Meet the team

Senior Audiologist & Business Manager, BSc, MAud(Hons), MBA, MNZAS, CCC

With over 30 years in audiology, Simon is an experienced audiologist and business manager at Audiology South. His passion for hearing healthcare began with a love for technology and a desire to make a real difference in people’s lives—a combination that continues to drive his work today.

Simon has a deep interest in all areas of audiology, but he’s particularly passionate about hearing aid technology and how it transforms lives. He’s seen firsthand how the right hearing solution can not only improve communication but restore confidence, connection, and joy to clients and their families.

Simon’s approach to care is grounded in empathy and integrity. He treats every client as he would a member of his own family—working alongside them to find practical, personalised solutions and guiding them through their hearing journey with trust and support.

Originally from Wellington and Blenheim, Simon and his wife always dreamed of living in the Queenstown Lakes area. They were drawn by the outdoors—and Simon takes full advantage, with hobbies like skiing, hiking, biking, fishing, and even a bit of golf (though don’t ask him about his handicap!). You might be surprised to learn Simon was once a ski instructor. These days, his favourite sound is a good 1980s banger on the car stereo—he might even sing along!

Simon’s advice for new hearing aid users? “Persevere, go for the best technology you can afford, and trust your clinician to help you get the most from it.”

Audiologist, BSc (Biological Sciences), GradDipTchgLn (Primary), MAud(Dist), MNZAS, CCC

Rachel brings a unique blend of teaching and healthcare experience to her work as an audiologist. After seven years working in primary education, Rachel followed her passion for science and supporting children’s development into the world of audiology. She now specialises in paediatrics and Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), where her background in education gives her a valuable edge in understanding and supporting younger clients.

Empathy is at the heart of Rachel’s approach—she’s focused on truly listening, understanding individual needs, and working alongside each client to find practical, tailored solutions. One of her proudest moments at Audiology South has been training other clinicians in APD testing—something she finds both rewarding and exciting.

Originally from Nottingham, England, Rachel has lived in the UK, Australia, and now Dunedin. Rachel is the founder of Read My Feelings Charitable Trust (Registered Charity CC64615). She’s also a creative spirit who enjoys playing piano, painting, sewing, dancing, and heading to the theatre for a little improv, comedy and musical theatre. Some of Rachel’s favourite sounds can be heard in the video-calls with her sisters in the UK - the laughter, impressions and stories told.

Rachel encourages anyone new to hearing aids to stay engaged and share specific feedback—working together is the best way to fine-tune the experience and keep those aids out of the drawer.

Audiologist, BSc(Hons), MAud, MNZAS, CCC

Darren brings nearly a decade of experience in hearing healthcare to Audiology South. With a pragmatic, honest approach, he’s dedicated to helping clients find the best value-for-money solutions tailored to their individual needs, focusing on what truly works.

Darren was drawn to audiology as a field that balances healthcare, business, and client-centred service. At Audiology South, he appreciates the independence and integrity that come from being part of a locally owned, client-focused team.

Clients appreciate Darren’s down-to-earth manner and straightforward advice on their hearing journey.

Audiologist, BASLP, MAud (Dist.), MNZAS, CCC

Alina completed her Master of Audiology at the University of Canterbury and has more than three years' experience in hearing healthcare. Originally from Nepal, Alina's interest in audiology was shaped by seeing the impact that late diagnosis of hearing loss can have on children and their families. Before moving to New Zealand, she worked as a speech-language therapist, supporting children with communication difficulties.

Alina enjoys getting to know each client's individual needs, concerns, and lifestyle, and helping them find hearing solutions that fit naturally into their lives. She particularly enjoys recommending and fitting hearing aids that help people stay connected to the people and activities they enjoy.

Outside of work, Alina enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new places, and trying different foods. She also speaks multiple languages and enjoys connecting with people from different cultures.

Favourite sound? Her little one's babbling, especially hearing her say “mama”.

Provisional Audiometrist, BA, DipAud (Dist)

Vanessa is a Provisional Audiometrist who began her hearing healthcare career on the front desk at Audiology South. Inspired by the positive difference better hearing can make, she completed her Diploma in Audiometry with distinction while learning alongside Audiology South's experienced team.

With a background in sociology and psychology, Vanessa enjoys getting to know each client's unique hearing journey. She takes the time to listen, understand what's important to them, and provide personalised support to help improve their everyday quality of life.

Originally from North Otago, Vanessa has called Dunedin home for the past 15 years. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family and dogs, tackling creative projects like knitting and jewellery making, and has recently rediscovered her love of tap dancing.

Favourite sound? Live music concerts (with hearing protection, of course!)

Audiologist, M.Aud(Hons), B.Com Ag (VFM), MNZAS, CCC

Nicholas brings over 20 years of audiology experience to Audiology South, backed by a personal understanding of hearing challenges—he was born with hearing loss and tinnitus himself. His professional passion lies in adult hearing assessment and rehabilitation, where he takes great satisfaction in helping clients reconnect with the world around them.

Nicholas values the autonomy and local focus of working in an independent clinic and credits the fantastic Client Care Manager team for supporting the hearing journey of every client. He especially enjoys moments when clients hear sounds they hadn’t realised they were missing, often sharing touching stories of rediscovery.

Originally from a farm in Edendale, Nicholas now calls Gore home, where he lives with his wife. Outside of work, he enjoys trail running, spending time with his dogs, reading, cars, and being active in his church. Fun fact: he once spent a year in Iceland as an exchange student and spoke fluent Icelandic!

His favourite sound is birdsong, and his advice to new hearing aid users is simple: “Make them part of your daily routine.”

Audiologist, Bachelor of Elementary Education (Special Education), MAud, MNZAS, CCC

Bettina’s journey into audiology began with her work in education, where she saw firsthand how limited access to hearing care impacted her students’ learning and lives. That experience sparked her passion for becoming part of the solution—and today, she’s proud to help clients reconnect with the world around them through better hearing.

Since 2017, Bettina has worked in hearing healthcare with a focus on making clients feel truly heard and valued. Her caring, client-first approach doesn’t end with the fitting of hearing aids—she believes in supporting people throughout their entire hearing journey. She loves being part of the friendly, collaborative team at Audiology South, where everyone pitches in to give their best.

During her time studying special education, Bettina learnt Braille and Sign Language, and still a grasp on the basics of both.

Originally from the Philippines, Bettina moved to New Zealand drawn by its mix of adventure and beautiful scenery — “the best of both worlds.” Her favourite sound? The calming rhythm of ocean waves. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, reading, music, and soaking in a good movie or TV show.

Audiologist, MAud, MSc, MNZAS, CCC

Regina brings a strong academic background and a genuine passion for healthcare to her role as an audiologist at Audiology South. Regina is committed to providing best-practice, client-centred care tailored to each individual’s needs.

What Regina enjoys most about working at Audiology South is the collaborative and supportive team environment. She believes in listening closely to her clients and working alongside them to achieve the best possible outcomes. For Regina, it’s the small things—like the team’s light-hearted banter during breaks—that make her workday especially rewarding.

Having grown-up all-around New Zealand and spending several years in Taiwan, Regina now calls the South home—drawn in originally by work but staying for the people she works with. Outside the clinic, you’ll often find her hiking, diving, or gaming.

Regina’s favourite sound? The comforting crackle of firewood burning. Her advice for those new to hearing aids: “Be open with your audiologist—together, you’ll get the best results.”

Originally from the Philippines, Lei also worked as a speech and language therapist for several years before finishing her Master’s degree in Clinical Audiology. She found a good correlation with these two professions in helping people with hearing difficulties.
Moving to New Zealand 5 years ago, she decided to focus on her audiology practice. She is pleased to be joining a clinic where her speech therapy experience is of value. She is enjoying the relaxed life of being an Invercargill resident and is always on the lookout for good food finds in the country. If not singing a tune on their karaoke, weekends are spent with her husband and son, going to the beach or park and enjoying family time.

Hilary recently “came home” to the Mainland after working for many years in the Wellington region for a Danish hearing aid supplier and a local independent audiology clinic.

Originally from Tuatapere, Southland, Hilary says she is happy to be back in the South Island for the change of scene and pace, and plans to settle in Central Otago.

“I’m excited to be working with Southern people again and to be nearer to family,” she says.

“I’m really pleased to be working for Audiology South,” she says. “It’s important to me to be able to help people access the technology most suited to their hearing needs, rather than being confined by manufacturer supply agreements.”

A registered nurse for over 30 years, Carole has a passion for people and has enjoyed working in a variety of community nursing roles to provide primary health services, preventative care, and health education. With seven years of recent experience working in the Audiology field, Carole loves to see the improvements that better ear care and function provides and the difference this makes to clients and their families.

Ear Nurse, BNurs

Nicky holds a Bachelor of Nursing from the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) in Invercargill working across medical and surgical settings, aged care, and occupational health. Nicky now specialises in ear health with Audiology South and finds great satisfaction in making an immediate, positive difference in her clients' day.

Nicky supports clients on their hearing journey by creating a welcoming environment, taking the time to listen, explain, and educate on ear health and available care options. She is passionate about empowering people to take control of their ear and hearing wellbeing.

Originally from Dunedin, Nicky has called Central Otago for nearly a decade. Outside of work, she enjoys mountain biking, and when time allows, experimenting with printmaking and painting.

She values the collaborative environment at Audiology South, where teamwork leads to the best outcomes for clients.

Favourite sound? The crunch of snow underfoot on a spring day.

Maura has been a registered nurse for over 30 yrs. She has had a variety of roles, most recently as an occupational health nurse, and previously in operating theatres and surgical wards both in NZ and overseas. Maura joined Audiology South in April of 2024 and is enjoying getting to know our regular clients as well as meeting new ones. She works out of our Otago clinics and strives to provide the best possible ear health care to all who come through her door.

As well as her love of travel Maura enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking her dogs, beekeeping and gardening at her home on the Otago Peninsula.

Ear Nurse, BNurs

Gael Barthelet is an Ear Nurse at Audiology South with a Bachelor of Nursing and a strong background in primary care. Originally from Gisborne, Gael moved south to Invercargill to be close to the wild landscapes of Fiordland, Queenstown, and Rakiura—perfect for his love of tramping, mountaineering, and running with his dogs.

His interest in audiology developed through frequent work with acute ENT issues in children, sparking further exploration into ear health. Gael brings a holistic, client-led approach to his work, always considering the full picture and listening carefully to each person’s unique experience.

Clients appreciate Gael’s down-to-earth style and commitment to practical, personalised care. Whether in clinic or out in the field, he enjoys the variety of working across Southland and Otago and being part of Audiology South’s multidisciplinary team, which allows for tailored solutions and excellent outcomes.

And yes—he really is French (the name might give it away, even if the accent doesn’t). His favourite sound? A Kea’s call echoing across the mountains—or David Bowie’s reassuring “you’re not alone” to close the Ziggy Stardust album.