Our team are passionate about podiatry and we use the strength of the team to improve and become leaders in Podiatry. We are continually learning and work alongside institutions and world leaders in the profession. Everyday we achieve the best results for our clients. Our clients speak for us.
Justin Chong
Justin is a highly regarded podiatrist in NZ and has been involved in sports medicine, musculoskeletal pain, management of the foot and ankle after surgery and diabetes. He is currently involved with the NZ Breakers, NZ Football, NZ Athletes under the High Performance Sport program and Primary Care Diabetes Programs.
Justin knows first hand how injury and pain limits physical and emotional well being and this motivates him to see clients pain free as fast as possible. Whether its an elite basketballer, weekend warrior pounding the roads, a business executive or mother doing their first half marathon, working together as a team with realistic expecations and clear goals we achieve results. Empowering clients to get better and seeing them pain free is what drives Justin to do more everyday for his clients.
Justin is proud of the Bigfoot team. One of his greatest visions is developing a team of successful podiatrists who are confident and thrive in the profession. Developing a unique culture with a clear vision delivers a world class service we feel proud of each day. This allows the company to strive for bigger challenges and create innovative methods to treat foot and leg pain.
Justin has always been a keen sportsman. You will often find him grinding up a hill on his mountain bike, out running or smashing a boxing bag.
Justin consults from our Northcote and Greenlane Clinic
Sarah Gardner
Sarah graduated from AUT in Podiatry after completing a Diploma in Sport and Recreation. Upon graduation, Sarah moved to Melbourne where she worked in a large multi disciplinary practice on the Mornington Peninsula. She then moved to Canada and was lucky enough to live and work in Whistler, British Columbia, before working in London as the principal podiatrist for a small but busy private practice.
Sarah has a particular interest in rehabilitation and post-surgical cases, as well as musculoskeletal injuries in both adults and children. Getting people back on their feet, is a primary focus for her and she incorporates a range of modalities into her treatment plans.
Sarah is currently completing her Postgraduate Masters in Podiatry.
An avid sports enthusiast, Sarah enjoys trail running and mountain biking in her free time and getting some time in on the ski slopes whenever possible.
Sarah consults from our Northcote Clinic
Martin Faulkner
Martin graduated from AUT University after completing his Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry). He transitioned into Podiatry following more than six years in the Health and Fitness industry as a fitness instructor.
Martin returned to Auckland after working in the Hawke’s Bay. During his time in Hawke’s Bay, his work in podiatric care included general skin and nail care, sport injuries and biomechanics, and high-risk diabetic management.
With his experience in exercise technique and conditioning, he brings a holistic approach to rehabilitation. For him, it’s important to form a partnership with clients to get them back moving and then making them more resilient for prevention.
Outside of work, he is always seeking to stay active - be it in the gym, surfing the waves or on the golf course.
Martin consults from our Northcote Howick and Greenlane clinics
Keanu Laumatia-Paki
Keanu graduated from AUT with a Bachelor of Health Science in Podiatry. His desire to pursue Podiatry stemmed from his background in Rugby league, playing for the U20 Vodafone Warriors and representing his proviscial team Counties Manukau. He battled ongoing lower limb injuries, however with this adversity came the opportunity in understanding the importance of rehabilitation and appropriate management.
Keanu is enthusiastic about musculoskeletal injuries and believes “The proper management can help anyone get back on to their feet, no matter how big or small the injury”. Keanu’s focus for each person is helping them to become pain free. He is completing his post graduate honours paper at AUT looking into sports footwear.
Keanu is a thoroughly motivated, empathetic and energetic person, who loves a good a yarn and getting you back to normal living without pain. He strives to put his best “Big Foot” forward every day.
Keanu’s all-time favourite quote “Each setback is an open door for the Greatest Comeback”
Keanu consults from our Howick clinic
Palwasha Uddin
Palwasha graduated from AUT with a Bachelor of Health Science in Podiatry. After graduating she began her professional career in Auckland and has treated all aspects of podiatry from elderly, sports, paediatrics and diabetics.
Palwasha enjoys all aspects of podiatry and her special interest lie in the lower limb biomechanics which comes from the opportunity to help her patients function pain free and improve their quality of lives. She believes that every patient has a unique story and creating patient centred goals establishes the best outcome.
One of the qualities her patients appreciate about her is Palwasha’s ability to relate to people from a range of cultural backgrounds.
Outside of work, she enjoys tramping, playing badminton you will also find her spending quite a bit of time volunteering in her community.
Palwasha consults from our Howick and Northcote clinic
Debbie Hill
Debbie has a wealth of experience within the Podiatry profession over many years, and has been based in Howick & Pakuranga since 2001. During this time she also worked for Waitemata District Health Board running high risk foot and wound clinics for their diabetes service.
With a great manner and caring nature Debbie is focused on making a real difference to her patients wellbeing.
As a lifelong runner who has competed at national level Debbie brings unique sporting experience to the practice. With two sports mad teenage children she has first-hand experience of the treatment of foot care and overuse injuries in active children.
The many referrals Debbie receives from satisfied patients, including many senior citizens demonstrates her ability to work with people of all ages.
Debbie consults from our Howick clinic.
Aaron Jackson
Aaron is currently on hiatus working on his PHD at AUT School of Podiatry
Aaron is an accomplished podiatrist who has specialised in running based movement and injury.
He graduated from AUT in 2009 with a Bachelor of Health Science with Honours and completed his Masters of Health in 2012 with a focus on how the musculoskeletal system interacts with shoes and the ground. Aaron developed and co-directed a very successful sports clinic in Auckland working with physiotherapists and massage therapists. In 2018 he decided to focus on his passion in education where he is a full time lecturer in musculoskeletal biomechanics and orthotic therapy at the AUT School of Podiatry. He hopes to work towards a PHD and we look forward to seeing his research in the profession. His links to shoe retail are well known where he helps implement and train staff on shoe prescription and knowledge.
Outside of work Aaron loves to run. He will be out running at all times of the day both on road and trail. He has been a competitive runner for over 10 years and represented NZ 5 times at the World Mountain Running Champs and Commonwealth Mountain Running Champs.
Aaron is a runners podiatrist. He will see all runners of all levels and nothing pleases him more than helping every client reach the finish line. He specialises in gait retraining, orthotics, shoe selection/rotation, and strength/exercise prescription.
Aaron also specialises in musculoskeletal injury and pain that is non sport/running related. He has a broad knowledge of how to help a wide range of clients of all ages and he will ensure you are moving again as soon as possible. Aaron consults every Thursday night, 5-8pm from our Northcote clinic.
