Matty is a Nurse Practitioner specialising in Infectious Diseases and Vascular Access in Brisbane. He previously led the Vascular Access and Surveillance Team at Princess Alexandra Hospital, where he established Queensland’s second nurse-led bedside PICC insertion service, improving timely access to care and patient outcomes. As the primary author of the Queensland Wide Vascular Access Guidelines, Matty has helped shape vascular access practice across the state and continues to consult with the Queensland Infection Prevention and Control Unit (QIPCU) as a subject matter expert. Passionate about patient-centred care, Matty is a strong advocate for nurses working to the full extent of their scope of practice. He is committed to advancing evidence-based practice, supporting clinical education, and driving quality improvement initiatives that enhance patient safety and outcomes. Through his leadership, education, and clinical expertise, Matty continues to contribute to excellence in vascular access and infectious diseases practice.

Tara brings over 30 years of lived experience with addiction and mental health, including 20 years of injecting experience, which shapes the way she connects with and supports people as a peer. Originally from the West Coast, she is working towards a Level 4 Health and Wellbeing Peer Support qualification and works as the Peer Navigator within the Rodger Wright Community Clinic, supporting people to access hepatitis C and other blood-borne virus screening and care. Tara is also a trained Harm Reduction Advisor, using her experience to build trust, reduce stigma, and connect meaningfully with her community. Outside of work, she is a proud mum to three adult sons and has two cats.

Kay started her nursing in Australia, working across mental health, acquired brain injury, and with adolescents affected by trauma. Since returning to Christchurch 10 years ago, Kay has specialised in sexual health and blood‑borne virus care, with a strong commitment to harm reduction and equitable access to healthcare. Kay is passionate about community education and empowering people with practical, accurate information about sexual health and blood‑borne viruses, helping to reduce stigma and support informed choice. Her approach is grounded in compassion, respect, and an understanding of the real‑world challenges people face. Outside of work, Kay enjoys spending time with family and making the most of time at the beach.

Nicky is the Registered Nurse Co-ordinator for the IV Service at Nurse Maude District Nursing Organisation. Over her eight-year tenure with the organisation, she has developed a deep expertise and passion for intravenous therapy, managing complex clinical needs including central venous access devices (CVADs), Portacaths, venepuncture, and cannulation., where she has specialized in advanced intravenous therapy for eight years. Known among her colleagues as the “human ultrasound” for her exceptional clinical accuracy, Nicky is dedicated to optimizing patient outcomes in outpatient and community settings.  Nicky’s diverse nursing background also includes experience within the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service at Burwood Hospital. Professionally driven and community-minded, Nicky balances her rigorous clinical leadership with her family life alongside her husband, Antz, and their two teenage foster daughters who have been with them since infancy.

I have lived rurally near Waiau in North Canterbury for the past 32 years where I have enjoyed the outdoor lifestyle. In partnership with my wife, Caroline, we have raised two fabulous daughters and operated a number of businesses from home, including mechanical engineering, jet boating & fishing tours and a hazelnut orchard & tree nursery. At 65 I have been living with chronic illness for much of my adult life with frequent hospitalizations and numerous visits with various health professionals.  I consider myself to have been fortunate along the way to have strong support from my family and key Dr`s and nurses who have helped me navigate the tough times and enabled me to take control of my own health and treatment. In recent years my treatment options have diminished, and constant infections and long-term medications have taken their toll. My life expectancy has shortened, and my quality of life has been affected as I am no longer as physically able as I would like to be.  I have been able to manage much of my treatment at home, administering antibiotics via portocath, and staying out of hospital as much as possible, so that I can make the most of the time that I have. This is important to me and has made a huge difference to my overall wellbeing and my  independence. I am happy to share my personal experiences in the hope that my insights may be helpful.

Elizabeth has been an active member of IVNNZ Inc. since its inception in 1993. During this time, she held the positions of President, Marketing Officer and was appointed an inaugural Life Member. Elizabeth has extensive experience in Clinical Haematology, Apheresis and Vascular Access holding positions as Clinical Nurse Specialist, IV Nurse Educator and in 2017 appointed Clinical Nurse Consultant Vascular Access. Research and publications continue to be a key focus of her work promoting excellence in infusion therapy practice delivering health care to the population of Aotearoa New Zealand.

He went on to complete his radiology training in Christchurch followed by a fellowship in interventional radiology. He has been working as a consultant at Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury since 2013. Wayne is a diagnostic and interventional radiologist performing general and neurointerventional procedures. He has an interest in acute stroke treatment, interventional oncology, and vascular imaging. Wayne is the current Network Training Director for sites extending from Waikato to Dunedin.