Meet the team - Kowhai Physio and Hand Therapy

Toni Wilson - Head Clinical Therapist

Dip. Phys. (Otago), Reg. Hand Therapist (NZAHT), Registered Acupuncturist, MPNZ

Toni Wilson has extensive knowledge of Hand Therapy injuries. She has specialised in the management of hand and upper limb conditions for over 30 years and holds post-graduate qualifications in both Hand Therapy & Acupuncture.

Scott Wilson - Head Clinical Therapist

Dip. Phys. (Otago), Post Grad. Dip. Manip. Therapy, Post Grad. Dip. Western Acupuncture, MPNZ

Scott Wilson is a New Zealand trained Physiotherapist that has worked for over 20 years in Private Practice, in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom. He offers a wealth of knowledge and experience in the fields of spinal problems and sports injuries. He has worked closely with people of all walks of life as well as elite and professional sportsmen and women. Scott also holds post graduate qualifications in Manipulation and Acupuncture.

Hannah Holloway - Physiotherapist

B.H.Sc. Physio (AUT), Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, APPI Pilates Qualification, MPNZ

Hannah trained at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and has over 12 years’ experience. She has worked in small paediatric rehab settings, private hospitals, orthopaedic rehabilitation, side line rugby, and in several musculoskeletal private practice clinics. She has also trained in Pilates and has taught both group and 1:1 Pilates over the past 8 years helping to strengthen and rehabilitate her clients through fun functional movement.

Hannah’s special interest is Pelvic Health where she is trained to assess and treat a range of common pelvic health dysfunctions, allowing clients to return to activities and sports they love without limitation.

Mel Davis - Physiotherapist

B.H.Sc. Physio (AUT), B. Physical Ed (Otago), Post Grad Dip Sports medicine (Otago), Diploma Sporting performance (Otago)

Mel is a qualified physiotherapist who graduated in 2017 from AUT, with a focused interest in orthopaedic rehabilitation, sports injuries, and exercise-based recovery. With a strong foundation in evidence-based practice, she works closely with clients to restore function, improve performance, and support long-term physical resilience. Prior to being a physiotherapist, Mel worked in gyms which has enhanced her exercise prescription skills, and she believes exercise is the key to life.

Drawing on both clinical expertise and personal athletic experience, Mel brings a practical and relatable approach to rehabilitation. As an ultra-marathon runner and former representative rugby player, she understands the physical and mental demands of sport at all levels. This lived experience enhances her ability to design tailored rehabilitation programs that are both effective and sustainable.

Mel is committed to empowering individuals through movement, helping clients return to activity with confidence while minimizing the risk of re-injury.

Amber Carruthers - Physiotherapist

Bachelor of Physiotherapy with Distinction, (BPhty), (Otago), Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, Certified Mulligans Practitioner (CMP), APPI Pilates Instructor, PINC & STEEL Oncology Therapist, MPNZ

Amber trained at the University of Otago and graduated in 2016 with distinction. She has eight years of rural physiotherapy experience in Northland, in both private and public sectors. She has worked across all settings in all clinical areas such orthopaedics, neuro-rehab, cardiorespiratory, oncology, rheumatology, and local club rugby and football. Since 2020, Amber has developed a passion for pelvic health and enjoys using her broad skills to treat women with a holistic approach. Amber is Mulligans trained and a qualified APPI Pilates instructor. She has grown to become very passionate about integrating functional exercise into your rehabilitation plans as soon as possible for optimal results.

In recent years, Amber has taken on leadership roles and enjoys advocating for physiotherapy and healthcare at both regional and national levels, particularly for rural communities.

Isabella Bardua - Physiotherapist

BHSc Physiotherapy (AUT)

Since graduating in 2023 from AUT, Isabella has been working in a Musculoskeletal Private Practice, where she enjoys supporting people through injury recovery and performance improvement. She has a special interest in treating runners, children, and athletes from artistic sports – areas where she loves the blend of technical movement, creativity, and resilience these clients bring.

Isabella focuses on clear communication and practical, goal-oriented rehab plans, making sure each patient feels listened to, supported, and empowered throughout their journey.

Katy Carnachan - Specialist Physiotherapist

BPhty, Cert. MDT, Post Grad Diploma (Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy) with Distinction, Master of Health Science with First Class Honours

Katy specialises in managing spinal injuries through specific and individualised exercise plans and adaption of movement patterns that may be contributing to persistent pain.

The spinal injuries Katy treats include headaches, neck pain, upper and lower back pain, pelvic pain and hip pain.

She also manages rheumatological conditions such as Ankylosing Spondylitis and other spondyloarthropathies, degenerative conditions including scoliosis and spondylolisthesis, and can also help with managing any ongoing pain following spine surgery.

Katy works with patients who haven’t seen enough progress with previous treatment and need more specialised care.

A referral is required to see her.

Ronel Strauss - Hand Therapist

B.Sc. Physio (Stellenbosch University), Registered Hand Therapist, NZHT, MPNZ

Ronel qualified as a physiotherapist at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. Shortly after her studies, she gained some experience in the UK for two years.

After returning to South Africa, she started to work as a Musculoskeletal Physio at a practice in Cape Town. There she worked for more than 10 years as part of a large physio team which worked closely with Occupational Therapists and Hand, Orthopaedic and Plastic Surgeons.

In 2020, Ronel and her family decided to relocate to New Zealand where she started working as an Associate Hand Therapist.

Ann Davidson - Hand Therapist

Dip. Phys. (Otago), Registered Hand Therapist (NZAHT), ADP (OMT), Registered Hand Therapist, MPNZ

Ann is an experienced Post-graduate Qualified Manipulative Physiotherapist, Hand Therapist and Acupuncturist who continues to enjoy supporting people through their rehabilitation.  She has a special interest in complex pain management.  As a keen tennis participant, she has worked with club and elite players with upper limb injuries.

Helle Attwood - Hand Therapist

B.H.Sc. Physio (AUT), Registered Hand Therapist (NZAHT)

Helle is from Denmark and met her husband when travelling in New Zealand.  She immigrated here in 1996 and graduated as a Physiotherapist in 2001. Helle has specialised in Hand Therapy for over 17 years. Working with hands is something she is truly passionate about.  If an injury or disorder is limiting your everyday life, then she will help fabricate customised hand or elbow supports and provides treatments for you to get back to what you love and enjoy.

Veronika Brdanovic - Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) 

Postgraduate Certificate in Health (Rehabilitation), Pilates Instructor: APPI and Stott Pilates trained, Registered Hand Therapist NZHT, MPNZ Hand Therapist

Veronika is an experienced and empathetic Hand Therapist and Physiotherapist with a strong foundation in musculoskeletal care, upper limb rehabilitation, and therapeutic exercise. She is trained in both APPI and Stott Pilates, allowing her to integrate targeted, evidence-based movement strategies into her rehabilitation plans. Veronika brings a holistic, person-centred approach to every session, empowering clients to take charge of their health through tailored therapy and meaningful behaviour change support. She has worked across diverse healthcare settings, collaborating closely with GPs and allied health teams to deliver culturally responsive care that honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi and supports long-term wellbeing.