Our Team
Research remains pivotal in advancing our understanding of breast cancer. With no direct Government funding, New Zealand researchers rely on the generosity of everyday Kiwi’s and Breast Cancer Cure to continue their life-changing work and it is essential we enable them to innovate and lead improvements, to stop people dying from this disease.
Sonja de Mari
Breast Cancer Cure exists for one reason: to fund world-class breast cancer research here in Aotearoa. New Zealand has a unique population, and we know that research and data generated right here at home will have the greatest impact for our people. We believe deeply in the brilliance of our researchers, scientists and clinicians, those working tirelessly toward earlier detection, faster diagnosis, and better outcomes for women across our country. The funding of breast cancer research does not happen in isolation. It happens because people choose to stand together. I love seeing what happens when people unite behind a shared purpose, knowing that together we are funding research that makes a real, tangible difference for women and families throughout New Zealand. A real difference in survival rates. A real difference in treatment options. A real difference in futures. Join us and be part of this story to make a difference for our community.
Partnership Executive
Jessica Taplin
Events Co-ordinator
Venetia Wilson
Marketing
Sarah Taverna
Retail Campaign Co-ordinator
Tess O'Neill
Our Board
Breast Cancer Cure NZ is guided by a highly experienced and committed Board, bringing together leaders in governance, medicine, healthcare, finance, property, marketing, and philanthropy. Chaired by Fay Sowerby, whose long-standing involvement and personal connection to breast cancer underpin a strong focus on funding innovative, precision-led research, the Board combines deep clinical expertise, commercial acumen, and strategic insight. With members spanning cancer research and care, audit and assurance, brand and fundraising, and long-term charitable leadership, the Board provides robust oversight and direction, united by a shared commitment to advancing prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment and ultimately finding a cure for breast cancer in Aotearoa.
Fay Sowerby, board member since 2009 and Chair of Breast Cancer Cure, leads efforts to fund innovative research aimed at eliminating the impact of breast cancer on all New Zealanders. With over 30 years of governance and commercial experience, her determination for increased research funding, along with her personal experience of breast cancer, strengthens her commitment to advancing precision in prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment strategies through new technologies. Fay serves on another charity, 2 National and 1 International Committee. Fay is a member of the Institute of Directors, an Affiliate of Breast Cancer Trials, a member of the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) and a member of the New Zealand Society of Oncology (NZSO).
A valued board member of Breast Cancer Cure, Martin is also the charity auctioneer of choice for Fashion for a Cure events run across New Zealand. Martin is Managing Director of Harcourts Cooper & Co Real Estate Ltd.
Andrew holds the position of Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and serves as the Director of the Centre for Cancer Research at the University of Auckland. He has been a member of the Breast Cancer Cure board since 2020.
Tony has been on the Breast Cancer Cure Board since 2012. He is currently the CEO of Canopy Healthcare Group Ltd (2018-present), CEO of TRG Imaging Ltd (2014-present) and Director of Auckland Breast Centre (2014-present).
Murray started his journey with the Breast Cancer Cure when it was formerly the Breast Cancer Research Trust (BCRT), back when the charity launched its infamous Glassons BCRT campaign in the early 2000s. As a marketing and PR specialist, Murray has spent the last two decades carving out a niche in New Zealand and offers the board a new perspective on brand partnerships, marketing, PR, revenue generation and more. Now into his 23rd year as Director of Showroom 22, Murray joined the Breast Cancer Cure board in 2023 to help continue the legacy of the charity to fund research into finding a cure for Breast Cancer in New Zealand.
Jodi was appointed as a Trustee in October 2025. She is an experienced Audit & Assurance Partner with KPMG, with experience in a range of industries and sectors including not-for-profit entities.
Rebecca is a Partner in Consulting at KPMG New Zealand, based in Auckland, specialising in people compliance, payroll remediation, employment‑related regulation and workforce risk for large public and private sector organisations. She brings extensive experience in tax and people‑related advisory work, having previously been a Partner in KPMG’s Tax practice, advising on complex employment, individual and cross-border matters. Rebecca also established and has been closely involved with the Corporate Mothers Network, contributing to research and thought leadership on the experiences of working mothers in corporate environments and the implications for leadership and organisational decision‑making.
Phillipa has been associated with Breast Cancer Cure since 2008, serving as the CEO for 13 years, and has been on the Board since 2021. She is currently General Manager of Canopy Cancer Care (2021-present).
