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.
Dr McGruer is not accepting new enrolments.
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 three grandchildren.
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.
Dr Yan is not accepting new enrolments.
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.
Dr de Candole is not accepting new enrolments.
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.
Dr Van der Vis is currently accepting new enrolments. Please email Amanda on admin@hernebaymed.co.nz to enquire.
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 not accepting new enrolments.
Jake Benson
Doctor
Upper and Lower Surgery
We are pleased to welcome Jake to the team on Monday, January 19.
Jake was born and raised in Auckland and graduated with a medical degree from the University of Auckland in 2019. He then worked across a range of hospital specialties in both Rotorua and Auckland before settling into General Practice.
Jake takes the time to listen to his patients and works alongside them to understand what matters most to their health. He uses evidence-based medicine to help patients make informed decisions and achieve their health goals. Jake also recognises that healthcare can feel increasingly complex and overwhelming, and is committed to helping patients navigate this with clarity and confidence.
When he’s not at work, Jake enjoys spending time in a café with a good book, quiz nights with friends, and the occasional sewing project.
Dr Benson is currently accepting new enrolments. Please email Amanda on admin@hernebaymed.co.nz to enquire.
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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
Heather
Marian
Hannah
Allison
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
Prue
Raewyn
Allied Health Professionals
Jazz is our Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP)
Jazz was born in New Zealand and lives in Waitakere with her husband and three children. She completed her training at AUT in 2010 with an MA in Psychotherapy and runs a small private practice in Herne Bay. Jazz has worked in a number of community organizations including Lifeline, Youthline, Kauri Trust and MAINZ music and audio institute, in various roles and has a passion for supporting people to find the right tools to help them live their lives to their fullest potential.
She joined the Herne Bay team in April 2025 and is excited to work alongside the staff and patients enrolled here.
Her interests are reading, hiking, traveling and hanging out with her family.
The HIP Service:
Our HIP service is a free service for anyone of any age who is enrolled in the clinic.
Each consult runs for 20-30 minutes and provides support for anyone facing concerns about mental health, addiction, long-term conditions and general wellbeing.
Some of the things out HIP can help patients with include:
Low mood
Anxiety
Stress
Life balance
Relationships
Parenting
Drug and Alcohol concerns
Pain
Sleep
Work issues
Referrals to other services
Working alongside patients the HIP can help to create tailored plans to help strengthen individuals wellbeing by; setting goals, teaching skills to manage emotions and life stressors and provide psychoeducation that can help patients move through their unique life challenges in the best way possible.
To make a booking with the HIP please call reception or talk with your nurse or GP.ment Practitioner (HIP).
Cheryl is our Health Coach (HC).
Cheryl is a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation and an HCANZA-accredited Health & Wellness Coach. She is also a Positive Intelligence Certified Coach. She comes to health coaching with a background in land development, health and safety, psychology and workplace wellbeing, and in 2024 was nominated for HCANZA Health & Wellness Coach of the Year. Alongside her role at Herne Bay Medical Centre, she also runs her own private coaching practice.
Outside of work, Cheryl enjoys walking, reading, personal development, conservation, and spending time with family and friends.
The Health Coaching Service
Our Health Coach is based in the practice and works alongside your GP and nursing team to support you with long-term conditions and lifestyle changes. Health coaching can help you understand, manage, and reduce the impact of health challenges by focusing on practical, sustainable steps.
Support may include:
Healthy eating
Increasing physical activity
Taking medications as prescribed
Managing stress
Building confidence and self-management skills
Consultations are free and usually 20 - 30 minutes. Together, you’ll develop an action plan that feels realistic and right for you.
To make a booking, please call reception or speak with your nurse or GP.
Please check our Allied Health Professionals page to see what our HIP and HC can offer our patients.
Practice Manager
Gail Kingston
Practice Manager
manager@hernebaymed.co.nz