Prof Anna Ranta

Professor Anna Ranta is a Wellington-based academic stroke neurologist whose career is dedicated to improving stroke care quality, access, and equity across Aotearoa and beyond. Her translational research has led to over 200 peer-reviewed publications and several large-scale collaborative projects across Australasia and globally.

Anna brings extensive clinical, academic, and governance expertise to Stroke Aotearoa. She is the Head of Department of Medicine at the University of Otago, Wellington, Co-Director of the National Hyper-Acute Stroke Programme, and leads the New Zealand National Stroke Registry. She also Co-Chairs the Australian and New Zealand Stroke Guideline Acute Steering Group and serves in leadership roles, including as Secretary of the Stroke Society of Australasia and Board Member of both the World Stroke and Asia Pacific Stroke Organisations.

Her previous roles include President of the Neurological Association of New Zealand, and she currently contributes to the editorial boards of 'Stroke, Neurology', and the 'Journal of the American Heart Association'. Anna’s deep commitment to evidence-based, equitable stroke care makes her an invaluable Medical Director of our Board and a driving force behind Stroke Aotearoa’s clinical and strategic direction.