Chief Executive - Director

Sonia Bruce NZ Dip. Bus, Dip. HR, Dip Acc, Cert Mass, Cert A&P

Sonia started with the College in 2003 and became the Chief Executive in 2005. In 2007 Sonia and her husband purchased the College and adopted the mission of "Supporting Your Journey to Success".

Sonia is responsible for the day to day management of the College. She is also responsible for ensuring the College is compliant with both Ministry of Education and NZQA requirements.

Sonia has studied with a distance education provider for the past five years and recently graduated with the National Diploma in Business and a Diploma in Accounting. Her experience studying via distance education places her in an ideal situation to understand how best to support students at NCNZ in their learning.

Sonia enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, reading, travelling and dining out!

Assistant Manager

Leanne Goble

Leanne commenced with the College in 2006 as the Executive Assistant to the CEO and became the Assistant Manager during 2008. Leanne has many years experience in office management and administration, human resources and secretarial support. She was employed in corporate business for 19 of her 28 year career.

Leanne oversees the administration function and assists the CEO with the day to day management of the College. Leanne's interests outside of work are her lifestyle block, animals, gardening and enjoying the outdoors.

Education Manager

Heather Lofthouse RN, RM, RHV, MSc

Heather is an experienced health practitioner and educator who has returned to her "home" in NZ after working for many years in the United Kingdom. She undertakes the role of Education Manager, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience in leadership, management, professional development, education and research from a career as a nurse, midwife, public health specialist and senior manager in the health services both here and abroad. Much of her work has focused on addressing health inequalities and improving the health and wellbeing of children, young people and families in our communities.

Heather is enthusiastic and committed to ensuring that there are high quality learning and development opportunities for our students, giving students the knowledge and skills to be successful practitioners. She lives in the seaside town of Oakura, where she enjoys walking on the beach and tending her expanding gardens. She also finds time for feltmaking, beading, yoga and singing in a local choir.

The Education Team

Roimata Takie Dip App Sci., Cert Mass., Cert Hb., Cert in Adult Teaching

Roimata is a part time tutor of Human Anatomy and Physiology (and pathophysiology) at the College and also tutors at the Western Institute of Technology in Taranaki.

Tutoring anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology became a natural progression after spending many years working with diverse community organisations in the field of massage. She has resumed her massage practice at the Taranaki Thermal Spa where she has been a successful practitioner for the past 7 years.

Laura Jane Bowers BHSc., ND, Cert Bowen, Cert Mass

Laura is a full time tutor and registered Naturopath practicing at the NCNZ clinic. Her teaching areas include Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Naturopathic Hydrotherapy, Flower Essence Therapy, Aromatherapy, Natural Fertility, Nutrition and Client Case Taking.

Coming from the UK, she graduated from the University of Westminster with a degree in Integrated Health Sciences and ran a successful clinic in London before moving to New Zealand in 2008. Laura has a multi-disciplined approach with extensive training in Naturopathy as well as the Bowen Technique, Thai Yoga Massage, Remedial Body Work and Aromatherapy. She is also a Natural Family Planning teacher with an interest in fertility and pre-conception care. Laura is a member of the British Register of Naturopaths and the New Zealand Society of Naturopaths.

Outside of work Laura enjoys yoga and rollerblading, and in an initiation of kiwi culture has bought a surfboard! She is also learning all about permaculture principles as a step towards her dream of self sufficiency."

Laine Phillips CBP, BSc.

Laine tutors in Anatomy & Physiology and undertakes business development at the college. He has a BSc. in Microbiology from Massey University, working in hospital and research laboratories in his early career. He then spent several years working in environmental management, before returning to healthcare in 2005 to undertake 2 years of Naturopathic training. During this time he also became a certified BodyTalk practitioner. On moving to Taranaki Laine set up New Plymouth's first BodyTalk practice.

In 2006 along with his wife Kelly, Laine set up the organic herbal tea business Plant Song, which has since been taken on by one of NCNZs students. When not at work Laine loves to blend his interests in healthcare and the environmental by spending time in the back yard creating an abundant organic garden. He also coordinates www.healtaranaki.ning.com, a social network website connecting the natural health community to promote local seminars and workshops in Taranaki.

Nicola Swanson BA, ND, MH, HbT

Nicola tutors in several subjects including Homeobotanicals, Nutrition, Tissue Salts, and Herbal papers. Nicola trained at Wellpark College where she qualified in Naturopathy and Medical Herbalism, and is now a Homeobotanical practitioner. Nicola has a private clinic where she utilises all her naturopathic and herbal training to help people facilitate their own healing processes. Previously Nicola ran sales divisions overseas for differing interests, and was a key account rep in the wine industry. After many years searching for a vocation that would stimulate her, and be of meaningful value to the world, she discovered Naturopathy and has never looked back!

Lee Gibson Dip Ther Mass

Lee is a full time massage tutor and Key Tutor for the Certificate in Relaxation Massage and the Diploma in Therapeutic Massage. Lee has a Diploma in Therapeutic Massage from the New Zealand College of Massage and is a registered massage therapist with Massage New Zealand. She has experience practicing in a sports and therapeutic massage clinic, where she worked with a range of clients from athletes, clients with disabilities and pregnancy. Lee has also been involved with many local, national and international sporting teams and individuals including the All Blacks, Wellington Phoenix soccer, Wellington Pulse netball, Ironman athletes and Triathletes. Outside of work Lee likes to spend time with family and friends, walking and being at the beach.

Liz Jury ND, HbT, Cert Mass

Liz is a part time Naturopathic tutor and practices at Village Health in Okato. Subjects Liz teaches include Homeobotanicals, Zone Therapy and Nutrition. She is qualified with a Diploma in Naturopathy, a Certificate in Homeobotanicals and is a member of the Society of Naturopaths. Liz is passionate about sharing knowledge and teaching people to make simple changes in their lives to facilitate good health. In her spare time, Liz enjoys reading, getting out in the garden and hanging out with her daughter Stella.

External Tutors

Peter Cattley Dip Rem Mass, Master of Chiropractic

Peter has undertaken extensive training in Body Work and Chiropractic, and uses both modalities in private practice. After completing a Diploma in Remedial Massage, he went on to do further training in Myofascial Release under Rob Granter, former Head of Massage for the Australian Olympic Team. He has also trained under David Legge, Osteopath, author and international lecturer in Acupuncture for musculoskeletal conditions.

Peter has coordinated massage services for a number of state and national level disabled sports events in Australia, along with numerous other sporting events. He has over 16 years of experience and has published 2 journal articles from his clinical research. Using this wealth of experience he leads the therapeutic massage workshops at NCNZ. When not in clinic or tutoring Peter enjoys cycle touring and playing golf.

Pam Sole Dip. Hom.

Pam attained her diploma in homoeopathy through the Bay of Plenty College of Homoeopathy in 1994. As a tutor she draws upon 15 years of clinical practice and 20 years of teaching community courses in homoeopathy in the home. Her interest in Homeopathy had its beginnings with the care of her 5 children. Pam runs H.O.M.E (Homeopathy Online Mentoring and Education), where she mentors students learning homoeopathy. For NCNZ, she teaches the Homeopathy unit within the Diploma in Naturopathy.

Pam has always had a natural interest in health and wellbeing, and supports this by growing organic foods for herself, keeping fit and practicing meditation, yoga, tai chi and chi gong. She currently lives in Australia and returns to NZ each 3rd year workshop to tutor.

Jan Smith Dip. HAT

Jan is an Animal Naturopath, having completed her Diploma in Holistic Animal Therapies in 2006. She works in a number of roles, including in private practice as an Animal Naturopath, as Laboratory Technician for the Taranaki Regional Council and Inglewood High School, and as a tutor for the Certificate in Applied Complementary Animal Health for NCNZ. Jan enjoys many outdoor activities including gardening, cycling and orienteering, and lives on a lifestyle block near Egmont Village, Taranaki.

Administration and Student Support

Belinda Sewter

Belinda is our Enrolment Officer and handles all enrolments, public trust contracts, is responsible for processing student loans, training incentive allowances and sending out your notes. Belinda has had 22 years experience in administration work, as well as owning and managing her own business in the UK. She has qualified at the highest level of swimming coaching and leads a very active outside of work life, keeping fit and running around after three very active children.

Kimmie Warner

Kimmie is our Student Support Officer and monitors all students' progress throughout the year. Kimmie looks after extensions, changes to course status and withdrawals. Kimmie has a 20 year background in administration support services. In her spare time she likes to ride her Harley Davidson, especially in charity organised runs like the B.R.O.N.Z annual toy ride.

Tracey Cocksedge

Tracey is our Receptionist and your first port of call when contacting us. She assists with general enquiries and will connect you to the person you need to speak to for everything else. Outside of work Tracey is a self proclaimed fitness freak, who loves sports, exercising, summer, the beach and socialising with friends and family.