Meet The Team

I was an archaeologist before I decided to go into medicine. I trained in the UK at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and qualified in 1997 having also carried out postgraduate research in immunology.

I spent five years working in hospital and emergency medicine and qualified as a general practitioner in 2005 in Taunton, Somerset. At that point, I first came to Whitianga on a working holiday. My family and I liked it so much, we returned in 2007 and have been here since.

I became a partner in the practice in 2011. My areas of interest include emergency medicine, paediatrics, general medicine and skin cancer surgery.

I joined the team in December 2011. I grew up in Essex, United Kingdom and studied zoology and medicine at the University of Bristol.

While in Tonga I met my husband, a Whitianga local. I moved to New Zealand to work in Middlemore Hospital and then to the Gold Coast to work in emergency medicine. I returned to New Zealand to complete general practice training which has led me to Whitianga where I now live with my husband, beautiful girls and 2 dogs!

I became a partner in 2019 and am really looking forward to steering the ship! I am very motivated to improve women's, children's and adolescent health. I also enjoy the emergency medicine Whitianga chooses to throw at us.

Dr Van Der Byl has been with our practice since April 2020 - More to come

Dr Adam has been with our practice since 1.4.20 - More to come

Dr Hemmes has been with our practice since 1.4.20 - More to come

My name is Kathryn Johnson (people call me KJ) and I moved to Whitianga in September 2021. I Qualified as a Registered Nurse in 1997 and after completing my Masters of Nursing in 2013 I became a Nurse Practitioner. I have specialised in paediatrics, having spent the last 15yrs working in the Emergency Department at Starship in Auckland. Being a Nurse Practitioner allows me to independently provide a number of healthcare services, including the diagnosis and management of common and complex health conditions. I am loving being a member of the Mercury Bay Medical Centre and I look forward to meeting your family and assisting you with your healthcare needs.

I joined the medical centre as clinical lead nurse in 2014 after having worked in a variety of roles in medical, surgical, neonatal, community, occupational health, management and perioperative care in both the public and private sector.
I have a keen interest in all outdoor activity and enjoy travelling. I became a partner in the practice in 2019.

I joined the Mercury Bay Medical Centre team as a Registered Nurse in 2016. I studied at Manukau Institute of technology in Auckland, graduating with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in 2004. I then went on to complete a Postgraduate programme with Counties Manukau District Healthboard at Middlemore Hospital in Auckland. I have experience in a range of Medical and Surgical specialities including Operating Theatre, Orthopaedic and Plastics, General Surgery and Gynaecology. I have lived in Whitianga for the past 11 years and have two boys that attend the local school. I have a passion in Sexual Health, Wound Care and Infection Control. I enjoy the varied role of Practice Nursing and the challenges it provides. I enjoy working alongside the diverse cultures here in Whitianga and assisting people with all their health requirements.

I became part of the team at Mercury Bay Medical Centre in 2012. I grew up in Australia in a small rural community in northwest NSW. I completed my nurses training at the Australian Catholic University in Sydney, graduating in 1995. Following this, I completed a rural nurse post-graduate programme. I have varied experience in most disciplines of nursing due to the nature of rural Hospital work. I have a keen interest in women's health, accident and emergency care.
I moved to New Zealand pre children and now have three teenagers attending Mercury Bay Area School. I relish living in Whitianga and the good life style it provides.
I embrace the diversity of care offered at Mercury Bay Medical Centre and enjoy assisting patients with all their health needs.

I started working at MBMC in my second year as a Registered nurse in 2014. With a background in the medical laboratory services both in New Zealand and overseas I have been able to provide expert knowledge around blood taking and sample collection. Outside of work I enjoy exploring the Coromandel at every opportunity.

I have worked at the medical centre for 13 years - first working in 1999, then again in 2006. I'm proud to call the Coromandel home and to work in this awesome team.
I have a history of working in haemodialysis, but I love working in primary care and all the variety it brings. My interests focus on health - food, fitness and fun.

Julie has recently joined our team - More to come

Aylish has recently joined our team - More to come

I have lived in Whitianga for 39 years and started working at the practice 19 years ago. I have seen the practice grow and develop over that time.
I started as a receptionist and now work as a medical centre assistant which I find interesting and varied.

My interests are fishing, walking & cooking

Hi, Im Annie, I have worked at the MBMC since 2014, working as MCA, and have now started in reception also.

I am a Graduate of Otago University, I have a Bachelor of Science majoring in Human Nutrition, as well as completing papers towards a Post Graduate Diploma in Community Nutrition and Physical Education.

I thoroughly enjoy working at the medical centre... great team and busy atmosphere.

My interests and hobbies: Horse Riding, Netball, Fishing, Water sports, Outdoor living and adventures.

With 30yrs as a medical receptionist I still love the vibe of greeting people and attending to their needs.
Living in this town is a bonus to this job.

Prue has been with our practice since 1.4.20 - More to come

Has joined our team in August 2020 - More to come