Complaints Board (Poari Whakapae)

I started in Audiology in 2003 after completing my Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Auckland.

During my career I have worked in the public sector (Waikato DHB) and also in private practice. I have had the pleasure working with some great people across both sectors and gained valuable experience in leadership, and managing clinics and teams, whilst maintaining a clinical load. I have also enjoyed mentoring and supervising many Audiologists over the years and like seeing their growth as they progress through their career.

Currently, I own my own independent practice in Auckland working alongside ORL surgeons. I also worked at Waitemata DHB (Waitakere and North Shore Hospital) where I supervised and help support ENT and Audiology services until more permanent staff was found. I also worked in Gisbourne Hospital helping reduce waiting lists for the region.

I currently work across several sites in Auckland in my own practice. During clinical work, I made hearing protection on site for patients trying to reduce preventable hearing losses.

I have been on various sub-committees of the NZAS since 2008/2009 and currently lend my time on several sub-committes including: PAR (Professional Advisory Representative), MESC Steering Group (Membership, Examination, Supervision Sub-committee), NZAS Examiner, Chief editor for the NZAS Bulletin, NZAS Complaints Board and CCC OSCE Review Sub-Committee all of which are voluntary because I believe together we can make a difference.

I am also an active member of RACS (Royal Australian College of Surgeons) and have been deployed to the Pacific nations of Vanuatu and Cook Islands accompanying visiting medical ENT trips offering hearing care to countries that need support and acess to hearing health care. 

My strengths are diplomacy, being down to earth, fair and approachable. I am interested in a cohesive and collaborative society where our members feel comfortable sharing and working together to keep our patients’ best interests at heart.

I graduated with my Master of Audiology from the University of Auckland in 2014, but my journey in the hearing health industry began in 2010 in the UK. During my time there, I served as a Newborn Hearing Screener and trainer for the NHS, while also volunteering with Action on Hearing Loss and working with students using British Sign Language and Makaton in Special Educational Needs schools.

After graduating, I was fortunate to be supervised by Dr. Matt Barker in Hawke’s Bay. This experience helped shape my clinical focus on specialist cases, including tinnitus, auditory processing, and bimodal cochlear implant fittings. I have always been passionate about the global audiology community and have facilitated humanitarian trips to Samoa to provide hearing care, fit donated hearing aids, and train staff.

I am deeply involved in the future of our profession, serving as a member of the NZAS Complaints Board and specialising in preparing provisional clinicians for their OSCE clinical exams. I've supported students through AuCA and TAFE audiometry courses and am a supervisor and mentor. I am committed to a holistic, people-centred approach and am an audiologist for Resonate Health in Rolleston, Christchurch.

Krissy is a practicing lawyer with a background in employment, health and safety, professional ethics, not-for-profit law, and personal injury law. She works as a litigator and legal advisor to a number of not-for-profit incorporated societies and charities. She sits on a number of Boards including the National Advocacy Trust, New Zealand Institute of Safety Management, HealthCarePlus, Tauranga Moana Restorative Justice Trust, and is the Board Chair of Inspired Kindergartens.  She was on the Board of Worksafe Mahi Haumaru Aotearoa from 2019 - 2025. She has previously worked in a policy analyst role, working closely with a number of Government agencies, unions, and business peak bodies to develop the current health and safety legislative framework.