialist Auckland law firm practising in immigration, family formation, and public law. He is widely recognised for his work in assisted reproductive technology, surrogacy, adoption, and donor conception matters, and regularly advises intended parents, surrogates, donors, and fertility clinics on complex legal issues arising from assisted reproduction.
He previously served as a Board member of Fertility New Zealand and was a member of the Expert Advisory Panel established by the New Zealand Law Commission during its review of New Zealand's surrogacy laws. Stewart has also contributed to legal scholarship and professional education on surrogacy, embryo and gamete donation, and the posthumous use of reproductive material.
Stewart and his partner, a fertility specialist, are the parents of three children born through altruistic surrogacy in New Zealand. His personal and professional experience provides him with a strong appreciation of the legal, ethical, and practical issues associated with assisted reproductive technology.
Membership role: Non-layperson with expertise in human reproductive research
Mike was initially appointed to ACART in 2011. He served as an ACART member for two terms and was Deputy Chair from 2014. Mike’s current appointment to ACART commenced in July 2026.
Mike retired as an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry University of Otago where he now holds an Honorary Research Associate Professorship. He qualified and worked in Chemical Pathology in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, and completed his PhD in Embryology in the United Kingdom. He worked in IVF clinics in the United Kingdom, before returning to New Zealand to take up his position with the Departments of Biochemistry and Pathology, University of Otago.
He has been involved with and Chaired a number of national and international scientific and ethics committees relating to health sciences and policy. He recently completed his term on the Ethics Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ECART).
Mike is a Fellow of the Faculty of Science, Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) and Chairs the Executive and Examiners Committees of the Faculty of Science, RCPA. He continues his research, collaborations and publications with colleagues investigating aspects of metabolism, reproduction, bioethics and concepts of families using reproductive technologies.
Membership Role: Layperson with ability to articulate issues from a consumer perspective
Jane was appointed to ACART in July 2026.
Jane is an independent director and consultant providing leadership, advice and analysis to government and development agencies, industry groups and educational organisations in New Zealand and internationally. She was a board member of the Accreditation Council (IANZ with subsidiary Telarc) until July 2026 and is deputy chair of the board of English Language Partners (who provide settlement support to former refugees and migrants), and a trustee of Toi Whakaari, Drama School and Te Whaea (the National Dance and Drama Centre).
Jane has ten years’ experience at Deputy Chief Executive level in the New Zealand public service and 20 years’ experience as a senior manager and led strategy, policy, research, risk and operational activities. She has ten years’ experience as a regulator, both as a senior official (NZQA) and a board member (IANZ and the Hong Kong Council for the Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ)) and has been responsible for the development of legislation and subsidiary regulations. Jane has undertaken several projects for the Pharmacy Council and one for the Dental Council and alongside international comparisons she considered practice in a range of other health professions including medicine, nursing, midwifery, dentistry, physiotherapy, dietetics and optometry. Jane’s experience also includes gender issues, crime and justice issues, family violence, child protection, health, alcohol and drug issues, education, climate change and natural resource management.
Jane has an MA (with Distinction) and a BA (Hons) in Psychology and has been a member of the Royal Society of New Zealand (MRSNZ) since 1994 and is also a Justice of the Peace (JP).
Membership role: Layperson with the ability to articulate the interests of children
Kathleen was first appointed to ACART in April 2015 and has been a member, Deputy Chair and Chair at various times. Her most recent appointment commenced in November 2025.
Kathleen is a Principal Advisor at Mana Mokopuna | Children’s Commissioner. She advocates for the rights, interests and wellbeing of children in New Zealand and is focused on improving childhood outcomes.
In the past, Kathleen had a 13-year research career in human and animal reproduction and genetics, graduating in 1998 from Newcastle University Medical School (Newcastle, England) with a PhD in reproductive physiology. Subsequently, she was a policy analyst in science research and investment for the Royal Society of New Zealand and a science strategy advisor for the New Zealand Government.
