New Zealand Branch

I am a dual forensic-biometric identification specialist (MSc Forensic Speech Science, U of York; MA Forensic Linguistics, U of Cardiff, PhD Speech Science, Rice U). My post-doctoral research at NZILBB at the University of Canterbury focussed on mapping social-behavioural traits on the acoustic speech signal, such as drug use and speaker height. Since 2009 I’ve served as an independent forensic expert in speaker comparison in anonymous recordings, authorship analysis of anonymous documents, resolution of disputed utterances and semantic disputes, training advanced police negotiation teams and evaluating comprehension by non-native participants in the legal process. I am currently a Principal Data Scientist at Immigration NZ.

I am the Director of the Forensic Science Programme at the University of Auckland and a Senior Science Leader and the DNA Technical Leader of the Forensic Biology Group of Environmental Science and Research Inc (ESR) in Auckland, New Zealand and have been a forensic scientist since 1988, specializing in body fluid identification and DNA analysis. I have supervised over 60 student researchers, including over 55 MSc students and 10 PhD students. I lead an active research team which has led to the introduction of new techniques in casework such as Y STR profiling and mRNA testing. Current research includes new sequencing technologies such as epigenetics, mitochondrial DNA, phenotype, and ancestry determination. I was awarded a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Forensic Science and made a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand in 2021.

I have over 25 years of forensic experience across a broad range of forensic disciplines and have worked for forensic service providers in the UK, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Australia.  She has a casework and research background, and her interests are in social harm reduction and addressing inequity.  Heidi audits internally for ESR and externally for NATA; and in 2022 provided technical expertise to the Commission of Inquiry into Forensic DNA Testing in Queensland. Her broad experience, eye for detail, and process-driven approach will all be put to good use in the secretary role and Heidi welcomes the opportunity to serve the NZFSS and the broader ANZFSS community.

Joanne Ross is a dedicated member of the NZDF with a strong passion for forensic sciences. She has training in forensic photography and forensic art and is currently expanding her expertise in biometrics and facial recognition. A continuous member of the NZ Wellington branch of ANZFSS since 2016, Joanne has also been actively involved with the Military Police since 2020.

I am a forensic scientist at ESR (Institute of Environmental Science and Research).  I hold a Bachelor of Science in Human Genetics and a Master of Science in Genetics from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, a Master of Science degree in Forensic Investigation from Cranfield University, United Kingdom, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Biology, specialising in bloodstain interpretation on apparel fabrics, from the University of Otago.  I have been a member of ANZFSS since 2012 and have been fortunate to attend and present at multiple ANZFSS conferences.  I am also a committee member for the Christchurch sub-branch of the New Zealand branch of ANZFSS.

I am a forensic biologist at ESR (Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd) where I perform body fluid identification and DNA analysis on casework, reference, and databank samples.  I completed a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at the University of Otago in 2014, followed by a Master of Forensic Science at the University of Auckland in 2016.  After a small period in casework, I went back to research and completed my PhD in forensic epigenetics in 2023.  I have wider research and validation interests in new sequencing technologies and applications, lecture in the University of Auckland Forensic Science program, and supervise MSc and PGDip students undertaking research through this program.  I have been a member of ANZFSS since 2016 and have been fortunate to attend and present at multiple ANZFSS conferences.  Since 2023, I have taken on the role of the NZFSS Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Branch chair.

Julia is a trained entomologist from Berlin, specialising in Diptera taxonomy, medical entomology (parasitology and forensic entomology), and insect physiology. In her PhD, Julia analysed the chemical volatiles emitted from a dead body during different decomposition stages and the odour recognition of flies for a better understanding of the temporal insect succession on a corpse. She has worked on forensic cases involving insects in Germany and now in New Zealand subcontracted by ESR. While being the Lead Curator of invertebrates at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, a big part of her work is improving research and quality standards in forensic entomology in New Zealand. Julia has recently represented the New Zealand Police at the ANZPAA NIFS Forensic Entomology TAG.

I am a Professional Forensic Anthropologist, Lecturer, and Academic Convenor of the Forensic Summer School (FORB201) at the University of Otago.  I hold a PhD in Biological Anthropology (Uni of Otago), MSc (hons) in Human Osteology and Palaeopathology (Bradford Uni, UK), and BSc (hons) in Forensic Science (UCLAN, UK).  I am a member of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and have been involved with NZFSS since 2014, currently serving as the Ōtepoti Dunedin Branch Chair.  I am a New Zealand observer on the Forensic Anthropology Technical Advisory Group, National Institute of Forensic Sciences, and have actively contributed to published professional ANZFSS/NIFS standards for New Zealand and Australian practitioners in Forensic Anthropology.  I have over 20 years of experience in examining and analysing human remains in forensic, historical, and archaeological settings in numerous countries throughout the world.  Since 2015, I’ve served as an independent forensic expert in Aotearoa New Zealand.  As an advocate for indigenous rights and in partnership with Māori researchers, I am currently the Principal Investigator of a decolonising research project exploring indigenous data sovereignty and ethics within forensic science.

I am a Senior Statistician at Oritain Global Limited, New Zealand and Honorary Academic at the University of Technology Sydney, Australia. I am interested in statistical inference and interpretation of forensic evidence, as well as other Statistics and Data Science related problems in this field. I have been a member of ANZFSS since 2016 and been on the NZFSS council since 2020.

I have been involved in forensic science since 1998 and have worked in the UK and Aotearoa.  My reporting areas of expertise were alcohol toxicology, drugs, footwear marks, trace material (glass and pollen) and drug driving.  I was an assessor for the now-ceased Council for the Registration of Forensic Practitioners in the UK.  I am an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Canterbury and I lecture on forensic science at UC and also the University of Otago.  I am involved in training NZ lawyers and judges as well as overseas experts on a variety of topics.  I have extensive experience in large, complex and historical criminal cases and one of my main roles is assisting lawyers to understand the capabilities and limitations of science in criminal and Family cases.  Education, learning and cross-sector communication are critical to the successful continuation of the legal system, and I hope to facilitate those through my involvement with the NZFSS.

Julian has been with the NZ Police since 1990, training for over five years to qualify as a fingerprint expert. Since 2002, he has served as the NZ Police National Fingerprint Training Officer, a role he continues to enjoy. A long-standing ANZFSS member since 1995, Julian is the current Chairperson of the NZ Wellington branch. Passionate about forensic education and communication, he is dedicated to enhancing forensic science engagement with the public and judiciary, as well as exploring innovative learning methods in an evolving digital landscape.

Peggy Lefevre is a New Zealand Police Detective with a keen interest in forensic science and serves as a committee member for the Christchurch sub-branch of ANZFSS.

I am a Senior Forensic Scientist working at ESR (Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd). Mt role at ESR involves the analysis of items submitted by NZ Police and NZ Customs for the presence of controlled substance. I have held this role for almost 30 years.

I provide training and mentoring of new staff in the Drug Chemistry team and lecture at the University of Auckland on Forensic Science and supervise students undertaking research for the Masters in Forensic Science programme. I co-ordinate and deliver Expert Witness training course to ESR, NZ Police and members of the public, whose role it is to act as an expert witness in the New Zealand legal system

I am the current NZFSS Auckland Branch chairperson, a role I have had since 2015. I have been a member of ANZFSS since joining in the late eighties. Over this time, I have presented at and attended conferences. I have been involved in the organizing and delivering of the two ANZFSS conferences and associated workshops held in Auckland. I was awarded the ANZFSS Alan Hodda Memorial Award in 2011.