Organisational Structure & Staff
As a professional membership organisation representing professional massage therapists from all over New Zealand, Massage Aotearoa New Zealand Incorporated (MANZ) is governed by Te Rōpū Kaitiaki/Executive Committee made up of members that represent the variety of professional backgrounds that MANZ members come from.
Te Rōpū Kaitiaki is responsible for carrying out all matters related to the objectives of the association as set out in the Constitution, setting the strategic direction of the organisation and ensuring that the business and affairs of MANZ are well managed and consistent with the Constitution and Rules of the association. The committee consists of 2 Co-chairs, a Treasurer, Secretary, an Education Officer and 5 non-specific Te Rōpū Kaitiaki/Executive Committee members. Executive positions are elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and positions are held for a period of two years. Each Executive Committee member has a specific portfolio of responsibilities and tasks. In addition to executive positions, there are also some non-executive positions - NZQA Liaison and 2 Magazine Editors (currebtly on hold), and an Education sub-committee. The non-executive roles are elected at the AGM and are held for one year.
MANZ has one paid administration staff member who carries out the administrative support functions for the organisation. The General Administrator reports directly to the Te Rōpū Kaitiaki/Executive Committee, manages day-to-day operations, supports the Executive in their work, and oversees membership, advertising, financial administration, and general organisational tasks.
Organisational structure
Te Rōpū Kaitiaki/Executive Committee
Co-chairs - Vacant
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Treasurer - Vacant
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Secretary - Thea Hewitt
Thea is dedicated to maintaining the association’s progress and ensuring it continues to thrive
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Born in the UK, I moved to Christchurch in 2008 especially to study at the Canterbury College of Natural Medicine, gaining a Diploma of Massage in 2010. I chose massage as a career change from Law, after feeling the incredible benefits massage gave me after my 2nd knee operation. I've never looked back. I specialise in noticing posture stresses on the musculoskeletal system, Trigger Point Therapy, myofascial and deep tissue body work along with bloody good pregnancy massage. When I'm not working hands-on with humans, I'm working hands-on with plants and creating a forest garden with food resilience in mind.
With experience as a former Secretary for a local community board, Thea brings valuable administrative skills and a passion for supporting MANZ’s growth. Thea is dedicated to maintaining the association’s progress and ensuring it continues to thrive.
Thea was elected as Secretary at the AGM in September 2024.
Email Secretary
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Education Officer - Carolynn Margan
With her extensive background in both clinical practice and education, Carolynn brings a strong understanding of the profession to her role as Education Officer, where she is committed to fostering a supportive, forward-thinking approach. |
Carolynn Margan brings extensive expertise in massage therapy and fitness, with a career spanning over three decades. She entered the massage industry in 1992, establishing her own practice as a Remedial and Sports Therapist. During this time, she worked nationally and internationally with numerous New Zealand representative teams, supporting athletes in performance, injury recovery, and rehabilitation. Her practice also included a strong focus on remedial work, with a particular specialisation in TMJ-related issues. In recognition of her professional skills, she was selected as a carded therapist for New Zealand athletes. Carolynn successfully combined her fitness industry training with massage therapy to build thriving practices, first in Palmerston North and later in the Bay of Plenty. In 2018, she sold her health studio but continues to work with clients on a part-time basis. Currently, she is employed full time at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology (BOP) as a Senior Academic Tutor, teaching Level 5 and Level 6 Diploma programmes in Massage Therapy. She also played a key role in the development of the new Te Pūkenga massage programmes at these levels, which are now being delivered at Toi Ohomai. With her extensive background in both clinical practice and education, Carolynn brings a strong understanding of the profession to her role as Education Officer, where she is committed to fostering a supportive, forward-thinking approach. Carolynn was elected onto Te Rōpū Kaitiaki at the AGM in September 2025. |
AHANZ Rep - Shelley Moana Hiha
I would love for MANZ to develop as an organisation that organically gives effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi; able to reflect that we are a profession within Aotearoa New Zealand with a uniqueness that is ours because of the land we are living in, for the benefit of all. |
Massage Journey My initiation to massage was from my dad and I followed in his footsteps of providing massage to whanau and sports teams for aroha. Later after a serious neck injury massage was one of the few therapies, along with aromatherapy baths, that helped with pain management. I decided to retrain, to shift sport and holistic wellbeing from hobbies to a career. My professional career in massage began as the first fulltime massage locum in Auckland until I settled into a contract position with HealthZone Medical Clinic specialising in sports massage. I commenced teaching massage shortly after graduating, having staff training and educator experience and continue working in massage education. Journey onto the Executive After providing a lot of feedback during the MANZ review in 2020-2021, I decided that I needed to be involved and not just protest from the side lines. It is important to me to give back and support future massage therapists to achieve their life goals and enter the profession I love so much. My journey in massage has been supported by others throughout my career which is one of the great things about this profession and industry. I am proud to be a massage therapist and my wish is that massage therapists continue to graduate as well educated, informed, client centred, culturally responsive, professional, holistic practitioners who love what they contribute to their communities. To me Massage Aotearoa New Zealand needs to be membership driven and responsive; inclusive: open to new ideas and ways of operating; be political and advocate for the profession and influence the industry; be proactive and provide leadership. That leadership needs to be membership driven through engagement and involvement so that our national association influences the direction for our profession. We on the executive are human and if you leave it to us alone, you get our best but from a limited number of perspectives. My wish is for membership to get involved and help to get massage integrated and recognised in our countries healthcare system, acknowledging the contribution massage therapists make to wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand. So provide MANZ feedback, ideas and propose solutions for old problems to assist the association to be more representative of the larger collective.
Shelley Moana was elected as Executive Committee Member at the AGM in September 2021. In December 2021, Shelley Moana took on the portfolio of AHANZ rep for MANZ. In 2023 Shelley Moana was elected as Education Officer at the AGM. In 2025 she stepped down as Education Officer and is continuing for Te Rōpū Kaitiaki as a General Member.
Email: Shelley Moana Hiha
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Te Rōpū Kaitiaki/Executive Committee Member - Barry Vautier
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Qualifications:
Level 6 and Life Member MANZ. Board member MANZ & BTFA. Barry first learnt massage in 1981 and has been a continuous member of a massage association since 1989 when he was an early member of NZATMP. He was the education officer, education secretary and on the education committee of NZATMP for 8 years. He was a national examiner and moderator for NZATMP from 1995 to 2000. Barry was the first president of Massage New Zealand on merging TMA with MINZI in 2006. He was the Northern Regional coordinator for MNZ 2012 to 2014. Massage tutor at Wellpark College 1993 – 95, New Zealand College of Massage 1996 - 2011. Barry taught Bowen from 2012 to 2018. He was principal of the Fascial Kinetics (Bowen) school from 2014 to 2018. Barry has also taught anatomy, physiology & pathophysiology for the New Zealand College of Massage and for the College of Natural Health and Homeopathy. He has been an Expert Advisor for the Health and Disability Commissioner since 2007. Barry has presented at several Massage and Bowen conferences in Australasia over the last 30 years. He was an early advocate and tutor for On-site massage. He spent 5 years as a body therapist at the Refugee Resettlement Centre in Mangere, Auckland gaining valuable knowledge into working with trauma and PTSD. Barry is semi-retired and has a body therapy practice at Whiritoa Beach. He facilitates 5- and 7-day fasting retreats at the Aio Wira centre near Auckland. He is a NZ representative on the board of the Bowen Therapist Federation of Australasia and is an advocate for research capacity building for body therapists. Barry was elected onto Te Rōpū Kaitiaki at the AGM in September 2024.
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Te Rōpū Kaitiaki/Executive Committee Member- Sophie Wilson
I want to channel my energy into contributing to the "behind the scenes" efforts that shape our profession in this country.
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I've been a member of MANZ ever since I first qualified as a Level 6 therapist. Initially, I saw it as a "tick the box" requirement to become registered with Southern Cross. However, as I transitioned from being an employed therapist to working for myself, being a member of our national body has taken on much greater significance. It's been valuable for raising client awareness and educating them about the industry that I’m so passionate about. More importantly, it's become a platform for me to expand my own awareness and contribute to ensuring that massage therapy remains firmly recognised as an allied health practice. As for why I’ve decided to step into the MANZ committee now – after witnessing first-hand the profound impact of massage therapy in my clinic, I want to channel my energy into contributing to the "behind the scenes" efforts that shape our profession in this country. I feel my drive, ambition, and unique "Sophie-isms" are ready for this new challenge, and I’m excited to bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to the MANZ committee. Looking forward to what’s ahead! Sophie was elected onto Te Rōpū Kaitiaki at the AGM in September 2024. |
Te Rōpū Kaitiaki/Executive Committee Member - Hélène Geoffroy-Legeay
I am dedicated to support our association being part of Te Rōpū Kaitiaki and helping the industry move forward.
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I am born and raised in France where, after a short career as a dancer due to injury, I qualified as an air traffic controller for the French Navy. I arrived in New Zealand in 2018 with my husband and took over massage studies at SIT where I obtained the bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic and Sports Massage (level 7) in 2020. I am a registered massage therapist with Massage Aotearoa New Zealand since 2018 and I am also a Pilates instructor helping individuals and athletes in Central Otago, beautiful part of Aotearoa. As a former dancer, archer, and navy veteran I have a unique perspective on body mechanics, stability, and resilience. These experiences, along with my curiosity for research, have led me to publish two papers, further contributing to the industry’s knowledge base and driving my own passion for learning and helping my clients to achieve Hauora. In addition to my hands-on work, I taught clinical reasoning and orthopaedic assessment at the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) to aspiring therapists. As a Pilates instructor, I emphasize core strength, alignment, and mindful movement, tailoring classes to suit a range of abilities and conditions. Whether through hands-on therapy, teaching, or research, and with my passion for learning and growth I am dedicated to support our association being part of Te Rōpū Kaitiaki and helping the industry move forward. Hélène was elected onto Te Rōpū Kaitiaki at the AGM in September 2024. |
Te Rōpū Kaitiaki/Executive Committee Member- Melissa Johnson
I think maintaining a high standard of therapists is crucial to ensuring the health and safety of clients in a clinical setting. |
I grew up in Hamilton and decided to go travelling on a whim with no real idea of what I wanted to do. With a background in weightlifting I eventually began studying again in Scotland earning myself an Exercise & Sports Science Deg, Exercise for GP Referral and Lower Back Pain Rehabilitation qualifications. This started my career doing Exercise Rehabilitation with women that have pelvic floor surgeries, hysterectomies, back surgery and breast cancer/cancer, helping them regain their fitness, strength and mobility.
It became very evident early on that massage therapy plays a massive part in this rehabilitative process both with mobility and reconnection - and despite me telling myself “I’m never going to study again” I got a PGDip in Sports & Remedial massage from Caladenion University in Glasgow and then furthered my studies to included specialist Oncology Massage, Vodder MLD, Scar Massage and soon to be TMJD. I like being able to offer clients a full circle approach to their recovery and love seeing them get results, no matter how small. Having both skillsets allows me think outside the box when I approach client treatment. When I returned to NZ (19 years after I left!) it was very important to me to get recognised with Massage New Zealand and have the credibility of their brand behind me, especially since I was overseas educated. I think maintaining a high standard of therapists is crucial to ensuring the health and safety of clients in a clinical setting.
Melissa was elected onto Te Rōpū Kaitiaki at the AGM in September 2025.
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Te Rōpū Kaitiaki/Executive Committee Member - Carina Viljoen
Carina joined Te Rōpū Kaitiaki because she believes in action and staying connected to her industry, empowering positive change. |
Carina joined Te Rōpū Kaitiaki because she believes in action and staying connected to her industry, empowering positive change. For her, governance is about strengthening the credibility and sustainability of massage therapy in Aotearoa while ensuring the profession remains inclusive and supportive. Since opening Body Restoration, Carina has developed a collaborative, evidence-based practice in Hawke’s Bay that works alongside health professionals like physiotherapists, chiropractors and trainers. She also runs a small group for local massage therapists called “MT Collective”, that fosters connection, collaboration, and professional growth. Creating community in what can be a very isolating industry. Carina’s Core values of connection/community, empowerment and growth underpin her business, mentoring and governance work. She is passionate about creating space in the profession for clinical Level 7 massage therapists in Aotearoa, while championing a strong future for all practitioners. Carina was elected onto Te Rōpū Kaitiaki at the AGM in September 2025. |
MANZ Te Rōpū Kaitiaki/Executive Committee Member - Vacancies
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Do you care deeply about the future of massage therapy in Aotearoa? MANZ is seeking committed members to step into voluntary leadership and support roles on Te Rōpū Kaitiaki. We’re currently looking to fill the following positions:
Each of these roles plays an important part in keeping MANZ member-led, forward-focused, and responsive to the profession's needs. To learn more email the Administrator for information or documents Your voice matters. If you’re ready to contribute, we’d love to hear from you. |
Sub Committee
Education Committee -
Staff
Administrator - Bridie Munro
Bridie plays a key role in keeping the organisation responsive and connected |
Bridie brings a grounded and people-focused approach to her role as Executive Administrator at MANZ. With a background in massage therapy, education, and managing small clinics and studios, she understands the realities of professional practice. Her work at MANZ spans membership support, communications, accounts coordination, and day-to-day administration. Bridie plays a key role in keeping the organisation responsive and connected, balancing practical tasks with thoughtful communication. She has also contributed to the association through past volunteer roles on the education committee and organising the 2017 MANZ Conference
Email: Administrator
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