I studied psychology as an undergraduate at The University of Auckland, completing my BA in 1995, and went on to complete an MA(Hons), with research on cervical cancer prevention policy in New Zealand. I then went to the UK on a Commonwealth Scholarship, to conduct research for my PhD at Loughborough University. My expertise is in critical, feminist and health psychologies.
I was appointed as a lecturer in the School of Psychology following the completion of my PhD, in 2001, and have been at Waipapa Taumata Rau since. During this time, I have spent periods of research leave based in universities in the US (Columbia University & CUNY; NYC) and the UK (The University of the West of England; Bristol; City, University of London).
My key service roles within the university have been oriented toward equity. Currently, I am the co-chair of the disabled staff network.