About

The Gut Foundation

The Gut Foundation is the leading authority on Gut Health in New Zealand, with a kaupapa to improve gut health for kiwis. Help us “create a movement” that turns the tide with cutting-edge research for prevention and community education. We push for earlier detection, earlier diagnosis and better outcomes for all Kiwis. Ready to get involved? Let’s make sh*t happen!

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Origin Story

Helping kiwis since 1993

The Gut Foundation, originally the Christchurch Liver and Digestive Diseases Trust, was founded in 1993 by the late Thomas P George, a Canterbury sports legend who received a lifesaving liver transplant in Australia. Following his successful operation, Tom was determined to ensure that Kiwis could access similar treatments locally by supporting our medical professionals with financial support. With the help of prominent figures like Walter Hadlee and Stan “Tiny” Hill, Tom’s vision led to the creation of the Trust.

Initially focused on promoting research and education into gut diseases, the Trust evolved over the years, becoming the Bowel and Liver Trust in 2012, and later The Gut Foundation, reflecting the vital role gut health plays in overall wellbeing.

Since its inception, The Gut Foundation has raised almost $2 million for funding pioneering research, innovative equipment and engaging education.

We’re creating change through gut health research with some pretty cool (and pretty ground breaking) projects.

We’ve helped fund Endoscopic Ultrasound for the South Island – imagine swallowing a pill that snaps photos of your intestines and sends them wirelessly for your doctor to review. This vital imaging is a game-changer for diagnostics.

And check out our fascinating study on Hookworms. Yes, you read that right! Researchers in Christchurch and Australia are exploring how these little organisms might actually benefit gut flora in those suffering from inflammatory digestive diseases. With coeliac disease affecting 1 in 84 Cantabrians, this worm-induced immune modulation could revolutionise treatment and improve quality of life for many.

These are just two examples of the innovative work we’re doing. Come and join us on this incredible journey as we push the boundaries of gut health!

Meet the team

Alice Fitzgerald

CEO

Alice completed an International Business degree and an Arts degree at La Trobe University in Australia. Whilst studying she began her career in the corporate sector, with a position as Customer Services Manager and then General Manger of a logistics company. Moving to work in corporate real estate, Alice built profitable businesses in Melbourne before being offered a role in Singapore. She ran a business there for 2 years prior to the pandemic, whilst also assisting with management training and development in the SEA region. After 2 years in Singapore, Alice relocated back to New Zealand to pursue further studies through an MBA at Otago University, which she completed with distinction, at the University of Economics & Business in Vienna, Austria. Alice joined the Gut Foundation as Head of Sponsorship and Events in 2021 before moving into the position of General Manager and then into the role of CEO.

Brigid Dillon

Operations Manager

Brigid joined the Gut Foundation in June 2024. Brigid is a team collaborator who welcomes a good challenge. With experience in sales and administration she is able to assist Alice with various aspects of managing the charity and events. She is passionate about gardening, health and people. What she loves most about working at the Gut Foundation is helping to make a positive change in people’s lives.

Ellen Rykers

Social media & Marketing

Joining the team in May 2025, Ellen leads social media, marketing and communications efforts at The Gut Foundation. A science communication specialist, she brings expertise in storytelling and a flair for words to this mahi. Ellen is also a feature writer and podcast producer, passionate about spinning science yarns that move, inspire and create change. Her favourite gut-friendly food is kimchi.

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Meet the Trustees

Dr Andrew Day

Professor Andrew Day is a Paediatric gastroenterologist based at the University of Otago (Christchurch) and Christchurch Hospital. Andrew has focused interests in problems affecting the bowel and liver, particularly in infants, children and adolescents. His focused research activities in the areas of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Coeliac disease are recognised regionally and internationally. Andrew returned home to New Zealand in 2009 after many years overseas and is working to improve the gastrointestinal health of children in Canterbury and New Zealand.

Graeme Rhodes

Graeme Rhodes has worked in the accountancy profession since 1995 and is a director of Oxford Edge chartered accountants and advisors. Outside of work his interests include following his 2 sons sporting careers, and motorsport where he races a Marc Mustang in the NZ Endurance championship. He is married to Kim and has 2 sons

Mark Orman

Mark is a property and commercial lawyer with more than 25 years’ experience in New Zealand and overseas. He has advised on property investments, developments, buying and selling of businesses, financing and structuring; for private parties, multi-nationals, banks, liquidators and government departments. Mark cares about giving his clients clear communication and pragmatic and commercial advice. Mark enjoys the Canterbury lifestyle with his family and their golden retriever.

Kate Morrison

Prior to moving to New Zealand in 2014, Kate spent 20 years in investment banking in the UK, with Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank, where she held a variety of senior roles in the areas of financial risk management, structured financing and investments. She now works full time as a professional director with companies including Christchurch International Airport, Heartland Bank and The a2 Milk Company. She chairs the boards of Link Engine Management Ltd and The New Zealand Merino Company. Kate became a trustee of The Gut Foundation in 2023.

Jacob Wolt

Jacob joined the Gut Foundation as a trustee in 2017 and became Chair in 2018 . He co-founded Cambridge Partners and Consilium and has extensive experience in business, investment management and governance for privately owned businesses and the non-profit sector. Jacob is particularly interested in improving investment governance in the institutional and non-profit sectors. His commitment to the Gut Foundation is driven by his daughter, Chloe’s experience with Crohn’s disease. Despite facing many challenges for over a decade, Chloe’s positive outlook and support from Canterbury’s world class medical teams have enabled her to lead a fulfilling life. This motivates Jacob to make a difference by improving gut health through education and medical research. Outside of his professional commitments, Jacob is married to Adele and has four daughters, sons-in-law and four grandchildren. He enjoys an active lifestyle with family and friends.

Dr Catherine Wall

Catherine joined the board in 2023 to provide support and expertise on food and nutrition related aspects of the Gut Foundation’s mahi. Catherine is a New Zealand Registered Dietitian and undertook a PhD in nutrition therapy for adults with Crohn’s disease in Christchurch between 2013 and 2016. Catherine completed a fellowship in London, UK before returning to Christchurch in 2019. Catherine currently works as a specialist inflammatory bowel disease dietitian at Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora Waitaha. Catherine is also a research fellow at University of Otago Christchurch and undertakes and supervises gastroenterology nutrition related research.

Our Ambassador

The Gut Foundation has a strong connection with New Zealand sports, thanks to our incredible trustees and ambassador. Together, we’re championing gut health for all Kiwis!

Meet our sh*t hot ambassador, Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson

Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson, now the head coach of the All Blacks, has been a passionate supporter of The Gut Foundation for years, continuing a longstanding tradition established by rugby legends like Stan ‘Tiny’ Hill.

 With 23 international caps and an incredible run as the Crusaders’ coach (where he led them to seven straight Super Rugby titles) Scott is a true rugby icon.

Affectionately known as “Razor”, what really sets Scott apart is his genuine compassion and care for people, and his commitment to causes he believes in. We’re incredibly fortunate to have Razor’s support as we work to improve gut health across Aotearoa, his down-to-earth nature and dedication perfectly mirror what we stand for.

Support our kaupapa.

It’s time to break the silence about gut health.

Stigma around poos and bowels is costing lives. It’s not just taboo – it’s deadly.

Every year, silence and embarrassment lead to avoidable deaths. Many often wait until it’s too late to see a doctor. This has to change.

Support our mission and fight for change.

Let’s talk, educate, and save lives. Together, we can create a healthier future for all Kiwis.

Community Education

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Pioneering Research

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Come and talk a little sh*t with us…

Whether you have questions or want to learn more about how The Gut Foundation supports research and education, our team is just a message away.

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