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.
Louise de Candole
Doctor
Lower Surgery
Dr de Candole graduated from the Auckland University School of Medicine in 2010, and subsequently completed General Practice specialty training with the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners. She is an experienced practitioner, having been a Registered Nurse in New Zealand and the UK for several years prior to retraining as a doctor.
Dr de Candole’s specialist General Practice experience has also included senior clinical and leadership roles including Clinical Advisor for the Coroner’s Court; Medical Educator for the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners; Director and owner of a large urban medical practice; and Medical Officer in Starship Children’s Emergency Department.
Dr de Candole is committed to providing high quality, evidence-based healthcare and enjoys all aspects of General Practice.
Special clinical interests include heart disease, child health, women’s health, chronic care, and emergency medicine. She has undertaken post graduate training in Women’s health.
Dr de Candole lives with her partner Andrew, and two sons. Hobbies include travel, fishing, scuba diving, tennis, and gardening.
Zina van der Vis
Doctor
Upper and Lower Surgery
Zina is from Dunedin where she had a short career in graphic design before studying medicine at the University of Otago. She spent her first clinical year working at Dunedin Public Hospital. After taking time out to have her second child, she transferred to Auckland to be near family. Here she completed her junior doctor rotations in orthopaedics, Tupu Ora Eating Disorders Service, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, General Medicine and Starship ED.
Zina is passionate about providing a safe space for patients, and improving their health journeys.
She has two young sons and enjoys bike rides, live music and walking up Mount Eden.
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.
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.
Lenelle
Nurse Leader
Katie
Kim
Tamara
On Maternity leave
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