About us

Here at Orthotics NZ we value and celebrate the knowledge and experience of every member of our team.

Through our collaborative approach to our work we are able to provide an inclusive, caring and professional Orthotics service of the highest quality to our patients across the Taranaki region.

Blair Gardiner – Founding Director, Orthotics New Zealand

Blair is the Lead Clinical Orthotist as well as the Founding Director and General Manager of Orthotics NZ. With a career that spans over 40 years, both in New Zealand and overseas, Blair has a wealth of knowledge and experience. Early in his career he spent eight years at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, before returning to New Zealand to manage the Orthotic Services Unit at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Rotorua. Blair then launched his first business, Ortholab in Tauranga in 1996, which he ran for 26 years.

With experience both within the Public and Private health care sectors, Blair is in a strong position to provide excellent Orthotic services to all patients, whether they come to Orthotics NZ through the DHB, through a Private Referral or Self-Referred. He is passionate about orthotic solutions that work, no matter how simple they might appear. His solutions can have a dramatic effect on the pain levels or mobility of a patient. One of Blair's greatest assets is his team, the group of people who support him and each other in providing the best possible care for their patients. In his experience, his colleagues become like family and the best possible care is then facilitated through this supportive environment.

Caroline Briggs – Clinical Liaison

Caroline juggles several balls within her role at Orthotics NZ. Not only is she the Clinical Liaison, she is also in charge of marketing, stock control, patient enquiries and clinical support. With experience as a Podiatrist spanning 20 years and including running her own private practice, she is well versed in providing our clients with expert podiatry care.

In addition to her role at Orthotics NZ, Caroline also works part-time as an Orthotic Technician for Taranaki District Health Board, where she manufactures insoles for shoes as well as working with patients. Caroline values honesty and works hard to achieve great outcomes for our patients.

Peter Maxted – Clinical Orthotist

Peter is a Clinical Orthotist here at Orthotics NZ. He began his career at Auckland Hospital before working at a major orthotics provider that specialised in delivering paediatric and spinal care services to hospitals. A long stint at Napier Hospital preceded a major move to San Francisco, California, in the 1990s where he worked for an orthotic service provider, before a radical career move saw him take to the skies as a flight attendant.

Peter is primarily responsible for delivering Orthotic services to the Taranaki DHB, for patients at Taranaki's Base Hospital. Peter sees both our paediatric and adult clients and works alongside medical staff and therapists to provide clients with the highest quality level of care. You can also find Peter working from our 87 Vivian Street clinic where he provides Orthotic services to our ACC and Private patients.

As an Orthotics practitioner, Peter seeks to understand and consider the whole person when treating patients. He also places great importance on caring for his patients with kindness and is a firm believer in going the extra mile. These things, plus the problem solving and customer services skills he honed whilst working as a flight attendant, make Peter an invaluable part of the Orthotics NZ team.

Lee Gardiner – Co-Director of Orthotics New Zealand

As well as wearing her Co-Director hat, Lee also sports those of the Quality and Compliance Manager and Privacy Officer. She wears all three hats with grace thanks to a career spanning 40 years as a Physiotherapist, Advisor to the Health and Disability Commissioner and once President for Physiotherapy New Zealand.

Lee believes that all New Zealanders should have access to quality care and that a holistic approach to healthcare is the most beneficial. Furthermore, she is passionate about encouraging health practitioners to empower their clients to optimise their health, regardless of their injuries, disabilities or ill health. An expert in her field, Lee's experience owning and running a large rehabilitation company puts her in good stead to guide our clients through their journey, ensuring they receive the highest quality care with the best possible outcomes.

Caleb van Buskirk - Clinical Orthotist

Caleb is a Clinical Orthotist at Orthotics NZ. He completed his studies in Mechanical Engineering before gaining a post graduate certificate in Orthotics from Northwestern University. After working for several years in with a private practice South Dakota, he relocated to Rotorua in 2015 to join the team at QE Health in Rotorua servicing the Lakes DHB. He has just moved to the beautiful Taranaki in 2022 work with Orthotics NZ.

Splitting his time between Te Whatu Ora- Taranaki Orthotics Service and our 87 Vivian Street clinic Caleb works with other allied health and medical staff to find the best orthotic solutions for both public and ACC clients, from paediatrics to geriatrics. He enjoys the challenge of delivering a device that let his clients live as normal of life as possible.

Dannica Kelsen - ONZ Administrator

Dannica works as an ONZ administrator and has extensive experience in customer service roles.

She is very committed making sure clients get quality service and to the wholistic approach to health. Outside of work (in her previous life) Dannica is a trained opera singer and enjoys being involved in musical performances and shows. She is a great cook and loves to take on the challenge of learning new skills.

Merrin Brace - Administration

Merrin came into Orthotics NZ for a coffee with big sister Caroline, where she promptly put her to work. With 20 plus years of sales and administration experience, Merrin enjoys working with people and building rapport with clients. In addition to her Administration role at Orthotics NZ, Merrin wears many other hats including Safety Watch, and still continues in other sales roles.