Meet the Auckland Orthodontics team

We’re really looking forward to meeting you. Transforming smiles is our passion and nothing is better than seeing the confidence boost a beautiful smile gives our happy patients. Auckland Orthodontics prides itself on providing warm and professional services to adults, teenagers and children, often serving entire families in West Auckland.

Our Specialist Orthodontist, Dr Nitin Raniga

Dr Nitin Raniga leads Auckland Orthodontics with a passion for creating confident, healthy smiles and building genuine long-term relationships with patients and families throughout Auckland. Originally from Fiji, Dr Raniga moved to Auckland in 1994 to pursue his education and has proudly called Auckland home ever since.

Since opening Auckland Orthodontics in 2010, Dr Raniga has spent more than 16 years helping patients across Auckland transform their smiles and confidence. Known for his friendly, approachable nature and attention to detail, he is passionate about making every patient feel comfortable, supported, and excited about their orthodontic journey. As a full member of the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists, Dr Raniga loves “changing people’s lives by boosting their confidence and self-esteem.”

Dr Raniga’s education and professional history

Graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago
Worked as a general dentist from 2001–2006, where he developed a strong passion for orthodontics
Began the University of Otago specialist doctorate programme in orthodontics in 2007
Completed the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons examinations
Respected member of the New Zealand Dental Association and Auckland Dental Association

Outside of orthodontics, Dr Raniga is a devoted family man. He is married to his beautiful wife, Renalda, and together they have two handsome boys and their much-loved Cavoodle, Mila. In his spare time, he enjoys playing tennis, travelling, discovering great food spots around Auckland and overseas, and spending quality time with family and friends.

“A great smile is one of the first things people notice, and when we see patients who can’t stop smiling, it lets us know we’ve accomplished our goal.” – Dr Raniga

Dr Allen Hu

BDS(Hons), DClinDent(Ortho)

Dr Allen Hu is a New Zealand-trained specialist orthodontist. He grew up on the North Shore before graduating with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with Honours from the University of Otago. Allen worked as a general dentist for five years across university, hospital and private practice settings before returning to Dunedin to complete a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry specializing in orthodontics.

Dedicated to clinical excellence, Allen is board certified by the Australasian Orthodontic Board through peer assessment of treated cases. His research on clear aligners and jaw muscle activity was published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics. Allen is a member of the Australian Society of Orthodontists, the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists and the New Zealand Dental Association.

Outside of orthodontics, he enjoys spending time at the beach and exploring local eateries.

Grace Hinton

Registered Orthodontic Auxiliary

Grace has been in the orthodontic industry for over 10 years and has been part of the Auckland Orthodontics family as an Auxiliary since 2020.

Grace brings out smiles in everyone she meets. Patients love her friendly, fun and cheerful personality.

When she’s not at work, Grace enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, at the beach and going on bush walks.

Donna Pukas

Registered Orthodontic Auxiliary

Donna joined the Auckland Orthodontics family in 2026, bringing with her over 11 years of experience in the orthodontic field helping to create beautiful smiles.

When she’s not at work, Donna is a proud mum of two adult boys. She loves boating, going to music gigs, great food, and spending time with her two cats Mocha and Chino, as well as family and friends.

Shagufa Niamati

Registered Oral Health Therapist

Shagufa graduated from AUT and joined the Auckland Orthodontics family in 2025.

When she’s not at work, Shagufa enjoys reading and drawing.

Sofia Aftab

Patient Care Coordinator

Sofia joined the Auckland Orthodontics family in 2026. She is thrilled to be part of patients’ journeys with their smile transformations, and strives to make every patient feel valued, comfortable and well cared for.

Sofia is an overseas trained dentist with a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Healthcare Business Management (NZ).

When she’s not at work, Sofia enjoys painting, food, long walks and reading.

Courtney Taylor

Front Office Coordinator

Courtney joined the Auckland Orthodontics family in 2025. As the director of first impressions, she is the smile before the smile – helping patients through their treatment journey from start to finish.

Courtney brings over 10 years of experience in administrative and reception roles across both general healthcare and dental. She also has clinical experience in orthodontics and dental, so can relate well with patients on their treatment journey.

When she’s not at work, Courtney enjoys gardening and crafting.