Board members and staff

Get to know the Board better:

• Dr Tim Cooper

  Dr Tim Cooper is a registered Chiropractor currently practising in Royal Oak Auckland. He is the owner and founder of Optimum Health Chiropractic.  Prior to completing his Bachelor of Chiropractic Dr Cooper graduated with a BSc in Physiology and Pharmacology from Auckland University. Dr Cooper was a member of the inaugural class at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic and is the second Chiropractor ever to qualify from a New Zealand Institution. He has been in private practice for over 20 years. 

  Dr Cooper mentored for many years in the student clinic at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic prior to the birth of his two children.  Believing in a holistic approach to practice Dr Cooper has focused on building an eclectic and broad range of skills bringing them together in the care of his clients. These include; applied human biomechanics, mechanical engineering, fabrication, music performance and teaching as well as contemporary comparative religious and spiritual studies.   Dr Cooper was appointed to the Chiropractic Board in April 2019.

• Dr Edward Benson-Cooper

  Dr Edward Benson-Cooper is a registered Chiropractor, graduating from the New Zealand College of Chiropractic in 2012. After qualifying Edward relocated to Queensland, Australia where he worked for two years, gaining new skills and knowledge from mentors both local and international. Upon returning to New Zealand, Edward founded Harbourside Chiropractic and Health House, a multidisciplinary health clinic located in Milford, Auckland which he continues to own and operate.  

  Edward has significant governance experience, serving two consecutive terms on the Waitematā District Health Board (WDHB) and holds a number of trusted positions on various Committees, two of which he Chair’s and Deputy Chairs. Additionally, Edward is a Trustee for the Wilson Home Trust and the Three Harbours Health Foundation and previously served as a Board member for Health Link North. 

  Edward continues to gain a wealth of clinical expertise and knowledge, and has a strong interest in strength, conditioning and functional movement. Dr Benson-Cooper was appointed to the Chiropractic Board in June 2021.

• Dr Stacey Medway

  Dr Stacey Medway is owner and Principal Chiropractor at Knox Rehab Clinic, Dunedin. Stacey graduated from the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic (part of the University of Glamorgan) in 2012 and immediately relocated to Dunedin. Coastal Otago has become home and offers an incredible opportunity to be a very hands-on parent whilst balancing the needs of a growing business. Having been a member of local business organizations, Stacey has been able to develop an ability to communicate the benefits that chiropractic can offer whilst cultivating skills in people management and business mentorship. Coming from a background in customer service and personal training, Stacey aims to provide a comprehensive care package to patients that’s both evidence based and practical to gain the best possible long term health benefits.  

  Stacey was appointed to the Chiropractic Board in June 2020 and looks forward to becoming an active board member by committing time and effort to help further grow relations both within the chiropractic profession and other allied health professions.

• Tia Warbrick, Te Arawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa

  Tia Warbrick is a lay member who has over 25 years experience in the public sector.  Tia leads a consulting company providing management and policy services spanning a range of portfolios, and has worked within a range of organisations including Te Arawhiti, Te Puni Kōkiri, the Waitangi Tribunal and State Services Commission.  She has a specific interest in the Crown’s efforts to build true and practical partnerships with Māori for the benefit of all New Zealanders.  

  In 2017, Tia was appointed as a board member of the post-settlement entity responsible for leading the social, cultural, environmental and economic growth of Ngāti Rangitihi, and she is also chair of the associated Charitable Trust.  Tia believes that increasing visibility of, and access to, a range of health services is key to improving holistic wellbeing.  Tia was appointed to the Chiropractic Board in June 2020.

• Dr Chad Esaiah

  Dr Chad Esaiah is a 1999 NZCC inaugural graduate with over 18 of his 22 years’ experience in private practice.  He has been an active member of the NZ Chiropractor’s Association since 2000.  He has also served 11 years in the NZ Armed Forces and 4 years as an automotive engineer for the NZ Automobile Association.  Before COVID-19 forced restrictions to international travel, Dr Chad regularly travelled to his ancestral home of the Cook Islands providing chiropractic care to the people of Rarotonga and Aitutaki.  He has two adult sons who still love to head out on adventures with their dad, whether it’s a road trip, surfing, fishing, camping, or exploring the towns and coastline of New Zealand.

• Mr Tyler Dunkel

  Tyler Dunkel is a lay member with a broad background in public, private, and not-for-profit organisations both in Aotearoa and abroad. Recently having completed a Master of Business Professional degree with dual specialisations in Digital Transformation & Leadership and Entrepreneurship Innovation & Commercialisation, Tyler leads the Business Growth unit at the regional economic development agency, WellingtonNZ.

  An experienced director and newly appointed Justice of the Peace for New Zealand, he believes in supporting holistic wellness for a high quality of living and better business outcomes. Tyler’s areas of interest include underserved communities particularly LGBTTQIA+ and mental wellness. Tyler is a keen foodie and long-term volunteer of the Compassion Soup Kitchen as well as the Secretary & Treasurer for Pablos Art Studios which provides art therapy services in the Wellington community. Tyler was appointed to the Chiropractic Board in November 2022.

• Dr Sandeep (Sandy) Bansal

  Sandy is a current New Zealand and Australian registered chiropractor and has been in clinical practice for over 20 years with his clinic winning multiple business awards across multiple categories. He has worked in regulation, academia and in private practice and previously served on the Board from 2006-2013.

  Through government and professional appointments he has gained a wide and varied institutional and legislative knowledge and application in the area of healthcare regulation and governance.

• Dr Jesse Cleave – Ngāpuhi

  Dr Jesse Cleave is a registered Chiropractor, graduating from the New Zealand College of Chiropractic in 2009.  Since then and alongside private practice, he has held several other leadership positions within a range of Chiropractic organisations. These include the Council on Chiropractic Education Australasia, New Zealand Chiropractic College, New Zealand Chiropractors Association and the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.  Jesse also runs two other private businesses and is a Trustee on Maraetai Beach School Board.

  Outside of Chiropractic, he is married with two young kids and is often out on the football field playing or coaching at BMAFC. Jesse also likes to stay active with long-distance running and challenging himself with Crossfit.  Dr Cleave was appointed to the board in February 2023.