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Meet the Team

Helping create a healthier, happier you.
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Doctors

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Dr Andrew Rawstron

I have been practising medicine since 1998. I completed my medical degree at Otago. I specialise in Generalised Rural Health. Started my life on a dairy farm on the West Coast and later we moved to Christchurch and completed my degree and worked in South Island hospitals, and general practitioner in and around Christchurch and worked in a missionary hospital in Kenya and Zambia. Worked in the UK and returned to New Zealand to lead Leeston Medical Centre. I love cycling, tramping, and travelling and am actively involved with the local church. My vision is to bring equitable health access and outcomes to all Rural areas.
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Dr Graeme Carpenter

I have been living in Leeston since 2012. For the past 4 years, I have been working full-time at LMC, where my vision and passion is about providing continuity of care, affordability, and an ongoing relationship with my patients. I believe that high-quality healthcare services should be accessible and affordable to everyone, and I strive to deliver personalized care that meets the unique needs of each patient. I am committed to building lasting relationships with my patients and helping them achieve their health goals.
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Dr Heather Peacock

I am a UK-trained doctor who moved to Christchurch in 2013 and decided to become a GP then. I worked in Leeston as a GP registrar in 2015 and came back to join the team in 2023. In my spare time, I enjoy baking and knitting and try to spend time outdoors as much as possible with my husband and daughter.
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Dr Dave Richards

Originally from the UK I worked in general practice in East Christchurch for 44 years. I moved out to Lincoln in 2023 and am enjoying working at Leeston for two days a week. I am part of a blended family with five children and eight grandchildren, all boys. I enjoy gardening, reading and am fully occupied with a large puppy.
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Registrar - Dr Sam Martin

I am the GP registrar for the first 6 months of 2024. I grew up in Christchurch, and Selwyn where I moved during my childhood before heading south to study at Otago. I have had an adventurous medical school journey spending a year each in Christchurch, Greymouth and Nelson hospitals before graduating in 2018. Moving to Invercargill where I worked for 3 years, with over half of that time in Paediatrics looking after children and babies. I moved back to Christchurch in 2022 working in Paediatrics and the NICU before deciding to come to join the General Practice Training Programme this year. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and training my very energetic young border collie Tilly.
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Nurses

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Nurse Manager- Kirsty

I have more than 20 years of nursing experience in Rural primary health care and am currently working as the Nurse Manager for Leeston Medical Centre. I have helped support various health initiatives within the community. Being a Selwyn girl and working full-time in both clinical and management, I also juggle a busy home with 4 teenage children. When not at work, I can be found in the garden or on the side-lines, cheering my kids’ latest sporting endeavours. My vision for health care is to ensure access to services in rural NZ through a better-funded focus to keep people healthy, active, and independent in their homes for longer.
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Tash

I graduated from Otago in 2015. I have had a variety of roles in both primary and inpatient care. I enjoy the variety and challenge that nursing has given me the opportunity to experience. I love to support students by sharing my passion for nursing.
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Megan

I have been a practice nurse for nearly 2 years and am loving it. I enjoy the continuity of care and working with families, as a whole. Education and prevention are passions of mine in healthcare. Early/pre-diagnosis and enabling patients to manage their own health are very important to me. I have 3 teenage children who have taught me a lot of today’s world.
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Melanie

Originally from the Philippines, I ventured on my own to New Zealand back in 2008 and have been working as a caregiver which I found rewarding and fulfilling. To broaden my skills, I decided to pursue nursing which I completed in 2023. I was offered a role at Leeston Medical Center for my NETP program. I chose primary health care as this will allow me to provide direct care to patients in a personalised and holistic manner, build strong relationships with them and provide ongoing support. Outside of work, I cherish moments with my partner and two boys, whether it’s going on adventures or simply enjoying quiet days at home.
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Casual Nurse- Helen

I've had the opportunity to work in different specialized units like urology and nephrology, but mainly in the emergency department before I started my practice nursing journey. Over at Leeston Medical Centre, I'm really happy about being part of the team that made a difference by bringing COVID vaccinations to our community. Taking some time off on a bike for a nice vacation is something I truly enjoy. It's an absolute joy to raise our three kids in the heart of the Leeston Community – there's truly nothing that makes me happier.
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Health Support Team

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Health Coach - Monique

I recently joined Leeston Medical Centre and previously worked in the community as a support worker as well as in management roles in primary school settings. My postgraduate degree in Counselling and Public Health degree helps me to be able to support people in areas of general health, nutrition, sleep hygiene, stress management and lifestyle improvements. If not working, you can find me in the garden, stretching out at yoga or relaxing watching a movie with my husband. I also enjoy making cards, painting, playing hockey or camping.
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Health Improvement Practitioner - Elise

I'm originally from the UK, but I've been living in New Zealand for 8 years. I'm a registered Social Worker with nearly 20 years of experience, mainly in Health and Wellbeing, particularly focused on Mental Health, Drugs and Alcohol. I've worked in various settings, including prisons, education, and community environments. I'm passionate about Wellbeing and holistic approaches in modern medicine.
I absolutely adore the outdoors, especially spending my days at the beach. My husband and I, along with our 7 and 4-year-old children, love exploring New Zealand's incredible natural beauty. We're always out and about, enjoying the wonders this country has to offer. 
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Health Care Assistant- Karen

I am a Leeston ‘local’ who has lived here all my life. Working as a Health Care Assistant, to support nurses is a varied and exciting role. I have been a volunteer EMT for 30 years and love helping those in our community. My husband and I have a dairy farm and if I have some spare time, I like to bake and travel.
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Receptionists

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Lead Receptionist- Darlene

I have worked as a receptionist at Leeston Medical for 10 years and have lived locally for 30 years. I enjoy the interaction with our patients, whether face-to-face or over the phone.
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Kristen

I enjoy exploring New Zealand through 4-wheel driving and camping. I have a Master’s Degree in Speech-language pathology and ran my own private practice. I speak Spanish fluently. My family and I were organic dairy farmers for over 10 years in Northern Vermont in the United States.
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Naomi

I enjoy living locally in a rural community. I like the varied role of a receptionist. I love spending time with family, travelling, reading history.
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Helen

The Selwyn district has been my home for over 17 years after spending 11 years on working and travelling overseas. I love the people and community spirit in the Leeston area. I am proud to be a part of the Medical centre team.
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Laura

Born in Australia, moved to Leeston with my young family and joined Leeston medical team in 2017. I support the team in the reception but also undertake most of the administration tasks. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking and travelling.
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Practice Manager

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Denny 

As a practice manager, my role is to ensure that our healthcare practice runs smoothly and efficiently. With over 20 years of experience working in Health care and corporate sectors, I have gained a deep understanding of the challenges and complexities that come with managing a successful practice. I am passionate about Health care and strive to help bring in the best for our community at Leeston.
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