Archives: To tatou tiima

Alana is originally from Tauranga and graduated from the University of Auckland medical school in 2016. She did three years of hospital based rotations before happily moving into primary care. She is most passionate about women’s health but loves the diversity of other health problems she can help with as a GP. 

She looks forward to being able to support patients and their whānau at all ages and stages through their health journey, together with the awesome team at Ranolf Medical Centre.

Athena became a member of the Ranolf Team in 2014 with the merge with Surgery 10.  Following her nursing training at Waiariki, she worked at Taumaranui Hospital and then Rotorua Hospital gaining experience over a wide range of areas including surgical, orthopaedics, post natal and intensive care.  Athena has been a GP nurse for more than 10 years.

Her choice of a medical career was due to the strong female role models in her life.  Both Athena’s mother and grandmother were nurses and she was attracted to General Practice so she could build relationships with her clients.

She has been in Rotorua since secondary school and met her husband here.  They live on a lifestyle block and have one teenage son.

Ben grew up just outside Birmingham in the UK before moving to Sheffield to study Medicine. Following his graduation in 2011 he completed his two year post graduate training, working in different departments in several local hospitals. He then commenced training to become a GP and after qualification worked in a practice in Sheffield for a year before he and his wife, Lauren (also a local GP), moved to New Zealand.  They arrived in Rotorua in 2018 and haven’t looked back since, enjoying the lakes, forest, and everything else the area has to offer.  Ben is a keen cyclist and runner and has taken part in several half marathons, XTERRAS and cycled around Lake Taupo as part of the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge.  Ben and Lauren have a daughter who arrived in 2021.

Ben enjoys all aspects of general practice and is available to see patients on a Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Originally born in Colombia but raised in Aotearoa. Bibiana lived in Auckland for majority of her life before relocating to Rotorua with her son. 

She completed a Bachelor of Nursing degree in 2020 and recently followed this with a post graduate certificate in advanced nursing. As a new graduate nurse, she had the opportunity of working at Te What Ora - Lakes Hospital in the Orthopaedic/Gynaecology Unit where she gained an excellent grounding of clinical skills and experience in pre and post operative care, rehabilitation, and care of chronic conditions. Working in a secondary care hospital inspired her to pursue a public nursing role as she feels very strongly about contributing to the health and well-being of the local community. 

When she's not working, she enjoys spending summer days at the surrounding lakes or winter nights at the thermal pools and enjoying the many eatery's Rotorua has to offer.

Caerlie started at Ranolf Medical Centre in 2014 and has a great wealth of experience, having started in General Practice in 2005.  Prior to becoming a Practice Nurse she held roles at Waikato and Tauranga Hospitals, as well as working in a London Hospital while on her OE.  Caerlie also held a position of leadership in an Auckland General Practice working with the local DHB helping to improve services.

Caerlie, who is a Nurse Practitioner completed her masters of nursing in 2011.

Caerlie loves working in the general practice team, meeting people from different cultures and developing relationships with patients and their families.

Caerlie and her Husband have two young sons and love what Rotorua has to offer.

In her spare times she loves to travel and spend time with family and friends.

Carina works as a pharmacist at Ranolf Pharmacy and is also currently working with Ranolf Medical Centre as a Clinical Pharmacists.  This role enables her to support our patients with their medicines by working with prescribers to optimise medicine use - which can involve education and adherence tools. 

In her spare time she loves water skiing on Rotorua's beautiful lakes, and travelling. 

Charlotte owns and operates Ranolf Pharmacy and is also currently working with Ranolf Medical Centre as a Clinical Pharmacist. This means she works closely with GPs to resolve medicine issues, and enable GPs to focus their skills where they are most needed. As well, clinical pharmacists work with patients directly to optimise medicine use. 

In her spare time, she loves trail running in the beautiful Whakarewarewa Forest and spending time with her family.

Cherie joined our team in 2002 with time off to have a family and live for a time in the Waikato before returning.

She loves being back near the Redwoods and the lakes. She enjoys the variety of her part time work and is passionate about the family’s vegie garden/healthy eating project.

Chrissy is our Finance and Business Support officer at Ranolf Medical Centre.  She has had various work experience in hospitality and owning a café in Whangarei.

The people, atmosphere, friendship and teamwork at Ranolf make it a pleasure to come to work and Chrissy couldn’t dream of leaving the Centre, even though she is a trained teacher.

She lives with her husband and two beautiful girls, one of which is heavily involved in football.  Chrissy jokes that her girls have had the most ACC claims ever!

While not waiting around in accident and emergency or on the side-line of a football game, Chrissy enjoys a variety of recreational activities that can be enjoyed in our forests, lakes and rivers.

Dane was raised in Tauranga before moving to Auckland where he studied physiotherapy and then completed his medical degree.

He and his wife moved to Rotorua in 2016, which they now very happily call home. Dane completed a wide variety of rotations at Rotorua hospital over four years before settling on General Practice as his vocation.

Previously a very keen cricketer, Dane’s spare time is now spent with his young family and exploring everything the beautiful lakes region has to offer.

Esmeralda joined the Ranolf team in 2014 following the merge with Surgery 10, where she worked for more than 10 years.

She relishes the busy nature of her role in a medical practice and is a strong believer in “busy day, busy mind, healthy body.” Esmeralda enjoys the comradery between her colleagues and developing close working relationships with patients.

Esmeralda loves Rotorua and can be found enjoying the many wonderful forest walks in the area with her super dog Spunky. She has three adult children and has been blessed with three beautiful grandchildren.

Glenn joined us in October 2023 from Papamoa Pines Medical Centre. He brings with him many years of leadership experience, most of which were spent in the Optical industry as a manager and Director (around 25 years). A qualified Dispensing Optician, his desire to learn and grow is central to his role. 

Originally from the UK, Glenn and his wife Lucy share a blended family of 4 children; 3 boys and 1 girl. This busy home life means that Glenn loves to spend time out and about with the kids (and his parents too when possible), creating memories and enjoying the energy. Downtime is usually spent with Lucy finding anywhere quiet and peaceful – preferably warm and scenic. 

Hayley was born and bred in Rotorua. She has spent some time working in Australia but missed the community and culture of her home town and decided to come home to friends and family here in Rotorua. 

Hayley has recently enrolled in a Level 2 Te Reo Māori course at Toi Ohomai and is excited to be working in an environment where she will be able to korero with our patients and staff.

Hayley is family orientated and in her spare time enjoys travelling to the beach or meeting up with friends.

Jemma joined the Ranolf Medical Centre in 2009 as a Practice Nurse after graduating from the Waiariki Institute of Technology.

She was drawn to a career in nursing to look after people and be part of a much needed service in the community.

She is grateful to be part of a lovely group of people that strive to deliver the best possible care for their patients.

When she isn’t at the Centre you will find her enjoying the outdoors– whether it be snowboarding in winter or wakeboarding in summer.

To relax Jemma enjoys retail therapy and hanging out with friends and family.

Jennifer always wanted to be a nurse and started training straight after high school at the Waiariki Institute of Technology. She began her career as a surgical nurse at Rotorua Hospital, where she learned an enormous amount. However, practice nursing is her passion as it enables her to develop long-term relationships with patients and their families. She is genuinely excited to be working for Ranolf Medical Centre.

Jennifer lives in Rotorua with her partner and young daughters. She loves spending time with her family; going for walks or just playing around home. She also enjoys catching up with friends in her downtime.

Jo graduated from Otago University in 2002 and has gained medical experience here and overseas working in hospitals, oncology and general practice.

With an original ambition to be a diplomat Jo studied three languages at school, but ultimately followed in her parents footsteps and became a doctor.

Born and bred in Rotorua, she has been a GP since 2008 and appreciates the great lifestyle it offers.  She has a particular interest in family planning.

In her spare time she loves getting outdoors and makes the most of her close proximity to the mountains and coasts.

She is happily married to Kane and is a proud Mum to two daughters and one son.

Josephine has lived half her life in Whakatane and the other half in Rotorua. She has worked in customer service for several years and really enjoys building relationships with people from all walks of life. Her spare time is spent with family going on all sorts of fun adventures. Time at the beach fishing and lighting a good fire to cook dinner being one of her favorites.

Ko Tarawera te maunga

Ko Puarenga te awa

Ko Te Arawa te waka

Ko Tūhourangi te Iwi

Ko Ngāti Tumatawera te  hapu

Ko Apumoana te marae

Ko Kataraina ahau!

Born and raised in Rotorua, Kataraina went to a local Kura Kaupapa before moving to windy Wellington to work as a dental assistant. She has recently moved home to be closer to whānau and is enjoying her time at Ranolf Medical Centre.

Outside of work she enjoys reading, spending time with her whānau, and learning Spanish.

He uri au no Te Aitanga-A-Mahaki me Te Arawa.

Kath gained her Bachelor of Nursing here in Rotorua at Waiariki Institute of Technology, and later completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science in Advanced Nursing at the University of Auckland in 2018. She also holds a Diploma in Strategic Leadership, a Diploma in Te Are Reo and in 2023 became a Nurse Practitioner.

Kath was inspired and encouraged to pursue her nursing career by her late grandmother, a decision she has not regretted.

Kath is passionate about Maori and rural health, quality, reducing inequities and supporting people to self-manage long term conditions.

Outside of mahi, Kath enjoys walking, painting, rugby, netball and spending time with her whanau and 4 beautiful mokopuna.

Laura provides assistance and support to the Team Leaders at the practice.  She started at Ranolf when she was 19 as the Office Junior. Her attention to detail then saw her move into a full time Clinical Administration role.  A bit like a yoyo, Laura has come and gone a few times.  Taking maternity leave when she welcomed her daughter, then returning in a part time Admin Project Support role, only to once again take maternity leave to welcome her son and has now returned in her current role as Management Team Assistant.

She enjoys her support role at the Clinic and view all the staff as her work family who she loves and cares for.

Born and raised locally, she loves living in Rotorua with her hubby and thinks it’s a fantastic place to raise their family. Laura loves spending time riding her mountain bike in the Whakarewarewa forest and family time is often spent enjoying some of the many outdoor activities available in the area such as water sports and snow skiing.

Kia Ora!

I was born and raised in Rotorua before going to Auckland University to study medicine. I did my training in the BOP and Waikato before ultimately ending up back in Rotorua for my final year of medical school.

I have worked at Rotorua Hospital in many departments for 3 years before taking time off to have my daughter. I’m excited to be working in general practice within the community I grew up in.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, running, gardening and cooking.

Manawa works as a pharmacist at Ranolf Pharmacy and is also currently working with Ranolf Medical Centre as a Clinical Pharmacist.  This role enables her to support our patients with their medicines by working with prescribers to optimise medicine use - which can involve education and adherence tools. 

In her spare time she loves mountain biking, walking and spending time with friends and family 

Ko Matawhaura te Maunga
Ko Rotoiti I kite-ai-Ihenga te roto
Ko Te Arawa te waka
Ko Ngati Pikiao te iwi
Ko Ngati Tamateatutahi me Ngati Kawiti nga hapu
Ko Tapuaeharuru to marae
Ko Michael Grant toku ingoa

Michael studied physiotherapy at AUT and then went onto Auckland University to study medicine.

After study he worked at Waikato hospital and then moved into general practice. He has had a variety of experiences culminating in the ability to move to Rotorua to be closer to family.

Outside of work, family and sports play an important part in maintaining a decent work life balance.

Mike has been part of Ranolf since 1981.  His love of General Practice and a desire to move away from the city saw him move from Auckland to buy into the Practice.  He and his wife Leonie Sinclair, a GP in another practice, chose Rotorua due to their love of the outdoors and adrenaline activities such as mountain biking and skiing.

He values and is thankful for the opportunity and experience of shaping the practice into what it is today.  After more than 35 years he still finds general practice rewarding and enjoyable.

When not racing down the tracks in the forest, or hitting the slopes in winter Mike enjoys travelling, running and kite surfing.

Nancy is originally from the UK, but has lived in NZ for the last 30 years. She has worked as a part time GP both in Auckland, and here in Rotorua since 1994.

After the birth of her fourth child, Nancy decided to focus on her main interests of Women’s and Youth Health. She ran the Rotorua Contraception Clinic for 16 years, whilst also working at Rotovegas Youth Health and holding GP clinics at local High Schools.

Nancy is excited to now be part of the Ranolf Medical Centre team, offering her services in all aspects of Women’s Health and Youth Health.

Natalie loves working with Ranolf Medical in her role a Primary Care Assistant; she values the caring, team environment and the variety the role offers.

She has previously worked at GP clinics in Auckland and Hawkes Bay, and then in the Outpatient department at the Rotorua Hospital.

Originally from the UK, Natalie moved to NZ in 2004; she loves the lakes and forests around Rotorua and feels very lucky to live in such a beautiful place.

In her spare time Natalie enjoys spending time with family, walking her dog, reading, travelling and yoga.

After 12 years as an early Childhood Teacher Rebecca joined the team at Ranolf Medical Centre in 2019 for a change in career.

She enjoys meeting new people and looks forward to the challenge of learning something new and working in a busy medical practice.

Outside of work she loves spending time with her children and family.

Ros joined Ranolf Medical Centre almost 30 years ago firstly as a midwife and then a practice nurse. In 2016, having completed her Masters in Advanced Clinical Nursing she became a Nurse Practitioner.

She is held in very high regard in the industry and has held a variety of local and national governance roles.

As long as Ros can remember, her ambitions in life were to be a mother and a nurse (in that order!). With a kind and caring nature she was attracted to a nursing profession as she wanted to make a difference in people’s lives.

Ros appreciates working in an environment where professional practice is extended and supported whole heartedly, and the provision of quality care is paramount.

Please call to talk to one of Ranolf Medical Centre's Practice Nurses.

Rosanna started at Ranolf Medical Centre in 2018.  She has over 10 years experience in General Practice having worked in the Horowhenua, Auckland, Sunshine Coast (Australia) and Rotorua.  Prior to becoming a Practice Nurse she worked as a new graduate in Wellington hospital and also spent 6 months nursing in London and Watford, England while on her OE.

Rosanna, who is a nurse prescriber completed her masters of nursing in 2015.

Rosanna enjoys nursing because it means meeting interesting people every day and helping them achieve their goals.  In particular she enjoys working in general practice because she gets to work with a wide age range of patients with diverse health needs.

In her spare times she loves to spend time exploring Rotorua's lakes and mountain biking/walking tracks.

Please call to talk to one of Ranolf Medical Centre's Practice Nurses.

After eight years in retail and tourism Sam is excited to join the Ranolf team for a change of direction in her career. She knows it’s a great fit, as she loves helping people and being kept very busy.

Locally born and bred, Rotorua holds a special place in her heart and she proudly calls it her home town.

Outside of work Sam enjoys spending time outdoors and catching up with her partner, family and friends.

Sharon has been in General Practice for over 20 years.  A long-time resident of Rotorua she came to Rotorua for a year and never left.  Sharon worked at Rotorua hospital for a few years and then did her general practice training in Rotorua.

What drew Sharon to medicine was her love of children.  Originally she wanted to be a teacher, but at the time there were fewer job prospects.  So she chose a career in medicine with a special interest in paediatrics and women.

Sharon enjoys working at Ranolf Medical Centre as part of the caring and  skilled team.

Out of work Sharon enjoys the lakes and forests on our doorstep.

Contact Ranolf Medical Centre today to make an appointment to see Dr Sharon Lovegrove.

Sharon is the Admin Team Leader here at Ranolf Medical Centre.  Her outgoing personality and previous customer service roles in banking and at Lakes Primecare ensure the smooth day to day running at the Centre.

She enjoys her role as the Admin Team Leader and gets a great deal of satisfaction from helping people.  The relationships and camaraderie between the staff at the Centre make each work day fun and rewarding.

Married to an “awesome husband”, they have three great kids.  Away from the Centre Sharon enjoys getting her hands dirty with home projects and gardening.

He uri tenei no Ngati Kahungunu, no Ngai Tuhoe me Te Arawa

Sonia attained a Bachelor of Health Sciences/Nursing Degree at Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi in Whakatane. She also holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences Degree, majoring in Educational Studies from Waikato Universityand is a graduate of Nga Manukura o Apopo (Clinical Leadership Training for Maori Nurses & Midwives).

She has always had an interest in Health, in particular Primary Health, and believes that a strong primary health care system is central to improving the health of all New Zealanders including the reduction of health inequalities between different groups.

Maori Health is a passion of hers and she is excited to be working among amazing experienced health professionals at Ranolf who promote quality care for all patients.

Sonia enjoys spending her free time with Whanau and friends, Kapahaka and performing arts and anything to do with Te Ao Maori, travel and education.

Hutia te rito o te harakeke, kei hea te komako e ko? Ki mai ki ahau, he aha te mea nui i tenei Ao? Maku e ki atu, he tangata, he tangata, he tangata

If the heart of the flax bush is pulled out, where will the bell bird sing? If you ask me, what is the most important thing in this world, I will reply, it is people, it is people, it is people

After 15 years in the Hospitality industry, Tom left the industry for a change in career (and more sociable hours). He is looking forward to new and interesting challenges within healthcare.

A keen cricket fan, he can be found in summer watching and playing cricket in the local business house league.

Recently married, he enjoys spending time with his wife whether it be camping or just generally being near a lake or a beach or just outdoors in the sun. He fancies himself a keen BBQ’er and loves to cook/ He is looking forward to forging new pathways and new friendships with the team at Ranolf

Trish is one of our receptionists and welcomes you on arrival at Ranolf Medical Centre.  Always immaculately presented, her many years in customer service help her provide excellent service to our patients.  She strongly believes that customer service helps her make a difference in the lives of the patients and staff in small but meaningful ways.

Outside of work Trish loves to spend time with her family and tend to her beautiful, sprawling garden.

Ko Maouo tōku maunga

Ko tauranga tōku moana

Ko Te Whānau a tauwhao tōku hapū

Ko Ngāi Te Rangi tōku iwi

Ko Otawhiwhi tōku marae

No Bowentown Ahau

Kei Rotorua tōku kainga inaianei

Ko Tyson Eruera Ball tōku ingoa

I grew up in Bowentown on whanau land near my marae. I shifted to Hamilton for schooling where I would meet a stranger who would provide me a life changing opportunity. I was encouraged to University after breaking my ankle chasing a rugby league career. Departing to Otago University, I then decided to study Medicine to break the negative family cycle and inspire my younger siblings into stepping out of there comfort zones. 

As someone who has become a Māori doctor due to the influence of a stranger through sport, I am passionate about paying these opportunities forward. I am passionate about rangatahi development and providing opportunities through sport. Being a Māori GP will give me the life balance and funding to work in the community to provide opportunity and education to rangatahi about life's decisions. 

I've only recently moved to Rotorua with my partner at the start of 2022, but we look forward to making it our new home. In my spare time you'll find me injured from trying to continue playing rugby league or behind a camera trying to capture precious moments for whanau, friends, and sporting teams. 

Zita, who has over 25 years nursing experience, primarily in community mental health, works at Ranolf Medical Centre as a Health Improvement Practitioner. (HIP)

The role of the HIP is to assist with behavioural change that will lead to improved health and wellbeing. It encompasses all ages and medical issues.

Zita has been working in this role since it began in Rotorua in June 2020.

Zita has a gentle caring nature, is always happy to listen, and is passionate about walking alongside anyone who is struggling.

Born and raised in Rotorua, Zita returned to settle here in 2016, and being in the beautiful environs of her birthplace and spiritual home, makes her spirit sing.

If you would like to meet with Zita please call and arrange a free half hour appointment. She has appointment slots both on the day you visit, and ones to book in advance.

Please call to make an appointment with Zita.