| Sign up now for limited time 30 Days to Whole Health course |

Don't miss out! Starts February 10.
Nourish your body, calm your mind, and create a life of abundance and health for the seasons ahead.

True wellbeing comes from within.

Let us help you on your journey.

We are registered medical doctors and specialist general practitioners (GP), and are registered with the New Zealand Medical Council.

We are available for virtual consultations for patients New Zealand wide, as well as for in person appointments in Nelson (Dr Alannah), and Tauranga (Dr Cheryl).

  • Dr Cheryl and Dr Alannah are both accepting new patients
  • Dr Marissa is accepting new patients for peri/menopause & hormone health consultations only – new patients wanting lifestyle medicine consultations can still book with Dr Cheryl or Dr Alannah
Dr Marissa Kelaher
About Dr Marissa

  • Dr Marissa Kelaher

    FRNZCGP, Lifestyle & Integrative Medicine GP

    I’m Marissa, a GP and Lifestyle Medicine doctor in beautiful Golden Bay, New Zealand. I discovered Lifestyle Medicine after wanting to be able to offer people an evidence-based holistic natural approach to health. 

    Specialising in holistic health consultations, I like taking an in-depth look at your current health and future goals, and creating a highly tailored plan to help you achieve optimal health and wellbeing. 

    I am a Fellow of the Royal NZ College of General Practitioners, with additional training in Lifestyle Medicine, and am currently completing a Fellowship with the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

    My completed postgraduate education includes nutritional and environmental medicine; integrative peri/menopause wellbeing; nutrigenomics; metabolic and heart health; longevity; and thyroid and adrenal conditions.

    Tests I use include nutrigenomic (DNA) testing, gut microbiome testing, and other functional tests if needed and desired, and have a special interest in personalised precision medicine, and mind body medicine.

    I enjoy helping and empowering people to regain control of their health. I can help with hormonal health issues, heart health, gut health, autoimmune disease, metabolic health, thyroid and adrenal health, holistic mental wellbeing, and non-diet weight management.

    My clinics are fully online (virtual appointments only), Wednesday to Friday.

    I live with my husband and two homeschooled boys. Outside of work I enjoy outdoor adventures, travel, yoga, music, photography and gardening. I have travelled to over 80 countries around the world, with many more on my list ❤️

    I look forward to helping you on your journey to better health!

    PLEASE NOTE: I am not taking on any new patients at present (as of January 2025).

Dr Cheryl Pittar
About Dr Cheryl

  • Dr Cheryl Pittar

    MBChB, DCH, FRNZCGP, ASLM, ACNEM

    I am an integrative and Lifestyle Medicine specialist GP with over 15 years of experience in general practice.

    I am based in Mount Maunganui, I offer online consultations to clients across Aotearoa, as well as in person consultations in Tauranga.

    My healthcare journey began as a registered nurse, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology and Psychology, before I went on to study medicine and become a Fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners.

    My focus is on a personalised approach, looking at the root causes of your health concerns. I enjoy helping and supporting people seeking to improve and optimize their wellbeing.

    I have a special interest in gut health, mental health, adult ADHD, Long Covid/CFS/ME recovery, burnout, holistic support for weight management, autoimmune disease, and metabolic/heart health.

    I combine the best of conventional medicine with optional advanced functional testing if needed, including DNA nutrigenomic analysis, mitochondrial testing, and gut microbiome profiling.

    These insights can help guide tailored treatment plans that prioritise sustainable lifestyle changes to improve nutrition, sleep, stress management, movement, and emotional health.

    My mission is to empower you to be able take charge of your own health, by uncovering the underlying drivers of illness, and moving towards a life of vitality, fulfilment, and joy.

    Outside of work, I enjoy travel, running, and spending time with my partner, my adult son, and my wider family and friends.

    I look forward to meeting you, and helping you on your journey to optimal health!

Dr Alannah Stockwell
About Dr Alannah

  • Dr Alannah Stockwell

    MBChB, FRNZCGP, DipOMG (Otago), AdvCert Skin Cancer Medicine & Surgery (SCCA)

    I’m a GP and Lifestyle Medicine specialist based in Nelson, New Zealand.

    I offer online video appointments NZ wide, with in-person consultations available in Nelson on request.

    I’m a Fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, with extensive postgraduate training and experience. I hold a Diploma in Obstetrics and Medical Gynaecology (Otago) and have worked in the field of sexual and reproductive health for over ten years. I’ve also completed advanced studies in nutritional and environmental medicine, clinical micronutrient training for mental health, nutrigenomics, and medicinal cannabis.

    My approach combines conventional medicine with evidence-informed strategies from integrative and lifestyle medicine. I work collaboratively with each person to explore underlying causes and support healing through personalised care that restores balance.

    I believe sustainable health comes from truly understanding the whole person. It’s not just about managing symptoms, but empowering you with the knowledge, tools, and support to thrive long term.

    I can help you with:

    Support to make sustainable lifestyle changes, along with personalised advice for managing concerns such as weight gain, fatigue, stress, poor sleep, peri and postmenopausal symptoms, gut health, inflammation, and insulin resistance. I’m passionate about helping people optimise their cardiovascular and metabolic health — to feel vibrant now, while reducing the risk of chronic conditions and staying well as they age.

    Outside of work, I’m a mum to two young children who fill my life with love and laughter. I enjoy the outdoors, travelling, sharing good food, and spending quality time with friends and family.

In health and happiness,
Dr. Marissa Kelaher & the YLM team

What can I expect at my initial appointment?

At your initial appointment, you will receive:
A detailed pre-appointment questionnaire to complete in advance of your appointment
Time and space to explore your health concerns in a safe and supportive environment
An in-depth holistic review of your symptoms, as well as your personal and health history
Comprehensive testing as needed – funded through community labs where possible
Optional of non-funded personalised/precision medicine testing (see more information below)
A highly individualised treatment plan, based on your personal goals and health priorities
Coaching, advice, and support, to help you achieve your optimal health
Up-to-date evidence-based practical tools and resources to help you create lasting change
Follow-up options to provide you with ongoing support, accountability and assistance
Investment for initial consultations: $390 NZD (additional charges may apply if you require review of previous testing/management beyond interpreting basic lab testing and reading medical specialist letters)

At your follow-up appointments, you can expect:

At your follow up appointments, you will receive:
Review and monitoring of your progress, response to treatment, and ongoing goals
Adjustments to your health plan as needed, based on what matters to YOU
Discussion and in-depth analysis of any further testing requested
Updating health goals as needed
A deeper understanding of how your nutrition and lifestyle are affecting your health, and what you can do to improve these
Accountability and support to keep you on track as you make changes
We will help you feel empowered, heard, and truly cared for, and we take the time to listen!
Investment: $359 for 60 minute follow-up; $269 for 45 minute follow-up; $179 for 30 minute follow-up
Most people benefit from at least one or two follow-up appointments, to allow time to fully explore their health, and establish a path to lasting wellbeing.

We have many patients who choose to have ongoing regular check-ins after their initial series of appointments, but can discuss what option may work best for you.

We can help you with…

woman with red hair is tired

Are you a woman in your 30s, 40s or 50s & noticing your body changing?

We also offer holistic integrative menopause & perimenopause consults


Hot flushes, night sweats, and periods changing are what we typically associate with menopause. Yet symptoms such as brain fog, mood swings, irritability , joint pains, palpitations, poor sleep and stubborn weight gain can all also be linked to hormone changes – often years before periods stop! 

Perimenopause and menopause can be times of huge transition, but they can equally be times you thrive, and enter a new vibrant phase of life.
Dr Marissa specialises in holistic in-depth menopause consultations, to help you reclaim your health and wellbeing again.
Listen to your symptoms & concerns
Explore the role nutrition & other factors may be having
Take a comprehensive look at your current health
Understand risk factors for future health issues
Simple, practical strategies, support, and coaching, with targeted supplementation if needed
Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT, also known as HRT hormone replacement therapy), if desired

Frequently asked questions