Meet the Team
Our Doctors
Alison McGruer
Doctor
Upper Surgery
Alison was born in Auckland grew up in Wellington and trained at Auckland University Medical School qualifying in 1988.
She worked in Christchurch for a year before going on her O/E working in London and travelling. On returning to New Zealand she undertook further training in medicine, obstetrics then general practice.
On joining Herne Bay Medical in 1999 she enjoyed 7 years of obstetrics, and general medicine. Stopping deliveries in 2006, since then concentrating on General Practice, and continues to enjoy caring for her patients from babies to great grandparents.
Outside interests include painting, gardening, travel, family and friends.
David Bulmer
Doctor
Upper Surgery
David was born in Auckland but spent half his childhood in Papua New Guinea.
He studied physics and Maori studies before attending Auckland Medical School, graduating in 1993. He joined the Herne Bay Medical Centre in 2000. He enjoys the holistic care we offer at Herne Bay Medical Centre, and the diversity of a practice population which includes young families through to nonagenarians
David has three adult children and one grandchild.
Han Yan
Doctor
Upper Surgery
Han graduated from the Medical School of Sun Yet-Sen University in 1991. She worked for several years in a paediatric hospital in China prior to immigrating to New Zealand.
After working in various public hospitals throughout New Zealand, Han found herself particularly passionate about general practice and decided to choose it as her long-term profession.
By practising as a GP in the Northcote and Albany areas since 2004, Han got to work with many multicultural communities, including Pakeha, Māori/Pacific and Asian. While working with her patients in the journey of achieving physical and mental wellbeing, Han appreciates the interconnection between individuals, their Whanau and surrounding environment.
Han joined Herne Bay Medical Centre at the beginning of June 2022 and has felt privileged to be part of the vibrant community.
Han is married, with four children. She can speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. Outside interests include gardening and travel.
Tanja Minic
Doctor
Upper and Lower Surgeries
Tanja is a highly qualified and experienced clinician with a diverse medical background. She earned her medical degree from the Medical University in Belgrade, Serbia, and subsequently received a Fellowship at the New Zealand College of General Practitioners.
Her expertise extends to various areas of medicine, including pediatric medicine, women's health, chronic care, and primary prevention. These particular fields are close to her heart as she is passionate about empowering people to reach their full health potential.
Tanja doesn't just treat her patients' health concerns; she believes in being an integral part of their lives. Her approach involves coaching and teaching, encouraging the adoption of healthy lifestyles to prevent genetically predisposed conditions.
Outside of the medical realm, you'll find Tanja cherishing moments with her family—her two boys are her joy and inspiration. She also enjoys the theatre, savoring excellent cuisine, listening to music, and taking leisurely walks with her beloved dog.
The majority of Tanja's career was on the North Shore, and since the end of 2023, she has joined forces with the Herne Bay team.
Rhona Levenberg
Doctor
Lower Surgery
Twenty-three years ago, having arrived as a new immigrant and trying to find my feet I had the overwhelming lucky break to be asked to join the Practice at Herne Bay Medical Centre.
Little did I know that it wasn’t a medical practice I had joined but rather a living, breathing, vital community. I have had the privilege of being alongside families through their trials and great joys. I have watched babies grow to be parents.
If there ever was a way to settle into a country and to learn the kiwi way, then discover the caring empathy and warmth which characterises our way of life, it was here at Herne Bay.
I’m very fortunate to have a wonderful beachfront for my early morning walk each day and between that and the spectacular drive to work as the sun rises I have managed to keep an even keel and hopefully impart this to people who trust me with their care.
Ryan Tatnell
Doctor
Lower Surgery
Dr. Ryan Tatnell is Auckland born and he graduated from the University of Auckland in 2011. He initially trained in Paediatrics, which took him around hospitals in New Zealand and Australia as well as volunteering around the world. He came back to New Zealand and was drawn to the “jack-of-all-trades” that is General Practice and its connection with the community and its people.
Dr Tatnell is an experienced practitioner and has undertaken additional postgraduate training in Child and Youth Health, Dermatology and Skin Cancer medicine. He enjoys all aspects of General Practice and remains having a special interest in Family, Youth and Child health. His dedication to fostering strong patient relationships, combined with his extensive training and experience, makes him a trusted partner in your healthcare journey.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Tatnell is a proud husband and father of two young children.
Dr Tatnell is welcoming new patients.
Our Nurses
Our experienced Practice Nurse Team are fully registered and have diverse skills, including vaccinating, wound care, diabetes management and smear taking. Like our Reception Team they work across both of our surgeries and are always happy to help with any clinical questions you may have.
Rina
Nurse Leader
Lenelle
Katie
Tamara
Receptionists & Administrators
Our friendly Reception/Administration Team is usually our first point of contact for all work in both of our surgeries. All have knowledge of your PHO Enrolment - Funding entitlements along with the services that our clinical team provide. They are happy to assist you when you need to reach us to make an appointment or have any queries.
Amanda
Soraya
Jenny
Julie
Lily
Raewyn
Practice Manager
Gail Kingston
Practice Manager
manager@hernebaymed.co.nz