About

Our great team of physiotherapists are highly trained in manual therapy, sports medicine and exercise prescription so that treatment techniques used reflect the most current research findings.

New Lynn Physiotherapy has been an ACC Accredited Clinic since 2002. This means we have been assessed against the Allied Health Sector Standards by the DAA Group, and have been awarded the highest level of service standards achievable.

Our physios are New Zealand registered and active members of the New Zealand Society of Physiotherapists. They are dedicated to ongoing professional development through attending professional courses and post graduate study.

As an extension to our physiotherapy service, New Lynn Physiotherapy can offer a strong network of experienced physiotherapists, orthopaedic surgeons and medical specialists we can refer you to for more complicated injuries.

Nicky Collins, Director, Senior Physiotherapist

Nicky studied Physiotherapy at AUT, Auckland qualifying in 1990. She has worked in the private practice setting for more than 30 years, opening New Lynn Physiotherapy in 1997, later moving to the current purpose built clinic at 28 Delta Avenue, in 2007. Nicky completed her post graduate diploma in Manipulative Physiotherapy in 1998 and has extensive training in postural correction, muscle impairments, joint alignment and exercise rehab.

Her main areas of specialty include muscle balance and postural assessment, ACL injury rehabilitation, hip pain, gym rehabilitation following surgery, treatment of headaches,migraines and cervical dizziness. 

Nicky’s interest in health and fitness has given her a greater understanding of injury and rehabilitation. Nicky enjoys getting great results from hands-on treatment techniques, dry needling, exercise prescription, and kinesio taping.

Nicky has trained at the Watson Headache® Institute, training based on the Watson Headache® Approach, a protocol for the skilled assessment and management of the upper cervical (neck) spine in headache and migraine conditions. She has achieved Level 3 certification for this scientifically researched method of examination and treatment.

Nicky has also been an advocate for sport and fitness, having been involved in national level athletics as a youth. She has always trained, continue with fitness and weight training. Outside of the clinic she enjoys spending time with family, keeping fit and travel.

Jared Faulkner, Senior Physiotherapist

Jared is a musculoskeletal physiotherapist with a passion for making positive changes in the lives of his patients. He has extensive experience and knowledge in exercise prescription and rehabilitation through his previous Bachelor of Physical Education and passion for competitive triathlon and cycling. Jared also completed a number of years towards gaining a Masters in Osteopathy and is able to offer manipulative skills as a physiotherapist. While working at New Lynn Physiotherapy, Jared has completed post graduate courses in dry needling technique and Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), a movement-based diagnostic system that helps finds the cause of pain related movement dysfunction . Recently Jared has completed a post-graduate certificate in Western Acupuncture at AUT. Jared enjoys seeing his patients progress quickly with his wealth of knowledge in problem solving and practical physiotherapy skills. He has a special interest in running injuries, ACL rehabilitation from surgery through to return to sport. Having a background in triathlons and 1/2 marathons, Jared is able to apply his knowledge as both an athlete and a physiotherapist.

In his spare time when not training for 1/2 marathons, triathlons or 1/2 ironman, Jared enjoys a great coffee, relaxing in cafes with family and friends.

Catherine Gambaro, Senior Physiotherapist

Catherine studied physiotherapy at AUT, graduating in 1999 and completed post-graduate studies at the University of Otago, gaining a Diploma in Manipulative Therapy and Certificate in Acupuncture. With 27 years of experience, and having completed numerous specialty courses, Catherine has developed a wide diversity of skills and applies current knowledge and the latest research to her practice.

Catherine enjoys treating a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries and pain conditions. She is driven by seeing people achieve their goals, whether it be returning to sport, getting back to work or experiencing pain free daily living. She believes in a thorough assessment to find the cause of the problem, and developing a treatment plan to quickly get them back to full-function. Catherine has completed Watson Headache training through the Watson Headache® Institute, and joins Nicky in providing effective long term treatment of headache and migraine.

Catherine is fully qualified Yoga and Pilates instructor and is able to provide one on one or group sessions.  She understands the importance of functional strength, flexibility and the importance of  healthy alignment and optimal breathing for an effective and functional core.

Catherine has been trained to use ultrasound imaging to achieve optimal core muscle contraction and is looking forward to using this with patients in the near-future. She is an advocate of  hands-on treatment and incorporates manual therapy, massage, dry needling / acupuncture and taping to achieve the quickest relief of pain and assist recovery. She has a special interest in breathing technique and breathing correction.

She has also trained as a  PINC cancer rehabilitation specialist and scar therapy therapist providing treatment and rehabilitation to West Auckland women recovering from cancer surgery and treatment.

Outside of work Catherine enjoys surfing, hiking, mountain biking and plays guitar and sings in her local band.

Hamish Gibson, Physiotherapist

Hamish graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy with distinction in 2024.During his studies, he gained valuable experience working with sports teams and also spent time as a support worker with people with intellectual disabilities, providing a strong appreciation for the different ways physiotherapy can positively impact lives.

Hamish grew up in Auckland and has always had a passion for sport. He played competitive football until university and now enjoys a wide range of activities including ultra-endurance running, skiing, surfing, and hiking. His current focus is on ultra-distance running with stength and conditioning work in the gym. With such a diverse sporting background, Hamish has a good understanding of the physical and mental demands of sport and exercise, providing a hands on manual therapy approach coupled with dry needling and strength training, you will be back to doing what you love in no time. Hamish is currently physio for Metro Football Club.

Outside of sport, Hamish enjoys photography and anything that is a challenge including ultra distance marathon running and salsa dancing, as well as spending time outdoors with friends and family. He is passionate about helping people return to the activities they love, whether that’s sport, recreation, or everyday movement.

Emma Smith, Physiotherapist

Emma graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy with distinction in 2024.
From a young age, Emma has been passionate about helping people of all ages and stages get back to what they love doing. This came about after an extensive rehabilitation journey herself, where she saw the positive impact of physiotherapy treatment.
Throughout her time at university she spent three years supporting local football and rugby teams as a sports medic to further her knowledge and experience treating various sports related injuries. Emma uses a “hands on” approach of therapeutic massage, manual therapy, dry needling and exercise presciption to get you back to your best after injury. Emma has an interest in ACL injury rehabilitation and has recently completed a course in the ACL Cross Bracing method. Emma is currently physio for Metro football Club.

Emma grew up down south surrounded by mountains and lakes, so enjoys getting out in nature and exploring what her local environment has to offer. This includes going for a run, bike or hike in the mountains with friends and family. These strong connections to exercise and the outdoors have given her a greater understanding around injury and rehabilitation

When she’s not out exploring you can find her sipping on a coffee with friends, at the gym, or reading in the sun.

Theresa Stephens

Theresa joined the team in the role of Office Manager in 2021. She has a wealth of experience in both Office Management and Customer Service and is a great asset to our team.  She runs the appointment diary like clockwork and solves problems with a smile. In her spare time Theresa enjoys outdoor activities, travelling and spending time with family and friends.

Goy Sunde

Goy joined the team in 2019. She has had a wealth of experience in various administration and reception roles in both medical and product based companies. Goy has lived locally all of her life, with her husband and two grown-up sons. In her spare time you’ll see her at Les Mills gym, or out and about spending time with friends and family. You can’t miss her friendly smile at the front desk, making all of our patients feel welcome.