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
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: 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
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.
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
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).
