Faye Crawford

Staff Physiotherapist

Qualifications and Treatment skills include

BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy – Cardiff University
Massage Therapist

Bio:

Faye is an experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapist with a First-Class Honours Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Cardiff University. Since graduating, she has gained extensive experience working across a wide range of clinical areas, including musculoskeletal rehabilitation, acute care, neurological recovery, paediatrics, and community health. Her diverse background has provided her with the skills to assess, diagnose, and manage a variety of injuries and conditions, tailoring treatment to suit each individual’s needs and goals.

Faye is passionate about helping people regain movement, strength, and confidence following injury or pain. She takes a patient-centred approach, focusing on treating the individual rather than just the condition. Through collaborative goal-setting, evidence-based practice, and effective communication, she empowers patients to take an active role in their recovery. Her experience in developing rehab classes, delivering in-service training, and leading educational sessions reflects her commitment to continual growth — both for herself, her colleagues, and her patients.

Faye has extensive experience working with the ageing population, helping older adults improve their independence and quality of life. She also provides comprehensive rehabilitation for athletes — whether returning to sport after an injury or striving to reach peak performance. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing a long-term condition, bouncing back from an injury, or aiming to take your health to the next level, Faye is here to guide your rehab journey with expertise, energy, and genuine care. Her sessions are not only focused on results but are also engaging, motivating, and tailored to make rehab a positive and enjoyable experience every step of the way.

Outside the clinic, you’ll likely see Faye trail running, climbing, cycling or playing squash with friends. She believes in leading by example and understands the importance of staying active for both physical and mental wellbeing.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH FAYE

Alexandra Reilly

Physiotherapist

Qualifications/Training:

MSc Physiotherapy – University of Birmingham
BSc – Psychology – University of Liverpool

Bio:

We’re delighted to welcome Alex to the North City Physiotherapy team. Originally trained in the UK, Alex is a passionate and dedicated physiotherapist with a strong background across a wide range of clinical specialties, including musculoskeletal rehabilitation, respiratory care, and neurosurgical recovery.

She brings valuable experience from University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, where she worked as a rotational physiotherapist across several high-demand hospital wards and community settings. Her work has included managing patients in respiratory medicine, musculoskeletal outpatients, neurosurgery, and critical care units. She has also supervised junior staff and supported patients with complex needs, including those recovering from major surgery or managing chronic health conditions.

Alex is committed to evidence-based practice and believes in providing patient-centred care that helps people achieve their health goals and return to the activities they love. Her warm, collaborative approach makes her a great fit for our multidisciplinary team. She has a keen interest in pre- and post-operative rehabilitation, enabling patients to achieve their goals through an exercise-focused approach. She has experience working with the ageing population, working hard to reduce the negative effects of ageing and allowing the older generation to maintain independence. She also have worked with adults with learning disabilities and enjoy adapting my style of communication to fit the needs of all patients.

Whether you’re dealing with post-surgical recovery, managing a long-term condition, or recovering from an injury, Alex is here to help guide your rehabilitation journey with expertise and compassion.

Outside of work Alex enjoys running, walking, being outside by the beach or in the mountains. A perfect Saturday morning would consist of going for a long run followed by brunch or getting a pastry from a local cafe!

Available at…

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH ALEX REILLEY

Atif Razvi

CEO, Lead Post Grad Physiotherapist

Qualifications / Courses

NZRP, MNZSP, MNZMPA
Post Graduate Certificate in Rehabilitation
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry, Otago University)
Dry Needling
Watson Headache Course Level 1
Dave O’Sullivan Mentorship
Champion Performance Specialist

Bio

Born and raised in the Porirua region, Atif has been practising as a physiotherapist since 2001. With a wealth of experience gained from working in both hospital and private practice settings across New Zealand and overseas, Atif brings a broad and diverse perspective to patient care.

In 2005, Atif founded North City Physiotherapy from a small medical centre in Titahi Bay with a simple but powerful vision — to deliver world-class rehabilitation services to the local community. What began as a one-person clinic has since grown into a thriving practice with locations in Porirua, Tawa, Johnsonville, and Whitby. Today, nearly two decades later, Atif leads a dedicated team of physiotherapists and administrators who share his passion for helping people move better, recover faster, and live healthier lives.

Atif has completed extensive postgraduate training, including courses and examinations in manipulative therapy and acupuncture, as well as postgraduate study in Rehabilitation through the University of Otago. His ongoing commitment to professional development ensures that North City Physiotherapy continues to deliver evidence-based, patient-focused care.

Atif’s clinical interests include:

Shoulder injuries and rehabilitation
Headaches
Sports Injuries
Post graduate courses of note: Watson headache, NZMPA, Mulligan, Mckenzie, Explain pain, Dr Jeremy Lewis – Shoulder, Mike Reinold – Champion Performance Specialist

Member of Physiotherapy New Zealand

MPZ2

Available at…

- Porirua Physiotherapy Clinic

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH ATIF RAZVI

Abhishek (Abhi) D’ Costa

Lead Post Graduate Sports Physiotherapist

Qualifications & Special Interests

Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine, Otago University
Credentialed Mckenzie Therapist
Certificate in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy
Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Otago University
Certified Trigger point Dry needling level 2 advanced
Level 1 SMFA
Strength & conditioning for longevity
Hydrotherapy and recovery modalities
Sports psychology and human behavior

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Bio

Abhi is a highly skilled and experienced physiotherapist with a strong background in sports medicine and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. His qualifications include a Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine and a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of Otago, along with advanced certifications such as Credentialed McKenzie Therapist, Orthopaedic Manual Therapy, Trigger Point Dry Needling (Level 2 Advanced), and Level 1 SMFA.

With 19+ years of clinical experience across New Zealand and Australia, Abhi has built an outstanding reputation among GPs, specialists, sports teams, and coaches. His expertise spans elite-level athletes, including Olympic competitors, national sports teams, and professional dancers, as well as everyday patients seeking pain relief and improved mobility.

Approach & Philosophy:
Abhi is deeply committed to patient-centered care, focusing on long-term well-being and injury prevention. He combines evidence-based techniques with a passion for strength training, hydrotherapy (sauna/cold plunges), and sports psychology to optimize recovery and performance.

Beyond clinical practice, he enjoys mentoring students and new graduates, sharing his knowledge to shape the next generation of physiotherapists. A former Natural Powerlifting and Bodybuilding competitor, Abhi practices what he preaches, emphasizing functional strength and holistic health.

Whether rehabilitating injuries or enhancing athletic performance, Abhi’s blend of experience, expertise, and enthusiasm makes him a trusted leader in sports physiotherapy.

Available at:

Johnsonville Physiotherapy Clinic

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH ABHISHEK D’COSTA

Chris Desmond

Lead Post Grad & Vocational Physiotherapist

Qualifications/Training:

BPhty Physiotherapy – University of Otago
PGCertRehab – University of Otago
MMgmt – Massey University

Bio:

18 years of physiotherapy experience across the public and private health sectors in New Zealand. Working with patients from beginning of life through to end of life. Worked with high level sports teams and have been physiotherapist on international sporting tours. 9 years of experience delivering workplace health and wellbeing services through a variety of industries. Experience leading pain management programs and escalated care programs. Mentoring and developing physiotherapy students and physiotherapists in clinical skills and human skills. Host of the wellbeing and resilience podcast “Uncomfortable is OK”

Philip Blanchard

Senior Physiotherapist

Qualifications/Interests/Courses

Bachelor of Physiotherapy – the University of Otago.
Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition – University of Otago
Post Graduate Diploma of Science in Nutrition – University of Otago
Certificate in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy
SMFA Level 1
Interests include complex cases where traditional approaches have failed
TMJ – Jaw disorders and injuries
Dizziness – BPPV, Vertigo, neuritis, Vestibular physiotherapy

Bio

Philip is an Otago University graduate. He is originally a local from Porirua. Philip has experience in private practice down in Christchurch where he was working full time at a large musculoskeletal physiotherapy clinic as well as working as a sports physiotherapist for local football and rugby clubs. Alongside a bachelors and postgraduate qualifications in human nutrition, Philip brings a high level of holistic management to each of his clients and believes in giving his all to his clients and has an eye for detail.

Philip clinical interests include:

Manual therapy
Persistent injuries and pain
Pre- and post-operative rehab
Neck pain and headaches
TMJ/Jaw pain management

Outside work Philip enjoys outdoor adventure, travelling, Squash, & tramping.

Available at…

Porirua Central Clinic

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH PHILIP BLANCHARD

Stacey-Leigh Amsterdam

Senior Physiotherapist

Qualifications & Treatment Skill set include:

Bachelor of Physiotherapy – University of Capetown
Experienced working in specialist orthopaedic rehabilitation, fracture rehab and post joint replacement rehabilitation.
Experienced in managing complex MSK acute and subacute injuries with patient specific return to function/sport.
Experienced in the management of trauma related injuries, conservative and post- operative rehabilitation
Manual therapy
Dry needling
Orthopaedic rehabilitation
Return to work/ functional rehabilitation
Pre-and post-operative management and conditioning
Injury prevention and optimisation
Paediatric MSK and normal development
Dizziness – BPPV, Vertigo, neuritis, vestibular physiotherapy

Bio:

Stacey started her professional career in 2018 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. She worked in state for 6 years where sjhe worked in a tertiary health setting seeing a variety of patients in both an in-patient and out-patient setting. Over the years she has worked closely with specialist doctors and surgeons, specifically in the field of orthopaedic rehabilitation pre and post surgery. After about a year in state, she branched out to gain some private health experience and worked in private practice on a Locum basis for the last 4 years, thereby gaining the best of both worlds.

Working in South Africa, there was always a natural love for community and it has always been a priority to strive for excellent patient care within a system that was so strained. Stacey therefore make it an effort to always learn more and to give the best patient centred treatment while taking on a partnership role with my patients to obtain the best possible return to function.

Outside work, she loves cooking and baking, and time spent exploring. On a good you will find her at the beach lazing the day away. Generally she enjoys time spent with friends and family. Her sport of choice is dancing, she was actually classically trained in ballet and ballroom dancing throughout her primary and high school career, which is actually where her love for physiotherapy started due to my own personal dance injuries.

Stacey is available at our: Whitby & Porirua Clinics

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH STACEY

Kirsty Bidgood

Staff Physiotherapist

Qualifications/Interests

BPhty – Otago University
Dry needling
Sports physiotherapy
Manual therapy

Bio:

I began my physiotherapy career in a private clinic setting, treating clients of all ages with a broad spectrum of conditions ranging from acute injuries to long-term chronic issues. I’ve also spent nearly five years working with premier-grade rugby teams—starting with a local club in Dunedin and, more recently, with Petone Rugby Club. Beyond the clinic and sidelines, I’ve supported community events as a physiotherapist, including the Wellington F45 Games and the 2024 Tarawera Ultra Marathon. During my studies, I completed placements at Lower Hutt Hospital, gaining experience across a variety of areas including acute admissions, the emergency department, chronic pain management, community rehabilitation, and post-surgical care. Outside of work, I enjoy going to the gym, catching up with friends, and playing social badminton.

Available at…

Porirua Clinic

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH KIRSTY

Carmin Kannemeyer

Senior Physiotherapist

Qualifications & Areas of Expertise/Interest

Bachelor of Physiotherapy – University of the Western Cape, South Africa in 2015
Advanced dry needling
Manual therapy
Concussion and neck injuries
Pre and post op rehab

Bio:

Carmin graduated from the University of the Western Cape, South Africa in 2015 with a Bachelor’s (Honors) degree in Physiotherapy and has worked in private and public healthcare. With over 10 years of experience, she has had the privilege of treating an array of conditions including orthopaedic conditions, musculoskeletal acute and chronic presentations, chronic pain, sports related injuries, pre and post-operative care as well as the treatment of concussions. She has a keen interest in neurological conditions and has assisted many in returning to sport, work and daily life following a concussion. She uses her empathy to establish good rapport with her patients to plan an efficient and effective treatment plan catered to her patients and their families needs ensuring a more holistic approach. She has advanced dry needing experience as well as years of experience with hands on treatment techniques.

Carmin is passionate about helping others and a quote from one of her favourite books sums up her her drive, ” that the more I have gone out of my way to help others, the richer my life has become.” Arriving in New Zealand in 2023, I have worked both in rural and urban settings allowing me to navigate the NZ healthcare system well.

Outside work she enjoys spending time with my loved ones, the outdoors and good old roadtrips. I enjoy bettering myself as a human being and focusing on creating. This includes painting, writing and drawing. Self care is important to me- exercise and meditation.

Carmin is available at our Johnsonville Clinic

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH CARMIN

Andie Fitch

Senior Physiotherapist

Qualifications & Treatment skill include

Bachelor of Physiotherapy – the University of Otago
Certificate in Orthopaedic Manual therapy
SMFA Level 1
Dry Needling
Gym injuries and gym based rehabilitation
Soft tissue massage
Back pain

Bio

Andie is a physiotherapist who graduated from the University of Otago. She has prior experience in working with musculoskeletal physiotherapy both in private and the hospital settings. Andie has worked with rugby teams providing assessment. concussion assessment and sports physiotherapy in the past. She uses a mixture of hands on treatments as well as accurate exercise prescription to help her clients regain their independence and performance.

Andie is passionate about musculoskeletal physiotherapy and has a strong focus on exercise prescription to aid in injury recovery and for injury prevention. She also teaches our senior stretch and strengthen class in our Whitby clinic.

Andie is also a cross fit athlete and outside of work Andie loves working out and competing in her local Crossfit gym.

Available at…

Porirua Central Clinic

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH ANDIE FITCH

Florine Djojodiredjo

Musculoskeletal & Pelvic Health Physiotherapist

Qualifications & Treatment Skill set include:

Current – Studying post graduate Pain management
Bachelor of Physiotherapy – University of Otago
Pelvic Health
Dry Needling
Sports Injuries
Acute musculoskeletal injury diagnosis
Sports injuries
Manual therapy
Dry Needling
Exercise prescription

Bio:

Known as Flo, she graduated from the University of Otago. Since graduation Flo has been working in private sector. She has experience as well working for the Ole Football Academy & Western Suburbs Men’s Central League a football academy. She has also done physio for a local netball club. Prior to graduating She completed an internship at Te Whatu Ora Lower Hutt in their orthopaedic ward, musculoskeletal outpatient, as well as community team.

Flo clinical interests include:

Pelvic health: Women’s health, Pelvic Health including bowel and bladder health, pregnancy pre- and post-natal rehabilitation
Sports physiotherapy
Pain managementr
Pre and post operative rehab
Osteoarthritis management
Dry needling

Outside of work she enjoys attending the gym, running, hiking, & Pilates

Member of Physiotherapy New Zealand

Available at…

Whitby Clinic

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH FLORINE

Sam Wu

Senior Physiotherapist

Qualifications / Treatment Skills include:

Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine – University of Otago
Bachelor of Physiotherapy – University of Otago
Bachelor of Science in Physiology & Anatomy – University of Otago
Selective Movement Functional Assessment Level 1 & 2
Dry Needling – Advanced level
Manual therapy
Acute Musculoskeletal Injury Diagnosis

Bio

Sam graduated from the University of Otago with 3 degrees including his post graduate diploma in sports medicine. He has experienced physiotherapist who has completed advanced training in dry needling, as well functional movement screening which gives him the edge for rehabilitation performance and prevention. He has also has a interest in nutrition, women’s health in addition to strength and conditioning.

Sam has previously worked in Wellington CBD in the past focusing on management of athletes/office workers/post-op rehabilitation.

Sam is passionate about helping his clients’ rehabilitation and goes the extra mile to enhance their physical wellbeing. Outside of work Sam enjoys going to the gym and playing a range of sports.

Available at…

Johnsonville Physiotherapy Clinic

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH SAM WU

Roger Pambala

Physiotherapist

Qualifications/Treatment skills include

Bachelor of Physiotherapy – the University of Otago.
Current studying post graduate certificate in health science
Acute musculoskeletal injury diagnosis
Sports injuries
Manual therapy
Dry Needling
Exercise prescription
Biomechanical correction and postural correction

Bio

Roger graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. He have been working in private practice since graduation and have been able to work in a variety of settings mainly in the musculoskeletal setting.

Roger runs a clinic at Aotea college, has been involved in Northern United Rugby Football Club (NRFU), as well as Wellington rugby teams (Under 16s, 19s, 20s) and Tawa medical centre.

Outside work Roger enjoys going to the gym, exploring the great outdoors, social sports whenever he gets a chance, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Available at…

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH ROGER PAMBALA

Maurice Valente

Lead Physiotherapist

Qualifications & Treatment skill set include:

BSc Physiotherapy – University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg in 2010
Sports Physiotherapy post graduate diploma in 2014
Sports injuries
Manual therapy
Exercise prescription
Selective Movement Functional Assessment (SFMA)
Dry Needling
Mulligan Methods
Kinesio-taping

Bio:

Maurice is a highly experienced physiotherapist from South Africa. He has 14 years of physiotherapy experience across the public and private health sectors in New Zealand and South Africa. His experienced includes extensive private practice and sports experience in high level sports, mostly in rugby and cricket, as well as rowers. Has worked alongside several surgeons and has been involved in a lot of post surgical rehabilitation (bariatrics, abdominal and gastrointestinal surgeries and lots of orthopaedic surgeries) where he gained a lot of experience in managing and rehabilitating people after their operations.

Maurice’s’ interests are in post-surgical (especially orthopaedic) rehabilitation, lumbar spine injuries, as well injuries in the knee and ankle

Outside work Maurice enjoys running & trail running, gym training, hiking, tramping, camping, travelling and visiting places “off the beaten track”

Available at…

Porirua Physiotherapy Clinic

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH MAURICE VALENTE

Sian Meffan

Physiotherapist

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Physiotherapy – Otago University

Bio:

Sian is an Otago university graduate who has been working in private practice in Wellington for a few years
now She enjoys the challenge of being a musculoskeletal physiotherapist, and
has an interest in sports physiotherapy, especially rugby.

She enjoys working with Johnsonville Rugby and has experience working for the Wellington Pride and
Hurricanes Poua. Outside work Sian loves spending time with friends and family, being active and watching/participating in sports

Available at…

Porirua Clinic

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH SIAN

Marama Mitchell

Senior Physiotherapist

Bio:

Kia ora, Ko Marama tōku ingoa, Ko Ngati Kahungunu tōku iwi, Ko Tawa ahau.

Marama graduated from AUT in 2011 and has since built a strong career in the private physiotherapy sector in Wellington. With a focus on ongoing professional development, they have completed the NZMPA Certificate in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (COMT) and the NZMPA Mulligan Manual Therapy Concept.

With a background in competitive gymnastics and dance, Marama enjoys treating a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries across various age groups. They combine manual therapy, massage, and exercise rehabilitation to provide effective treatment. Passionate about the role exercise plays in overall health and well-being, Marama is dedicated to educating patients about their conditions and empowering them with the tools to achieve their goals.

In her free time, Marama enjoys waka ama, yoga, and pickleball. She is also an avid fan of rugby league, cheering for the NZ Warriors!

Available at…

- Whitby Physiotherapy Clinic

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH MARAMA

Nicole Frisby

Lead & Pelvic Health Physiotherapist

Qualifications/Training:

Bachelor of Physiotherapy – University of Otago

Credentialed by Dr Melissa Davidson Pelvic Health Training

Bio:

Nicole is pelvic health physiotherapist and a lead musculoskeletal physiotherapist. She graduated from Otago University in 2009 and has since worked in private practices in Australia and New Zealand. She moved to Porirua in 2022 with her husband and 2 children.

Nicole has attended many training courses in pelvic health since 2016 but her interest and understanding grew even more when she became a mum herself. Nicole is passionate about helping women and men regain control of their pelvic health. She has seen the devastating impact that pelvic conditions can have on a person’s quality of life. Her passion comes from seeing how simple strategies and knowledge can have life-changing effects.

Nicole also enjoys mixing up her caseload with challenging musculoskeletal problems.

Nicole is able to help woman who have sustained a maternal birth injury.

See her profile on the Pelvic Health Directory of NZ:

https://www.pelvichealthdirectory.co.nz/wellington/porirua/pelvic-health-professional/nicole-frisby

Outside of work Nicole enjoys mountain biking, swimming and bush walks.

Member of Physiotherapy New Zealand

Available at…

Porirua Central Clinic

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH NICOLE FRISBY

Jane Mugglestone

Senior Physiotherapist

Bio:

Jane is very experienced physiotherapist who trained in the UK before coming out to NZ to settle with her husband. She has been the mainstay of Whitby physiotherapy clinic for over 20 years now. She looking forward to being part of the North City Physiotherapy team and continuing to treat in the Whitby commununity

Member of Physiotherapy New Zealand

Available at…

Whitby Physiotherapy Clinic

Jan Henderson

Administrator

Bio:

Jan has worked as a Physiotherapy receptionist and administrator since August 2003. She loves working with people and enjoying the interaction with the patients.

Tav’ae Moananu

Administrator

Tav’ae is a Porirua local and has vast experience working as an administrator in healthcare settings. She spent over 15 years in Wellington hospital orthopaedic clinic. She looks forward to welcoming you all to our Porirua clinic and being of assistance

Penny Little

Administrator

Penny is the other half of our Johnsonville reception team. She used to manager her husbands business before joining North City Physio, and so bring a high level of accuracy to her role. Outside work Penny enjoys spending time with her family.

Natasha Maharaj

Administrator

Ayesha Razvi

Administator

Bio

Ayesha has worked in radiology call centres and administration in the past. She brings her administration and reception skills to North City Physiotherapy

Our Team

Our Physiotherapists

Our Administrators

Pilates Instructors