Hamish Gunson
Managing Director, Physiotherapist
Bachelor of Science in Physiology (Otago), Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Otago), PGCert Rehabilitation (Otago)
Hamish was born and bred in Whangarei and following school he completed a Bachelor of Science followed by a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Otago University. He has more than a decade of experience working in acute, private-practice physiothearpy and since beginning work at Smart Rehab has worked with vocational rehabilitation, concussion and wheelchair prescription.
Hamish enjoys playing football, running, spending time with his wife and 5 children and playing his guitar.
Steve Purdon
Physiotherapist
Diploma in Physiotherapy (AUT), Postgraduate Diploma in Manipulative Therapy (Curtin), Postgraduate Certificate in Sport & Exercise Medicine (UWIC)
Steve is the Managing and Clinical director of Smart Rehab & Physio. He has extensive Physiotherapy experience and has worked in a variety of roles, including musculoskeletal diagnosis and rehabilitation, clinical lead physio for the British Military forces in Germany, and clinical supervisor of a large physiotherapy and OT department in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Steve returned to New Zealand in 2016, joining the SMART Rehab & Physio team in 2017 and graduated to Managing Director in 2022.
Steve is a keen road cyclist and bird watcher and enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter while working on the variety of tasks that his rural lifestyle block requires.
Sue Pritt
Occupational Physiotherapist
Diploma in Physiotherapy
Sue helped establish Smart Rehab & Physio in 2017 and has been instrumental in its success. She was raised on a Tikorangi farm before leaving to complete her Physiotherapy training in Otago. Sue has worked in a variety of hospital and private practice settings in New Zealand and the UK. The last 15 years has seen Sue focus on Vocational Rehabilitation where she has a wealth of experience in rehabilitating clients back into work.
Sue’s husband and 2 adult sons are keen sailors and are involved with the New Plymouth yacht club. She also enjoys travelling, cycling, skiing, and walking.
Sonya Bates
Occupational therapist
Bachelor of Health Science in Occupational therapy – Auckland Institute of Technology 1995-1997
Sonya was born in New Plymouth and raised in Wellington. After qualifying in Occupational Therapy in Auckland she has had a diverse career including working in the UK for 6 years. Sonya has worked with all ages from Paediatrics through to elderly, and in acute as well as community settings. She currently works in vocational rehab, community rehab, social needs assessments and wheelchair prescription.
Sonya loves outdoor adventures, family bike rides, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Jemma Lahood
Physiotherapist
Bachelor of Physiotherapy - Distinction (Otago)
Graduating with distinction in 2023, Jemma is a passionate physiotherapist dedicated to helping clients return to the sports and activities they love.
With a personal love of trail running, golf, and the occasional game of tennis, she understands the importance of staying active and injury‑free.
Outside the clinic, you’ll often find her in the kitchen baking treats for her colleagues – combining her care for people with her creative side
Megan Purdon
Registered Nurse
Megan is a Kiwi registered nurse with many years’ experience working in Aotearoa and around the world. She has extensive experience in a wide range of disciplines: surgery, intensive care, Family Planning, school nursing and practice nursing (and she was even a koala carer in Oz).
Megan joined the team at Smart Rehab in 2023, and her main role is managing ACC Return to Work programmes. She also supports ProActive in carrying out Pre-Employment checks for local Taranaki companies.
While living in Saudia Arabia and Germany, with her husband and daughter, she enjoyed great scuba diving and skiing. She ended up getting her first horse in Germany and that has remained her passion since. She lives with her husband, dog, some ponies and chickens.
Claire Berthelsen
Occupational Therapist
Claire is an experienced Occupational Therapist working in
Anne Goodin
Practice Manager
Anne has a long history of working with the public in rehabilitation and enjoys being able to help clients reach their goals. She has a deep understanding of the New Zealand health system and uses this knowledge to help patients navigate it.
When she is not keeping the team running like a well-oiled machine, she enjoys riding her motorbike with her husband.
Denise Fenner
Occupational Therapist
Diploma in Occupational Therapy
Taranaki born and bred, Denise has extensive Occupational Therapy experience in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom. She has worked in a range of hospitals and wards including acute medicine, neurology, orthopaedics and renal medicine. Community-based positions she has held include community rehabilitation, support for clients with neurological conditions and a rapid intervention intermediate care team. Denise currently provides vocational and social rehabilitation services as well as practicing as a prevention manual handling trainer in Taranaki.
When she is not striving to be an awesome auntie to her nieces and nephew, Denise can be found trying out new recipes, fair-weather running, winding down with some yoga or practising with her tribal dance troupe.
