Neurological Foundation - Chair of Neurosurgery

Our People

Find out about the people behind our campaign. Invest in your future. DONATE TODAY!

  • Irene Mosley

    Campaign Project Manager

    “This campaign matters – locking in a fantastic neurosurgical service into the South will make a difference for many generations to come.”

    With more than 20 years working in community development and fundraising, Irene has the experience and the passion to deliver a successful campaign. Since she came on-board in mid-2011, Irene, a recent recipient of a Paul Harris Fellowship for outstanding service to the community, has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure we raise the funds we need to fund this vital position in perpetuity. Irene has extensive first-hand experience of the impact of neurological conditions on a person and their family.

    Irene is your first point of contact for any campaign enquiries.

    Contact Irene

  • Dr Brian McMahon

    Committee Chairman

    “The Neurological Foundation Chair in Neurosurgery not only secures a comprehensive neurosurgical service in Dunedin, it grows it.”

    Prominent doctor, humanitarian and retired soldier, Dr Brian McMahon has had a distinguished career in both medicine and the army. As the former medical superintendant at Wakari Hospital and Dunedin Hospital, Brian has been a dynamic leader, while also working as a lecturer at the Otago Medical School. Now in his 80s, Brian continues to teach and mentor students and has been a key influence on many of our successful medical professionals. In 2011, he was awarded the Anzac of the Year award.

  • Max Ritchie

    Executive Officer, Neurological Foundation

    “Neurosurgery is a vital part of our mission to alleviate suffering from disorders of the brain and nervous system. As one of New Zealand’s main neurological research centres, the University of Otago is the perfect partner for us – and the right place to house this Chair.”

    Max Ritchie is the Executive Director of the Neurological Foundation, appointed in 1994. He retired from the NZ Army in 1985 to become the CEO of the Wellington Division of the Cancer Society. He was the Commanding Officer of 4 O South and Commander, Otago-Southland Army Area 1978 -1980. He attended the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, the US Army and Australian Staff Colleges and the University of Otago.

  • Professor Harlene Hayne

    Vice-Chancellor, University of Otago

    “This is a New Zealand first - an academic unit dedicated to neurosurgery. This prestigious Chair will attract world-class talent to Dunedin now and in the future.”

    Otago University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne is described as an inspiring leader – highly regarded for her warmth, dynamism, energy, decisiveness and ability to mentor and motivate. A former head of the university’s Department of Psychology, Harlene has an admirable reputation as a leading researcher in memory development in infants, children, adolescents and adults and her work has been cited in legal proceedings around the world.

    Harlene is excited by the Neurological Foundation Chair in Neurosurgery and is confident it will attract leading academics and top neurosurgeons to Dunedin. She is also encouraged by the collaboration between the University, the Hospital and the Neurological Foundation – all working towards a common goal for the community.

  • Professor Peter Crampton

    Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Health Sciences and Dean of Faculty of Medicine, University of Otago

    “This position is a central component of the Dunedin hub of the South Island Neurosurgical Service. The new Chair will not only be a key member of the surgical team based in Dunedin, but will also lead world-class research into aspects of brain disease to increase our understanding of pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment."

    University of Otago Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Health Sciences, Professor Peter Crampton has led a distinguished career. After graduating from the University of Otago Medical School in 1985, Peter worked as a general practitioner before training in Public Health Medicine. His PhD thesis, on aspects of the delivery of primary health care, led to a Harkness Fellowship in Health Policy, which took him to the US Johns Hopkins University in 2002 -2003. In 2004 he was appointed as Professor and Head of the Department of Public Health at the University of Otago, Wellington and later became Dean.