World Health Day, celebrated globally on April 7, serves as a reminder of the importance of wellbeing and self-care. Good health is the foundation of a fulfilling life, and prioritising both physical and mental wellness is one of the most valuable investments for the future. The businesses featured in the following pages are committed to supporting health and wellness, offering products and services that promote a balanced and healthier lifestyle.
Holistic, patient-centred care for total wellbeing
Based in Māpua, Te Ora Integrative Health provides high-quality integrative medicine in a relaxed and friendly space. “Our philosophy of healthcare focuses on individual patient needs and combines the best of western medicine with high-quality, evidence-based complementary practices,” says director Tim Ewer. “Integrative medicine takes into account the physical, psychological, social and spiritual wellbeing of the person, using the most appropriate, effective and safe treatments for a wide range of chronic and complex conditions. We have specialised equipment, including a hyperbaric oxygen chamber and therapeutic lasers.”
The team consists of three highly experienced doctors, Tim Ewer, Clare Halford and Liam Richardson, along with two skilled nurses, Jac Simpson and Lesley Swailes, counsellor Julia Ewer, Chinese medicine acupuncturist Andrew Perzigian, and office manager, Sharon Webb.
Preserving vision and transforming lives
At Nelson Eye Surgeons, on Collingwood Street, a dedicated team of visionaries is safeguarding sight and restoring clarity to the people of the Top of the South. At the helm are consultant ophthalmologists and ophthalmic surgeons Dr. Antony Suter and Dr. Rob Jones, whose expertise spans a wide spectrum of eye conditions, from cataracts to glaucoma, retinal disease and eyelid disorders.
Dr. Antony Suter brings decades of experience honed across international borders. Having undergone rigorous training in New Zealand and the UK, his proficiency in cataract, glaucoma, and general ophthalmology is matched only by his commitment to excellence in eye care. Since 2006, Dr. Suter has been a cornerstone of both public and private practice in Nelson, earning accolades for his compassionate approach and surgical precision.
Joining him is Dr. Rob Jones, a seasoned cataract and eyelid surgeon. Trained in Wales, New Zealand and Australia, Dr. Jones specialises in micro-incision cataract surgery and eyelid procedures. His tenure in England, mastering complex cataract surgeries and techniques in eyelid reconstruction underscores his unwavering dedication to ophthalmic care.
Complementing their surgical prowess is nurse practitioner Fiona Suter. With an eye nursing career commencing in Moorfields Eye Hospital in 1993. Fiona’s expertise in glaucoma and macular degeneration care is unmatched. As one of New Zealand’s few nurses offering laser eye surgery, her contributions to the field extend far beyond treating patients in clinic. Fiona’s advocacy for nursing standards and patient-centric care is instrumental in shaping the future of ophthalmology in New Zealand.
Together, the friendly and professional team of highly qualified surgeons, nurses, ophthalmic technicians and orthoptists form the backbone of Nelson’s premier eye care facility. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for preserving vision, the specialists provide independent surgical and medical eye care to the top of the South Island including Nelson, Richmond, Motueka, Golden Bay, Marlborough and the West Coast.
Nelson Eye Surgeons | 03 545 7900 | 132 Collingwood Street, Nelson
eyenz.com
Breaking the cycle: How weight loss surgery can change lives
For many, the struggle with weight is an ongoing battle, one that diet and exercise alone often fail to resolve. For those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 35, sustainable weight loss can feel impossible.
But for those who take the step toward weight loss surgery, a new path opens – one filled with challenges, commitment, and transformation. Dr. Mark Stewart, owner of Nelson Weight Loss Surgery, has witnessed countless patients undergo this lifechanging procedure. He understands that surgery is not a decision taken lightly. It requires physical readiness, psychological resilience, and a willingness to embrace a new lifestyle. For some, existing health conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, make the need for intervention even more pressing.
“In recent years, medications designed to assist with weight loss have shown promise,” says Dr. Stewart. “They provide an option for those hesitant about surgery. But their effects often diminish, and once discontinued, weight regain is common. For those who have exhausted other options, surgery remains the most effective tool for achieving and maintaining substantial weight loss.” Obesity is a chronic condition with no definitive cure, but weight loss surgery provides a means to manage it.
“Procedures such as gastric sleeves and bypasses work by suppressing appetite, allowing patients to lose 70-80% of their excess weight in the first two years. However, success is not guaranteed by surgery alone. Patients must take advantage of this period to build healthy eating habits, following structured meal plans and working closely with dietitians.”
As appetite returns, some weight regain is expected. But the surgery continues to help by physically limiting portion sizes. “The long-term results are remarkable: patients maintain an average of 50% excess weight loss even 10 to 20 years post-surgery. A person who starts at 120kg can expect to reach 80-85kg within two years and stabilize around 95kg in the long term. These results not only transform appearances but also dramatically improve overall health and well-being.”
Choosing the right procedure is a deeply personal decision, guided by individual health needs and lifestyle. “Some patients require gastric bypass surgery, especially those with diabetes or severe acid reflux. Others opt for sleeve gastrectomy, a popular choice due to its lower risk of long-term complications. There are different forms of gastric bypass, including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and Mini gastric bypass, which suit specific patient profiles.”
Dr. Stewart and his team provide expert guidance and support, ensuring patients choose a weight management journey that aligns best with their goals and medical requirements. “Weight loss surgery is not a quick fix – it is a tool that helps people travel towards a healthier way of living.” For those considering the next step, seeking specialist advice is key to making an informed, empowered choice.
Nelson Weight Loss Surgery | 03 544 8818 | 355 Lower Queen Street, Richmond
nelsonweightlosssurgery.co.nz
Empower yourself with Liz van Beek
Navigating menopause can be overwhelming, but Liz van Beek of Nature’s Effusion is dedicated to guiding women through this life stage with a holistic, empowering approach. Rather than simply treating symptoms, Liz encourages women to embrace their changing bodies and take control of their health.
With years of study and personal experience, Liz has developed customised wellness plans that blend natural remedies, lifestyle adjustments, and mindful movement. She believes menopause is not something to "fix" but an opportunity for self-discovery and balance. Exercise, nutrition, and mental wellbeing are key pillars of her philosophy, helping women find strength and stability during this transition.
Through Nature’s Effusion, Liz fosters a supportive community where women can share experiences, ask questions, and regain confidence in their bodies and health.
Supporting the body’s natural healing processes
At Beacon PBM Light Therapy, owner Kate Burton explains that they use a state-of-the-art full-body light pod to help clients achieve better health and well-being through the power of Photobiomodulation (PBM) Light Therapy. “We established the clinic to offer safe and affordable, non-invasive treatments that support pain relief, injury recovery, and overall cellular health.
PBM therapy uses red and near-infrared light to stimulate healing at a deep level, reducing inflammation, improving circulation and enhancing energy levels.”
Whether you’re managing chronic pain, recovering from an injury or illness, or would like to improve your skin’s health to help you look your best, regular 20min Beacon PBM Light Therapy sessions provide a natural, scientifically-backed solution, making it easier to prioritise your health and wellbeing.
Prioritise your skin health
If you’ve been putting off a skin check or have concerns about a suspicious spot, now is the perfect time to take action. Nelson Skin Doctors, a specialised skin cancer clinic at 57 Collingwood St, is dedicated to the prevention, early detection, and treatment of skin cancers.
Led by Dr Katie Maver and Dr Arwen Mohr, both highly trained in dermoscopy and skin cancer medicine, the clinic offers expert care in a welcoming, non-judgmental space. Services include comprehensive skin checks, expert diagnosis, and surgical treatment of skin cancers. With New Zealand having some of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, early detection is vital. No referral is needed, and online booking is available.
Bodywise Herbal Dispensary
Located in Montgomery Square, Bodywise Herbal Dispensary is your go-to for natural health and wellness. They offer personalised over-the-counter natural remedies for acute and chronic relief of many conditions and their herbal remedies are formulated especially for you in their Herbal Dispensary. Explore a wide range of practitioner-standard nutritional supplements, organic skincare, makeup, and body care products alongside their range of general health products. Their team of qualified naturopaths and medical herbalists provides supportive and caring guidance for mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
With personalised mini consultations, Bodywise can help you find the best natural remedies or refer you to trusted practitioners in Nelson for further care. Visit them at 117G Hardy Street or contact info@bodywisenaturalhealth.co.nz to start your journey to holistic health.
Hear, every time
Born with hearing loss, local audiologist Ed Thynne understands firsthand the personal impact this can have on someone’s life. Having worn hearing aids since the age of five, Ed says his clients often find comfort in dealing with a professional who holds a deep understanding of how life-changing the right technology can be.
An audiologist for over ten years, Ed attended Otago University where he studied human physiology and completed his Master of Audiology at Auckland University before working in private practice. He has held management positions in large national practices across the top of the South Island and opened his own business, Ed Thynne Hearing two years ago operating from his clinic in Motueka with visiting clinics held in Richmond and Wakefield.
Helping clients to find the best solution for them and their budget, Ed says, “Hearing is such a central part of our lives and relationships with others. It might sound cliché, but helping people with their hearing and seeing wonderful changes in them is what drives my passion for what I do. Being able to work with someone to improve their hearing is a such a buzz. When someone comes in for a check-up appointment after getting hearing aids and describes all the sounds they are hearing again, and being able to hear conversations without straining, it’s amazing. I think of myself as an experienced guide, showing the way to better hearing.”
Ed Thynne Hearing is about more than providing new hearing aids, Ed also provides a comprehensive hearing aid optimisation service for hearing aids purchased elsewhere. He will take a look at a client’s hearing aids to make sure they are set correctly and undertake an in-clinic service and clean. “This is essentially a ‘second opinion’ service”. He also takes the time to explain things well and not rush through the appointment. “If required, I can arrange for the devices to be repaired offsite and I can also access any existing ACC, Veterans’ Affairs or MoH funding or help with new claims.”
Bringing a personalised level of care to the community, Ed has already helped a tremendous number of people in the region and looks forward to assisting many more. “I think that people really do appreciate someone taking a genuine interest in them and their hearing. Being able to do this helps, and people love being able to support a locally owned audiologist rather than a big multinational company. I’m really pleased that I am now getting a lot of word-of-mouth referrals from happy clients who have come through. They are telling their friends and ‘word’s getting round’. Hearing from someone they know and trust that they’ve had good service is always the best type of advertising, and I genuinely appreciate that.”
Ed Thynne Hearing | 03 526 8221 | 171a High Street, Motueka
Visiting clinics to Richmond and Wakefield
edthynnehearing.co.nz
