The Doctors St Heliers

Ellen has been a dedicated Practice Nurse for 27 years, originally starting with St Heliers Medical. She trained at Green Lane Hospital, qualifying in 1975, and began her career in surgical nursing and cardiothoracic intensive care. She later trained as a midwife at The John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, working both there and in Canada before transitioning into primary care nursing.

Ellen has a strong connection to the local community, with her family having lived in the St Heliers/Glendowie area since 1971. She has loved being a part of primary care, where she can build long-term relationships with patients as part of the wider community. Her particular nursing interest is wound care.

She enjoys the beautiful beach, great shops, and the strong sense of community in St Heliers. Outside of work, Ellen spends her time gardening, playing Pickleball, tramping, sketching, cooking, and sewing when time allows.

What does she love most about her work? "The staff!"

Dr. Kerryn van Rij has been part of The Doctors St Heliers team for three years and has worked in general practice for over 13 years. She became a Fellow of the Royal NZ College of General Practice in 2016. Kerryn developed a passion for primary care after having children and has a special interest in Women's Health and holds Postgraduate Diplomas in Paediatrics, Sports Medicine, and Public Health. She is dedicated to health promotion and empowering patients to lead healthier lifestyles.

Kerryn loves the Eastern Bays for its strong sense of community and the diversity of people at different stages of life.

Outside of work, she enjoys running, cycling, swimming and also cheering on her kids at their sports games.

Kathy joined the team in 2018 where she was practicing in the clinic on Polygon Road. Before becoming a practice nurse, she worked in community healthcare, specializing in wound care with Total Care Health. Her hospital experience includes renal dialysis and the cardiothoracic unit.

Although not a St Heliers local, she loves being close to the sea. In her spare time, she enjoys playing squash, swimming, and hiking.

What she loves most about her work? "The team and the patient interaction."

Jude has been a key part of the medical administration team for the past 10 years, bringing experience and a welcoming presence to the clinic.

As a St Heliers local, she loves the strong community feel, the beach, and the fantastic restaurants—plus having family and friends close by.

In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and walking her dogs.

What she loves most about the clinic? "Interacting with the patients and catching up with my work colleagues."

Robyn has been a dedicated practice nurse at The Doctors St Heliers for 13 years. As an authorised vaccinator with cannulation skills, she is also occassionaly called upon to take blood from patients. She has a keen interest in wound care and regularly assists Dr. Washer with minor surgeries. Passionate about professional development, Robyn continuously seeks further education to keep her skills up to date.

A St Heliers local, she appreciates the area's picturesque beaches and proximity to the sea.

What she loves most about her work? "Working with colleagues and interacting with patients."

With over 30 years of experience in the medical field, Cathy has been a familiar and welcoming face at the clinic for 14 years, having originally joined St Heliers Health Centre in 2011 before the merge. Her extensive background in various medical roles has made her an invaluable part of the team.

A proud local, Cathy loves the village atmosphere of St Heliers. "The strong community spirit and beautiful waterfront make it such a special place to live."

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and grandchildren, reading, and keeping active through walking and aquafit.

What she loves most about the clinic? "I’ve always loved working in an environment that helps people and being part of a great team."

Originally trained in the UK, Deborah brings a wealth of experience to the clinic, particularly in accident and emergency nursing. After many years in fast-paced hospital settings, she transitioned into practice nursing, where she continues to apply her expertise in patient care.

A proud local, Deborah loves the beautiful surroundings of St Heliers. "It’s a great location, and nothing beats swimming in the sea during the summer months."

Outside of work, she enjoys painting, sewing, and being involved with Pony Club. She also has a deep appreciation for classical music.

What she loves most about the clinic? "The warm, friendly atmosphere—both among the staff and with our patients. The variety of work keeps every day interesting."

Julie brings decades of experience to the clinic, having qualified as a nurse in 1990. Her career began in the UK, working on a transplant ward in Cambridge before traveling through Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. She later specialized in renal care, working in dialysis and high-dependency renal units in Oxford, before becoming a transplant coordinator in Auckland for eight years.

After becoming a grandmother, Julie shifted her focus to surgical ward nursing and even trained as a St. John Volunteer. A move to Invercargill introduced her to practice nursing at Bluff Medical Centre, where she embraced the challenge of primary care. However, the pull of family and community brought her back to the Bays, where she feels privileged to serve as a practice nurse at TD St Heliers.

Julie has called the Eastern Bays home for 22 years. "This has been our hood since we arrived in NZ. My kids went to school nearby, still live in the area, and now my grandson attends St Heliers Primary. It’s such a lovely, welcoming community."

Outside of work, she loves sea swimming—especially at Kohimarama and Piha—tramping, traveling, and getting lost in a good book. But most of all, she cherishes time with her grandson.

What she loves most about the clinic? "Apart from being part of an amazing, supportive team, I enjoy the variety of ages we care for. There’s always something new to learn."

With a strong background in customer service at the airport and as a dental assistant, Jay Anne has honed her organizational, administrative, and communication skills. She brings attention to detail, problem-solving expertise, and knowledge of medical terminology to her role, ensuring smooth and efficient patient care.

Though she resides in St Johns, Jay Anne has a deep appreciation for St Heliers. "The community here is incredibly welcoming, the neighborhood is always clean and well-maintained, and being so close to the beach makes it the perfect place to relax and unwind."

Outside of work, she has a passion for baking, which allows her to get creative in the kitchen while making delicious treats.

What she loves most about the clinic? "I enjoy working in a clinic because I get to help patients, contribute to their care experience, and create a positive atmosphere. The fast-paced environment, collaboration with the healthcare team, and continuous learning opportunities keep the role engaging. Most importantly, knowing I play a key role in making patients' visits smoother and more comfortable is incredibly fulfilling."

Originally from France and New Caledonia, Fabienne brings a wealth of experience in renal care, women’s health, and vaccinations. As a dedicated smear taker at the clinic, she is passionate about ensuring every eligible woman is screened regularly. She also provides vaccinations for all ages, from babies to those needing shingles or flu immunizations. And if you’d like to practice your French—just ask Fabienne!

Although not a St Heliers local, she loves the area’s peaceful beauty. "Walking along the beach or through Dingle Park is a joy. It’s a lovely, clean area with stunning sunrises."

In her spare time, Fabienne enjoys walking and playing golf.

What she loves most about the clinic? "The people are welcoming and respectful. It’s a small team of health practitioners working together to care for our patients."

Akshita recently joined the clinic as Medical Centre Manager, bringing with her a strong background in retail and healthcare management. Transitioning into the healthcare sector four years ago, she has since developed a passion for creating efficient processes, fostering positive work environments, and ensuring patient care remains the top priority.

Although not a St Heliers local, Akshita loves the area’s natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere. "Driving down the hill and seeing Rangitoto Island rise ahead with those stunning ocean views never gets old. The people here are always smiling and polite—it makes the village feel special."

Outside of work, Akshita has a deep love for dance—she runs a Bollywood dance school in her spare time! She also enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two young boys.

What she loves most about the clinic? "The team has been so warm and inviting. Everyone is equally passionate about patient care, which helps us align and work together as a team."

With a decade of experience as a clinical assistant in retirement villages, Justine has extensive knowledge of healthcare, particularly in supporting residents with advanced dementia and those in palliative care. She is highly efficient, a skilled multitasker, and a valued member of the clinic’s team.

A St Heliers local, Justine loves the close-knit community and how people genuinely support one another. "It’s warm, welcoming, and so close to the beach, which I love! Plus, the local cafés are great."

In her free time, she enjoys binge-watching true crime documentaries and travel vlogs, which inspire her to explore new places. She also cherishes time spent with family and friends—especially over good food.

What she loves most about the clinic? "Working at The Doctors St Heliers is such a breeze. Everyone is helpful and supportive, and the environment brings out the best in each person. Plus, we have lovely patients!"

Tania is the backbone of the clinic’s administration, bringing a wealth of experience in customer service and medical reception. With a diverse background spanning 11 years in

the airline industry, running a daycare, and even working as a commercial interior designer, she is a natural problem solver who thrives in a team environment.

Although not a St Heliers local, Tania has a deep appreciation for the area. "The beach is awesome, and we have the best lunchroom in Auckland! The shops and cafes are fantastic—I love seeing all the delicious food people are eating (food envy!). And of course, we have the best doctors!"

Outside of work, Tania is a passionate cook who enjoys creating new dishes. She also loves shopping, DIY projects, and upcycling furniture. When she’s not watching cricket—especially when her son is playing—she’s spending quality time with her two beloved cats.

What she loves most about the clinic? "The staff here are amazing. From the admin team to the medical team, everyone is supportive, down-to-earth, and fun to work with. We have a professional yet enjoyable work environment, and our patients are a lovely part of the community."

Gayle is a highly experienced nurse, having qualified in 1998 in the UK. Her background spans renal medicine, liver transplants, bariatric surgery, general surgery, endoscopy, and healthcare leadership. Since joining the clinic, she has brought both expertise and a compassionate touch to patient care.

A local to St Heliers, she loves the waterfront, the village shops, and the seaside community vibe. Most mornings, you’ll find her at the gym, and on weekends, she’s fully immersed in baseball—her family is heavily involved in the sport!

What she loves most about the clinic? "The people—both my colleagues and our patients. Every day is different, with expected and unexpected moments!"

With an incredible 26 years of experience as a medical receptionist, Puspha is a cornerstone of the clinic. She is known for her warmth and empathy, ensuring every patient feels cared for from the moment they walk through the door.

A long-time St Heliers local, Puspha values the strong sense of community in the area. Outside of work, she enjoys walking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

What she loves most about the clinic? "The friendly camaraderie and supportive doctors, nurses, and admin staff."

Selena has been with The Doctors St Heliers for six months and brings over 25 years of experience in customer service, administration, and accounts in the aviation industry, now transitioning into the medical field.

She lives nearby in Remuera and loves the welcoming and relaxed vibe of St Heliers. She feels lucky to be working in such a beautiful part of Auckland with only a short commute.

In her spare time, Selena enjoys spending time with family, reading books, walking, and catching up with friends.

What she loves most about her role? "It's a great team in a nice area."

Andrea has an impressive 22 years of experience as a medical receptionist, making her an invaluable member of the team. She’s trained in everything from enrolments and transfers to handling patient communications and managing Southern Cross payments.

A proud local, Andrea enjoys the relaxed seaside lifestyle of St Heliers, particularly the beach and the village atmosphere. In her spare time, she practices yoga, supports The Royal New Zealand Ballet Company, and spends quality time with her grandsons.

She loves how the clinic is handy to home, and really enjoys working with the staff and patients.

With a background in design—including running her own kitchen design business—Kimberley brings a creative and organized approach to her role at the front desk. She has spent a decade as a key part of the reception team, ensuring patients feel welcome and well cared for. Her experience also includes time in the airline industry and five years at a private clinic.

A St Heliers local, Kimberley loves the village feel and the fact that she can walk to work while catching up with familiar faces. She enjoys keeping active with walking and Pilates, as well as gardening, cooking, and reconnecting with family and friends.

Kimberely say’s our patients are lovely, and she enjoys working with her team, “We’re always so busy the day just flies by!"

Lily has gained broad experience in both administrative and clinical support roles at the clinic. She started in reception, handling appointments, messages, emails, and document processing before transitioning into her current role as a Healthcare Assistant. In this role, she ensures doctors have everything they need for consultations, manages stock and

inventory, and oversees ordering for the practice. She also performs ECGs, New Patient Consults, vital checks, simple wound care under RN supervision, and Driver’s License Medicals.

A small-town native, Lily appreciates the close-knit community feel of St Heliers within the big city. "It allows me to have that sense of community again."

In her free time, she enjoys reading, studying, playing tennis, and going on road trips whenever she gets the chance.

What does she love most about the clinic? "My co-workers and being given the opportunity to help people."

Dr. Jorijn Kamphof has been with The Doctors St Heliers for 1.5 years, offering comprehensive care to patients of all ages. She enjoys the variety of general practice, from

mental health support to treating minor injuries. She also provides cortisone injections for shoulder pain and performs Mirena and copper IUD insertions.

A local resident, Jorijn loves being close to the beach and making the most of the outdoor lifestyle. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, chasing waterfalls, and spending quality time with family and friends.

What she loves most about the clinic? "The friendly colleagues and supportive team."

Angela did her Medical training in Scotland and England before moving to New Zealand which she loves.She has also lived and worked in Thailand. She initially specialized in Paediatrics then subsequently in Family Medicine and has further sub-specialised in the diagnosis of Skin Cancer and Travel Medicine. She very much enjoys all aspects of General Practice. She has worked locally for the past 25 years and joined St Heliers Medical in 2017.

She is the mother of two sons and has mentored young refugee boys. She is passionate about sports,fitness,healthy living and Adventure travel.

She sees the relief of suffering and the promotion of happiness as major goals.

Dr. Stephanie Taylor has been a dedicated GP at the clinic for 20 years, building strong relationships with her patients and their families over that time. She specializes in women’s health, pediatrics, and mental health, providing compassionate, comprehensive care to the community.

A longtime local, Stephanie loves the convenience of walking to work and the beauty of the beachside surroundings. "St Heliers is a wonderful place to live and work—it has a real sense of community."

Beyond her clinical work, Stephanie plays a key role in the wider medical profession. She is an examiner for the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners and serves as the Deputy Chair for GenPro, the GP Owners Association. She also remains a committed owner of the clinic, ensuring the practice continues to provide high-quality care for the community.

In her spare time, she enjoys running, spending time with family, and even unwinding with a bit of TikTok.

What she loves most about the clinic? "The patients—I’ve known so many of them for 20 years."

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Graeme shares his time between General Practice and a part-time practice as a specialist General Surgeon in Private Hospitals, as well as carrying out Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy procedures.

He is a strong advocate for Mens' Health and is Medical Director of Mens Health Trust New Zealand. menshealthnz.org.nz.
           
He has four adult children, one a doctor, and enjoys gym training and gardening. 

BM BSc MD, Diplomat of the American Board of Family Medicine.

Special interest in Public Health disease surveillance and outbreak management. Cardiovascular disease risk assessment and prevention.

In a former life Bob managed a Jazz club in Oakland, California and plays 5 musical instruments.

Bob’s spare time is spent trying to survive parenthood of a seven and a four year old.

Dr. Dalice Keogh has been a GP for five years and part of The Doctors St Heliers team for the past four. Before moving into general practice, she gained experience in various specialties at Dunedin Hospital. She holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Women’s Health and a Postgraduate Diploma in Child Health from the University of Otago, with a special interest in women’s and children’s health.

Although not a St Heliers local, she loves the area’s beaches, stunning views of Rangitoto, great lunch spots, and, most of all, the people.

Outside of work, she enjoys staying active, spending time outdoors, skiing, and being with family and friends.

What she enjoys most about the clinic? "Working with great colleagues and lovely patients."

Dr. Jacob Rollo has been a valued member of the clinic for four years, providing care across all aspects of general practice. He has a particular interest in men’s health, skin cancer checks, steroid injections, and minor surgical procedures.

During his hospital years, Jacob gained broad experience across multiple specialties, including emergency medicine, psychiatry, older persons' health, general medicine, gastroenterology, renal medicine, orthopedics, general surgery, cardiothoracics, burns and plastics, and anatomical pathology. In 2024, he achieved his Fellowship of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, a significant milestone in his medical career. He also acknowledges Dr. Peter Clemo as his most significant GP mentor, whose guidance has been instrumental in shaping his approach to patient care.

A proud local, Jacob appreciates the beauty of the Eastern Bays. "The people here are lovely, and where else in the world can you look out from a local beach at a huge volcanic island cone in the middle of the harbour?"

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, reading, cycling, exploring Auckland, practicing guitar, listening to music, and attending church.

What he loves most about the clinic? "Most people don’t experience others being vulnerable with them due to physical or psychological illness—it is often masked. I feel enormously privileged to support and care for my patients through their health journeys. I also love working alongside my colleagues, many of whom have become close friends."

Dr Upeksha Settinayake has special interests in family medicine, women's health, geriatrics and palliative care. She has also previously worked as a high school doctor and enjoys working with young people.  She obtained Fellowship of the Royal NZ College of GPs in 2016.  In her spare time she enjoys creative writing and travel.

Dr. Tracey Opperman has been a GP for over 30 years, spending most of her career on the North Shore before joining The Doctors St Heliers in 2022. Her wealth of experience and patient-centered approach make her a valued member of the team.

While not a St Heliers local, Tracey is drawn to the beauty of the area. "I love the sea, so working here is perfect. Riding my bike to work along Tamaki Drive is a real highlight."

Outside of work, she enjoys cycling, gardening, and all types of craft.

What she loves most about the clinic? "My patients and my team!"