About us
Trustees
John Appleton (Trustee and Director)
John who lives on the north shore in Auckland has worked in the natural health industry for 25 years. John embarked on this journey when both of his parents died prematurely of heart disease. Mitochondria and Coenzyme Q10 popped up on his radar and he joined the international Coenzyme Q10 Association travelling to several conferences to learn more about this amazing molecule. For the past 15 years John has written dozens of articles on various health related topics. He has a very keen interest in vitamin C and how it may be used in the hospital system to save lives.
John has overcome a potentially life-threatening illness using nutritional and lifestyle interventions
Patrick Fahy (Trustee and Director)
Patrick “Paddy” Fahy is a prominent New Zealand naturopath and nutritional biochemist with over four decades of experience in natural health. As owner and Managing Director of Nutricom Australasia and a key figure with Nature’s Sunshine Products NZ, he has been instrumental in formulating and distributing nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, and functional food preparations. He is also Chairman of the Natural Health Alliance (NHA), where he has been a leading advocate on regulatory issues, most notably campaigning successfully for the repeal of the Therapeutic Products Act, which he argued would have imposed excessive compliance costs and restricted consumer access to natural health products.
Dr Paul Butler (Trustee and Advisor)
Dr Paul Butler BSc, MSc, MRNZCGP, FRNZCGP, Dip Obst is a veteran general practitioner (GP) based in Auckland, New Zealand, with a long-standing career in family medicine. He graduated with his medical degree (MB ChB) from the University of Auckland in 1979 and further completed a Diploma in Obstetrics the following year. Dr Butler later went on to earn his Membership in 1991 and Fellowship in 1998 with the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP), meaning he is vocationally registered and qualified to practise independently as a specialist in general practice.
Throughout his career, Dr Butler has focused on providing comprehensive primary care to patients across all ages and health needs. He has been associated with clinics such as Milford Family Medical Centre, where he sees patients part-time and brings his decades of clinical experience to everyday general practice. He is also noted as having an interest in lifestyle medicine, reflecting an emphasis on supporting patients with preventive care and longer-term health management
Cassandra Fairest (Trustee and Advisor)
Cassandra Fairest is a chiropractor based in Auckland. Inspired by her own journey into natural health, she is passionate about nervous system–focused care and a whole-person approach to wellbeing, integrating chiropractic health principles to help individuals and families thrive. She is the current serving President of the NZCA, the first woman to do so in its 100+ year history.
Anna McLoughlin (Trustee)
Anna McLoughlin is a communications specialist with nearly two decades of experience working nationally and internationally across campaign management, event coordination, and crisis communications. She is passionate about health, wellness, and nutrition, and believes New Zealand stands at a critical turning point in its approach to healthcare.
Anna advocates strongly for a shift towards preventative health, driven by the conviction that informed choices around diet and lifestyle can meaningfully reduce unnecessary sickness and suffering, and create a healthier, more vibrant future for all New Zealanders.
Prof. Grant Schofield
Grant Schofield is the Professor of Public Health at Auckland University of Technology, Director of the University’s Human Potential Centre, former Chief Scientific Adviser to the Ministry of Education in New Zealand, co-author of four best-selling books and Chief Science Officer for PREKURE.
Professor Grant’s career has focused on preventing the diseases of modern times and seeing what it takes to help people live a long, healthy and happy life.
He lives and breathes the motto “be the best you can be” and sees this as a gamechanger for the health system, capable of transforming the current health (sickness) model, to one in which we aspire to be well. He is redefining public health as the science of human potential; the study of what it takes to have a great life.
Grant is well known for thinking outside the box and challenging conventional wisdom in nutrition and weight loss, as well as physical activity and exercise.
He brings his fluency across several scientific disciplines from human physiology, to psychology, to peak performance to his role at PREKURE, where he delivers world class training in lifestyle medicine.
Prof. Caryn Zinn
Prof. Caryn Zinn is a Professor at AUT’s School of Sport and Recreation and the Co-Director of the Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ). Her research focus is on the application of a whole food carbohydrate-reduction approach in the context of metabolic health and sports performance, and on food quality.
After graduating as a dietitian in Cape Town, South Africa, Caryn relocated to New Zealand and worked as a Public Health Dietitian for the Northland District Health Board before joining AUT in 2000, where she undertook her Masters (2004) and PhD qualifications (2012) and has since developed her research career. Caryn is the Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Metabolic Health. In her role as a New Zealand Registered Dietitian, Caryn has been involved in clinical practice for over 25 years, in a clinic that specialises in the application of whole food nutrition and lifestyle management for chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, weight management, gut health disorders, and autoimmune conditions.
Caryn’s specialty area is the application of whole food carbohydrate-reduction nutrition therapy (low carbohydrate, healthy fat, LCHF and ketogenic diets) for conditions characterised by insulin resistance and inflammation, as well as in the context of sports performance nutrition.
Prof. Julia Rucklidge
Professor Julia Rucklidge, a clinical psychologist, is the Director of Te Puna Toiora, the Mental Health and Nutrition Research Lab at the University of Canterbury.
Originally from Canada, she’s a renowned clinical psychologist focusing on nutritional interventions for mental illnesses. With over 150 publications and 100s of global talks, she advocates for healthy eating to enhance mental health.
Notable achievements include co-authoring “The Better Brain,” a TEDx talk with over 5 million views, and receiving awards like the University of Canterbury’s Innovation Medal 2024, the Ballin Award from the New Zealand Psychological Society, and being named one of New Zealand’s top 100 influential women.
Dr Glen Davies
Dr Glen Davies is a Wellington-born GP who graduated from the University of Otago in 1989 and gained early experience working at a mission hospital in Papua New Guinea. Now based in the Taupo region, he co-founded the community group “Reverse T2 Diabetes Taupo”, which has helped over 115 people reverse their type 2 diabetes through a low carbohydrate, healthy fat approach.
This work has since grown into “Reversal NZ”, a broader movement linking clinicians and coaches to bring formal reversal programmes to more New Zealanders. Glen describes finding his purpose as a healer through this work, and feels energised by the potential to create healthier communities.
Dr Guy Hatchard
Guy, is an international advocate of food safety and natural medicine. He received his undergraduate degree in Logic and Theoretical Physics from the University of Sussex and his Ph.D. in Psychology from Maharishi University of Management, Fairfield Iowa.
He was formerly a senior manager at Genetic ID, a global food safety testing and certification laboratory. His published work uses the statistical methods of the physical sciences to analyse social data.
He has lectured and advised governments in countries around the world on health and education initiatives.
His book Your DNA Diet examines the role of genetic information in nutrition and investigates safety issues in medical settings.
He is a pioneer of research on consciousness as a field phenomenon and has presented papers on the benefits of meditation to improve health outcomes and quality of life.
Deborah Murtagh
Deborah is one of the world’s leading mind-before-body weight loss coaches. Over the past decade, over 150,000 women have transformed their lives through her programmes. Deborah is a mother to 3 gorgeous daughters, a mother-in-law to an amazing man, and a grandmother! “I’m passionate about role modelling to my girls how to live an inspired & fulfilling life while being the best version of ourselves possible.”
She believes in living soul first & from the heart and has raised her girls knowing that when we devote our lives to being of service to others, we will live an inspired & fulfilling life.
Deborah has spent the past 3 decades developing my programme, over 20,000 clinical hours working 1:1 in her clinic, resulting in a failsafe program & lifestyle that has reversed metabolic diseases & restored the vitality & health of countless people. However, we can have the best diet in the world, but it’s the mindset and self-love that enables us to stick to anything new.
So, Deborah has spent decades studying addiction mindset and psychology to create a companion program that focuses on the practical tools of how to remove old habits to create lasting & authentic change.
Penny Marie
Penny is an independent investigative journalist based in New Zealand, reporting on government policy, global influence networks, and the real-world impact of ideology on families, schools and children. She is the founder of Let Kids Be Kids, a grassroots movement launched in 2023 to inform and empower parents about what is happening in the education system and to protect children’s minds, bodies and identities.
Her work has attracted a rapidly growing audience across Substack, YouTube and social media, and has been republished by independent outlets internationally (see examples here and here). Penny combines on-the-ground interviews, document-based research and long-form analysis to surface stories often ignored or downplayed by mainstream media.
Kaytee Boyd
Kaytee is a seasoned veteran in Health and Wellness with over 25 years of experience. This field is not just her profession; it’s her life’s passion.
Facing her own health challenges, including addiction and PCOS, along with caring for sick family members, inspired her to become a dedicated learner. She been mentored by world-leading experts in various domains, such as blood chemistry analysis, functional medicine, naturopathy, genetics, hormones, autoimmune conditions, chronic fatigue, nutrigenomics, microbiome health, autism, cancer, and more.
This extensive knowledge allows Kaytee to precisely identify issues and craft effective health solutions. Her greatest success was caring for my grandparents at home during their final days, a cherished experience that taught Kaytee empathy and tenderness, values instilled in me by her nurse mother.
She was honoured to receive a Prime Minister’s Scholarship and to serve in advisory roles in cancer education.
As a retired professional athlete and World Cup Gold Medalist, Kaytee brings dedication and precision to her practice and MNZHA, tailoring wellness strategies with the same meticulous care as an athlete’s regimen.
Prof. Ian Brighthope MBBS
Ian Brighthope is an Australian medical doctor (MBBS, 1974) with a background in Agricultural Science (1965) and a focus on natural health. He founded the Brighthope Clinics and Biocentres in the 1970s, specializing in Nutritional, Environmental, and Herbal Medicine, including intravenous therapies.
He was founding president of the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (ACNEM) for over 26 years, pioneering Australia’s first postgraduate nutrition course, and now serves as its ambassador. As Chairman of the Australian College of Herbal Medicine, he explored cannabis and other therapies. With 35+ years advocating integrative medicine, he has expertise in crisis/risk management, public relations, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
He served as President of the Complementary Healthcare Council of Australia (2001-2003) and addressed the National Press Club in 2002 on complementary medicines. His mission is to integrate nutrition, environmental, and herbal medicine into public health for global wellbeing.
Prof. Robert Clancy MBBS(Hons), BSc(Med), PhD, FRACP, FRCPA
Robert Clancy AM is a leading Australian clinical immunologist and pioneer in mucosal immunology, with more than 260 publications. His research has focused on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), particularly the connection between the gut and the lungs. He and his team demonstrated that stimulating the gut immune system can generate immune cells that migrate to the lungs and produce antibodies against respiratory infections.
In 1985, at University of Newcastle, Professor Clancy developed the Broncostat vaccine, which was reported to reduce acute bronchitis attacks by up to 90%. He is now Emeritus Professor at the University’s School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy. Earlier in his career, he was Foundation Chair of Pathology at the University of Newcastle and the first Clinical Immunologist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Professor Clancy holds medical and doctoral degrees from the University of Sydney and Monash University, and is a Fellow of both the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and the Royal College of Pathologists of Australia.
Dr Melissa McCann
Dr Melissa McCann is a general practitioner and practice principal of a busy general practice and skin cancer clinics in the Whitsunday’s region of North Queensland Australia. Prior to medical training Dr McCann was a pharmacist and this background promoted a special interest in medicines safety, in particular the Covid 19 vaccine adverse events. Her current clinical practice includes many with post covid 19 vaccine adverse events and she is currently leading a Federal class action on behalf of all injured and bereaved in Australia, against the Therapeutics Goods Administration and Department of health.
Geoff Sewell
Geoff is a ‘fellow’ chartered accountant, multi-platinum selling recording artist, accomplished tenor, co-creator and founding member of the world’s first opera band and mixed classical crossover group, Amici Forever.
Geoff is global CEO of London based entertainment company, Incognito Artists, inspirational keynote speaker, MC of events, patriotic Kiwi, keen sportsman, happy husband and father to two beautiful girls.
He has released seven albums, two of which have gone to No. 1, and two to No.2; he’s had a No.1 DVD, has enjoyed huge chart and tour success in the USA, UK, Australia, NZ and worldwide. Geoff has performed by request of Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Albert Hall, for King Charles at Windsor Castle, for Prince Albert of Monaco at the Prince’s Palace, for Nelson Mandela, and for many other distinguished public figures.
Simone Lanham
Simone is wife to Geoff Sewell and mum to two beautiful daughters Sienna and Olivia who have both followed Dad’s footsteps by embracing careers in music.
Simone wrote the lyrics to a beautiful song Heal Me’ which tells the story about the healing journey of Sienna who was diagnosed with Autism when she was just two years of age. Simone has been a tireless campaigner for Autism awareness, and she is actively involved with the Sewell Foundation.
The Geoff & Simone Sewell Foundation Charitable Trust works with key individuals worldwide to support parents of children with autism. The Foundation provides clear, evidence-informed information and practical “how-to” guidance on biomedical interventions, including diet and nutritional strategies, supplementation, detoxification approaches, and holistic therapies.
It also offers information about Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) as a therapeutic approach. The Foundation’s goal is to equip parents with practical tools and knowledge so they can make informed decisions about their child’s care and support.
Dr Thomas Levy MD JD
Dr Levy is an American cardiologist, attorney and author, known for his extensive work on the therapeutic use of vitamin C. Over several decades, Dr. Levy has focused on the role of oxidative stress as a central driver of chronic disease and has argued that optimal health depends on maintaining adequate antioxidant levels, particularly vitamin C.
He has written numerous books and papers proposing that high-dose vitamin C administered orally or intravenously, may help combat infections, neutralise toxins, support cardiovascular health, and reduce inflammation. In works such as Curing the Incurable, he presents case studies and scientific literature to support his view that vitamin C has been underutilised in modern medicine. His research and advocacy have contributed significantly to ongoing discussions about the clinical applications of vitamin C in both acute and chronic disease.
Dr Levy was inducted into the Orthomolecular Medicine Hall of Fame in 2016, recognising his contributions to antioxidant-based and orthomolecular approaches to health, particularly his work on vitamin C and oxidative stress