Meet Our Team of Highly Trained Professionals

General Practitioners



​Dr Emily McNicholas (BHB, MBChB, FRNZCGP)
I am a GP from Opotiki. I have been a doctor for ten years since graduating from the University of Auckland in 2006. I chose to work here in Kawerau as I have always wanted to work in the EBOP, close to home, especially in an area of need. I am proud to be one of the few Maori GP's working in rural New Zealand and I am passionate about the positive impact our clinic will have on the health of the Kawerau community. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, and fishing down the coast at Waihau Bay. 



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Dr Indira Edwards (MB BS, FRNZCGP)
We are excited to have Dr Indira Edwards join our team (she previously worked at Total Health Doctors in Whakatane). Dr Edwards has a wealth of experience within General Practice, in particular women's health and paediatrics, where she works in the Paediatric Department at Whakatane Hospital. We look forward to utilising her expertise to further improve our services. 








Dr Jeremy Baker (MB BS 1991 London, England)
We warmly welcome Dr Jeremy Baker and his wife Dr Dodie Fahmy who have recently joined Kawerau Medical Centre Clinic having owned their own GP practice for many years in Brighton, England. Dr Baker specialises in Orthopaedics, men's health and joint injections.










Dr Dodie Fahmy (MB ChB 1990 Dundee, Scotland)
Dr Fahmy has joined Kawerau Medical Centre Clinic having practiced for many years in Brighton, England. She brings a wealth of experience especially in women's health and paediatrics. Her and her husband Jeremy and family have recently immigrated to the EBOP and we are thrilled to have them join our team. 






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Dr Paul Anderson (MBChB, FRACS, FRCS (Edin), PhD MA/ Dip Tch)
Dr Paul Anderson is a consultant upper gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary surgeon. He grew up in Opotiki and Rotorua before advancing his medical career in the United States and Australia. He also is the founder and ex-chairman of a not-for-profit organisation, Specialists Without Borders www.specialistswithoutborders.org.au which takes high quality medical education into developing countries. He has developed a free specialist review clinic  to assist those patients who have difficult medical/surgical problems and who need support. He is currently chairman of the Emergency Assessment Fund , which has been established in the Eastern Bay of Plenty , to assist those with urgent medical problems, who are financially disadvantaged and where their GPs think the wait in the public system might prejudice their treatment outcomes.






Mr Nigel Giles (MB, FRCS, FRACS (Orth)
Mr Giles is a Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Bay Of Plenty District Health Board. Mr Giles is a General Orthopaedic Surgeon, and also specialises in Upper Limb and Hand surgery.

Mr Giles has fortnightly clinics and offers a comprehensive consultation and pre/post-operative service which is FREE to all ACC patients.

Registered Nurses

Marja O'Connor
I have been in Whakatane since 1979. While having my children I worked in my husband's business and was a  part-time nurse. I have had several different nursing/nurse management roles and thoroughly enjoy being a practice nurse. Other than being a Registered Nurse, my qualifications include a Diploma is Business Management, Post Graduate Nursing Certificate in Chronic Care Management and I have completed the Level 8 Diabetes paper.  I get great job satisfaction ensuring everyone's health monitoring is up to date and ensuring there is improvement in their health.

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​​Aroha Ruha
Kia Ora, my name is Aroha Ruha - Hiraka and I am from Ngati Awa, Tuhoe and Te Arawa. I recently completed my Bachelors of Health Sciences Maori Nursing at Awanuiarangi, Whakatane. I have been fully emerged in kohanga reo, kura kaupapa and wharekura, te reo Maori being my first language, so if you prefer or feel more comfortable speaking in Te Reo while your visiting the clinic, I am here.  I am very fortunate to work at Kawerau Medical Centre helping to improve our peoples health. My hobbies are Kapa Haka, playing sports and hanging out with whanau and friends, I also hope to further my studies in health at the end of my 3 years at Awanuiarangi.
 
I look forward to meeting you all!


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Rio Ferris
Kia ora, my name is Rio Ferris, of Tainui and Ngati Porou descent.  A mother of two beautiful girls who has recently completed my Nursing Degree with Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi and now a new Graduate Nurse. 





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Therese Winter
I am a first generation New Zealander, of proud Dutch descent.  I completed my General and Obstetrics training at Waikato Hospital who specialised in Theatre Nursing but I really enjoy engaging with our Kawerau practice patients.  A proud Mother of four children and eight grand children with a passion for gardening and I particularly love roses.  I also belong to the Ohope Lions Club who fundraise for community services and organsiations locally.  

Health Care Assistants

We are currently recruiting.  Watch this space

Practice Manager

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Shelley Rangihika
Kia ora tatau katoa, I am from Ruatoki, raised in Hamilton and returned home from Australia in 2000
desiring more connection for my children.  I have three sons and a daughter and a Moko-girl.  We live
n Taneatua, love Te Urewera and exploring our whenua.  









Medical Administrator

Hinemataroa Maui

Kia Ora,
My name is Hinemataroa Maui, I’m from Te Wharua o Ruatoki and have lived there my whole life with my parents and two brothers, I am the eldest of three. My hobbies/interests include keeping active whether that be through sports such as netball, volleyball and touch, travelling and spending time with friends and whanau. I hold a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation degree and have developed a passion for health and well-being.

​Medical Receptionist

​Chrissy-Lee Mahia
Kia ora, ko Chrissy-lee Mahia toku ingoa, ko Ngai Tuhoe te iwi, ko Ngai Tama Tuhirae te hapu, ko Omuriwaka toku Marae.  I am new to Kawerau medical Centre this year and thoroughly enjoy my role.  I look forward to being of service to you.














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Kristal Mansell-Elliott
Kia ora my name is Kristal Mansell Elliott, I've lived in Kawerau all my life but originate from Te Teko.  My hobbies are sport, fishing and spending time with my whanau and friends!  Im ready and determined to start this new journey working at Kawerau Medical Centre and I look forward to meeting you.