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Nursing Team

Trish Beresford (Nurse lead)

I have lived in Whangarei for many years, raising my three daughters here. I started my nursing degree when the girls were at school and have been a nurse in General Practice since I graduated, many years ago. I love the variety of work in General Practice and being able to support people in their health journey across the lifespan. 

Outside of work, I enjoy running, anything to do with the ocean and most importantly spending time with my lovely family.

Toyah Olson

Kia Ora!

I was born here in Whangarei & have lived in Northland my whole life.

I began working at Kensington Health in June 2019, and quickly found that I enjoyed the variety of work that can be found in general practice. I have a background in paediatrics, having worked in our local children’s ward at Whangarei Base Hospital prior to working here.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my son, family, and friends, and have recently taken up horse riding as a hobby.

Niki Te Puni

Ko Ngati Porou me Ngati Tuwharetoa me Nga Puhi nga iwi

Kei Whangarei ahau e noho ana

Ko Niki Te Puni ahau

 

Kia ora! My name is Niki, born and bred here in Whangarei! I have been a Registered Nurse for the past 3 years. My nursing journey began here as a transition student in my final semester at Northtec, becoming a new graduate nurse, to having since completed my post graduate certificate in nursing with the goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. I feel privileged to be able to work closely with our patients in primary health care as we help them navigate their health journeys and have a passion for improving equitable health outcomes as the equity advisor for the clinic.

In my spare time I love spending time with my daughter and fiancé as we prepare for the birth our child. We enjoy the challenge of house renovations/design, traveling, sports and spending time with whanau & friends.

Jane Gibson

Love nursing, decided at 7years old that’s what I would do. Hospital trained in Whangarei and made lifetime friends whilst living in the nurse homes (back in the day).

Fun times ahead – marriage and then children. Married a Scotsman and a family of 5. Kept busy with ballet and football even more so now with the grandkids and worked night shift.

Been a practice nurse for the past 32 years, no more night shifts. Seen lots of changes but still love my job with Primecare/Kensington Health – what a great team over the years! 

Jane is one of our true gems of the practice who started out with Dr Bawden and who’s experience, and knowledge is truly invaluable. She tries to retire every year as her social calendar is busier than most, which includes line dancing and supporting her grandchildren in their sports, but we can’t get enough of her! We are very lucky to have Jane apart of team still.

Judy Knox

Registered Nurse since 1970 and trained at Wellington Hospital. I was a student nurse running a medical ward in Wellington Hospital on the night the Wahine sunk at the entrance to Wellington harbour – a memory that will stay with me for ever. Nursing experience in theatres and emergency nursing before going into Practice nursing. I have specialised in operating theatre work and have a Diploma in this area.

I have worked in theatres for about 40 years and have extensive surgical knowledge. I have also done 8 years part-time as an emergency nurse – and now use all these skills in my role as a practice nurse which I have now been doing for just approximately 5 years.

I am and have been married for 52 years – I am a mother of two and grandmother of three. One of my family’s live in London and the other in the Hokianga area.

Karen Yovich

Whangarei born and bred. Married to Paul with 2 adult sons, I have worked as a health care assistant at Kensington Health since its establishment in 2018. My life is enriched with exercising, enjoying a good book, or spending quality time with family and friends.