Health made simple

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).

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!

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.