Speakers

Professor Anthony Butler is a radiologist and Director of Imaging at the University of Otago, Christchurch, and a clinical radiologist at Christchurch Hospital. He has supervised more than 45 PhD students, published over 150 scientific papers (H-index >35), received more than 10 research awards, including from the Royal Society of New Zealand, and led more than NZ$12 million in research grants. A former member of the detector physics group at CERN, he co-founded MARS Bioimaging Ltd in 2007 to take CERN technology to the clinic. He continues to serves as Chief Technology Officer, developing spectral photon-counting CT technology for point-of-care applications (NZ MedSafe and USA FDA-510k clearance).

Dr Diana Siew is a strategic leader in New Zealand’s MedTech innovation ecosystem. She co-founded the Consortium for Medical Device Technologies (CMDT), a national network that connects researchers, clinicians, and industry to accelerate health technology development. Diana leads major initiatives including Te Tītoki Mataora, the MedTech Research Translator and the BioBridge Programmes, which support research translation, capability building, and early-stage ventures. She also helped establish MedTech-iQ Aotearoa. Diana serves on the Return on Science Medtech & Surgery Committee and University of Sydney Biomanufacturing Incubator Advisory Board. Diana is Strategic Partnerships Lead at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland.

Elle Archer is a systems strategist and futurist working across iwi development, digital infrastructure and governance transformation. With 30 years across science, technology and economic development, she designs integrated ecosystems that move communities from digital equity to sovereignty. Her kaupapa: Tāku take, he whakakotahi. WE shapes me.

Rachael McGuckian is an International Market Manager at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and a member of the South East and East Asia (SEEA) Lead Team. She leads market connectivity across nine priority markets — India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. In her role, Rachael acts as the key link between NZTE’s in market teams, New Zealand based colleagues and exporters, ensuring exporter needs are translated into clear market strategy and on the ground activation. Rachael brings deep international experience to the role, having held two overseas postings as a Trade Commissioner in Milan and Hong Kong. She has worked extensively with export customers across a wide range of sectors and market maturity levels, from early stage exporters through to globally established firms.

Dr Ralph Highnam, DPhil (Oxon) is a pioneer in breast imaging science and med-tech. He co-founded Volpara Health in 2009, serving as CEO and Chief Scientist until its acquisition by Lunit in 2023. His work on volumetric breast density measurement transformed breast cancer screening worldwide. Ralph holds degrees from Brunel and Oxford Universities, co-authored Mammographic Image Analysis with Professor Sir Mike Brady, and has 150+ publications and multiple patents. Previously CEO of Mirada Solutions (acquired by Siemens), he is now a founder (again), academic and investor.

Simon’s career as an Industrial Designer ranges from professional practice in industry through to teaching and research in academia. His industry experience includes Fisher and Paykel Appliances, including their early medical devices, followed by more than 20 years at the internationally renowned Porsche Design Studio as Assistant Design Director. Simon joined Victoria University of Wellington/Te Herenga Waka as the founding Programme Director of Industrial Design with subsequent roles as Head of the School and Associate Dean, Research & Innovation for the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation. Current activities include facilitating translational research by bringing together science, design and industry via active affiliations with Te Tītoki Mataora and the NZ Product Accelerator.

Stella is a passionate and purpose-driven executive who thrives at the intersection of people, technology, and systems change. Throughout her career, she has been guided by a simple but powerful belief: that bold ideas, when nurtured with integrity and kindness, can transform lives and communities. With over a decade of executive leadership across health, technology, and innovation, Stella has led large-scale digital transformations, built high-performing teams, and created spaces where creativity and collaboration flourish. Stella is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Health Association (DHA) | Te Rōpū Hauora Matihiko, the leading voice for digital health in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Here she leads a small team to support the thriving network of organisations that are members who range from healthcare providers and tech innovators to government bodies and global companies, all working together to revolutionise the way health services are delivered and experienced. At DHA, our strength lies in our community — bringing together the custodians of nearly all health-related data in New Zealand to drive meaningful change in the health sector. “What matters most to me is the impact we create, whether that is improving healthcare delivery, supporting innovators, or building partnerships that span sectors and borders,” she says. When not working, you will find her exploring the arts, supporting local innovation ecosystems, or enjoying the natural beauty of Ōtautahi Christchurch. “I’m endlessly curious, always learning, and deeply committed to creating a future that’s more connected, equitable, and inspired. I love meeting people who are passionate about making things better.”