This month, we caught up with a group of healthcare and wellness professionals from Auckland’s North Shore to learn more about their careers, how they recharge outside work, and what makes the Shore such a special place to live and work.
Richard Martin, Skinscape 360
Associate Professor Richard Martin is a New Zealand-trained surgeon who spent several years practising in Australia before returning home to work at North Shore Hospital. His subspecialty is surgical oncology, with a particular focus on melanoma and advanced skin cancer treatment. Richard practises at Skinscape 360 in Takapuna, which provides a range of care from routine checks to surgery and treatments.
Channel Mag: What inspired you to work in health, and what still motivates you every day?
Richard Martin: My father was a scientist, so I grew up loving biology and chemistry. I applied to Otago Medical School in 1989 and was fortunate to get in. I genuinely love what I do; every case is different, so no two days are ever the same. The constant challenge and opportunity to help people continues to motivate me every day.
What’s a common myth or misunderstanding about your area of expertise?
People often assume surgeons are exceptionally smart! While knowledge is important, the real skill in surgery comes from judgement, insight, experience, and knowing when to act, or when not to.
How do you balance the demands of your profession with life outside work?
I work hard, but I also make time to relax with family and friends. We love travelling and exposing our children to different places, cultures, and experiences around the world.
What do you most enjoy about living and working on the North Shore?
We actually live in Herne Bay, as close to the Shore as possible! I love working on the North Shore because it has a more relaxed vibe. Our private rooms are in central Takapuna, near the beach and shops, so there’s always somewhere new to explore. I try to have lunch somewhere different every day.
When you’re not at work, where’s your favourite local spot for unwinding?
Definitely our home sanctuary, especially my Star Wars media room, which is filled with Star Wars toys and memorabilia collected over many years.
Phillipa Green, Canopy Cancer Care
Phillipa Green is the general manager of Canopy Cancer Care, where she leads a team delivering specialist oncology and haematology services across eight clinics throughout the North Island. Previously, Phillipa was CEO of Breast Cancer Cure, so for many years now her work has centred on helping ensure patients have the very best chance of a positive outcome. She says she feels deeply connected to her role both professionally and personally.
Channel Mag: What inspired you to work in health, and what still motivates you every day?
Phillipa Green: What first drew me to healthcare was the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. In cancer care, especially, you quickly see just how important timely access, expertise and genuine compassion are. Those things can make an enormous difference to someone’s experience at a very vulnerable time. What continues to motivate me every day is knowing that the work we do helps patients and their families navigate one of life’s toughest challenges. When we’re able to provide world-class treatment closer to home, along with personalised care and support, it can ease not only the clinical burden, but the emotional one too for patients, caregivers and whānau.
What’s a common myth or misunderstanding about your area of expertise?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that cancer care is only about the treatment itself. In reality, it’s much more than that. The best care comes from a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach, with clinicians, nurses, pharmacists and allied health professionals all working together to support a patient’s physical health, as well as their emotional and nutritional wellbeing, right through their journey. At Canopy, we put a real focus on creating an integrated model of care, because when things are seamless and well-connected, it helps minimise delays and makes the whole experience easier for patients and their families.
How do you balance the demands of your profession with life outside work?
The role is definitely demanding at times, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I’ve learned how important it is to make space outside work to recharge and reset. For me, that usually means getting outdoors and training in the evenings or on the weekends with a great group of masters athletes, which is a wonderful way to stay grounded.
What do you most enjoy about living and working on the North Shore?
The North Shore has such a great balance to it. It’s easy to step away from a busy day and recharge, whether that’s a walk by the water or running outdoors. It really is a special place to live and work, and being close to family and friends makes it even better.
When you’re not at work, where's your favourite local spot for unwinding?
Takapuna would probably be top of the list. It’s such an easy place to unwind, with fresh air, a walk along the beach, and plenty of great local cafés, bars and restaurants nearby. Kinship is probably my fav! I also love running competitively, so we’re incredibly lucky on the Shore to have both indoor and outdoor facilities at AUT Millennium. It’s hard to beat having all that so close to home.
Gemma Neuendorf, Northspan Wellbeing
Gemma Neuendorf is the clinical manager at Northspan Wellbeing, providing professional and compassionate counselling support. She has a teaching background prior to training in counselling, which has added a lot of value to her work with families in the counselling arena. Gemma engages well with a wide range of people facing equally diverse challenges.
Channel Mag: What inspired you to work in health, and what still motivates you every day?
Gemma Neuendorf: I have always been one for wanting to be there for others, help and support where I can and most importantly, help support them to discover the positive change that they can create or encounter. Being brought up with people close to me who have struggled with mental health has always made me even more curious about the neuroscience behind how and why this happens to the human mind and body, our thoughts, behaviours and reactions. Going through my own challenges too, with postnatal depression, that curiosity of wanting to learn and understand this even more really drew me towards wanting to get into this industry – the counselling field. When I started my university studies, I was drawn to working with a wide range of people in the health sector because it sits at the intersection of people, purpose, and impact. Knowing that our work, often behind the scenes, supports people at their most vulnerable and enables teams to deliver the best possible care every day is what drives me.
What’s a common myth or misunderstanding about your area of expertise?
A common misconception is that being a clinical manager is mainly focused on administrative tasks. The reality is that my role is deeply people-focused. It’s about enabling my counsellors to do their best work, navigate complex systems, and balance quality, safety and sustainability, all while keeping the client experience at the centre. Networking with the wider community is an important part of my role, helping me connect with other services and collaborate to provide the best care for our clients. I’m also fortunate to both manage a team of counsellors and work directly with my own clients. One area I love working in with clients is supporting them to take control of their own story and focus less on what isn’t in their control. This can be challenging when people come to counselling feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or hoping someone else will ‘fix’ the situation. There’s also a common myth that counsellors try to change clients. In reality, counselling is a collaborative process: clients set the goals/steps moving forward, build insight and skills, and practise making changes at their own pace, with support and guidance along the way.
How do you balance the demands of your profession with life outside work?
Balance is an ongoing practice rather than a fixed state. I try to be very intentional about boundaries, prioritisation and being present, both at work and at home. Having a supportive team, trusting others, and making time to recharge are essential to sustaining energy and perspective.
What do you most enjoy about living and working on the North Shore?
The North Shore offers a unique blend of community, accessibility, and natural beauty. I value the strong sense of connection both professionally and personally, and the way people genuinely look out for one another. It’s a place where collaboration feels natural, and relationships really matter.
When you’re not at work, where’s your favourite local spot for unwinding?
Anywhere near the water. A walk along the coastline or time spent outdoors on the Shore is my go-to way to reset; it's grounding, energising, and a great reminder of why this community is such a special place to live and work. Another favourite spot I like to unwind is coffee in hand, cheering on my sons from the sideline at their Saturday high school rugby matches. It’s energising and a great way to start my day off.
Teresa Burns and Anne Toth, Teresa Burns Hearing
Teresa Burns and Anne Toth are doctors of audiology at the Apollo Drive practice, Teresa Burns Hearing. Both originally from the United States, they met about 20 years ago, after moving to New Zealand for work, and both say they never imagined staying, but quickly fell in love with the lifestyle and the sense of home they found here. Both have built their separate lives in New Zealand, getting married and raising their families of very proud Kiwi passport holders! Teresa and Anne first connected through their work with hearing aid manufacturers, and from the very beginning, they were both drawn to the technology and the real difference it can make in people’s lives. Anne also wears hearing aids herself, which gives her a personal understanding that helps her connect with people in a genuine and compassionate way as they navigate their own hearing journey.
Channel Mag: What inspired you to work in health, and what still motivates you every day?
Anne Toth: My path into audiology is deeply personal, as both my child and I wear hearing aids. That means I understand not only the challenges, but also the quiet, meaningful moments that come when hearing becomes easier again. What continues to motivate me is helping people realise that hearing aids are not a limitation, but a way to stay connected to the people, activities, and moments they love most. Whether I’m helping a parent hear their child more clearly or supporting a musician to keep doing what they love, it’s incredibly special to see someone reconnect with everyday life.
Teresa Burns: I’ve always been drawn to work where I can help people in a practical but meaningful way. The most rewarding part is hearing that something I’ve done has genuinely improved a person’s everyday life. Not long ago, a gentleman who had worn hearing aids for more than 40 years left me a voicemail to say that after I adjusted his devices, it was the best he had heard in two to three years. Moments like that stay with you, and they’re a lovely reminder of why this work matters so much to me.
What’s a common myth or misunderstanding about your area of expertise?
Anne: One of the biggest misconceptions is that hearing aids are only for older people or that they are large and obvious to wear. In reality, hearing loss can affect people of all ages, from young children through to older adults. Today’s hearing aids are discreet, sophisticated, and often connect seamlessly with phones and other devices, so they can fit naturally into everyday life while making a real difference. I think struggling with a hearing loss is more noticeable than a hearing aid.
Teresa: I completely agree. Another common misunderstanding is that all hearing clinics offer much the same service. As an independent provider, we’re able to work with a wide range of brands and solutions, which means we can take the time to find what truly suits each person’s hearing needs, lifestyle and preferences. For us, it’s always about the individual and what will help them most.
How do you balance the demands of your profession with life outside work?
Anne: For me, balance comes from creative and mindful hobbies like Zentangle, art and music. After a busy day in the clinic, those quieter moments help me slow down, clear my mind and recharge. Having that time to reset means I can come back to work feeling more present, more focused, and ready to give my patients my best.
Teresa: Running a private clinic for more than a decade has taught me that this work is definitely a marathon, not a sprint. I find balance by enjoying everything Auckland has to offer, whether that’s getting out on local trails with my family or spending time on the water with the Taniwha Outrigger Canoe Club. Looking after myself outside work helps me show up with more energy and perspective, and I’ve really come to appreciate the Kiwi work-to-live way of life.
What do you most enjoy about living and working on the North Shore?
Anne: I love the North Shore’s mix of professionalism, creativity and natural beauty. It’s the kind of place where I could spend the day in a clinical setting and then enjoy local galleries, live music, or a quiet walk on the beach. There’s a lovely sense of community here, and that combination of art, nature and connection makes it a really special place to live and work.
Teresa: The North Shore has a real village feel while still offering all the advantages of being part of a larger city. I love that I can run a high-quality business and still be only minutes from some of New Zealand’s beautiful beaches. After 26 years here, I feel deeply connected to the community, and I genuinely enjoy seeing clients out and about and having a friendly catch-up.
Dr Peter Rucastle, Sunset Dental Care
Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Dr Peter Rucastle has been in New Zealand for ten years, living on the North Shore. He has worked on the Shore at various practices before taking over Sunset Dental Care from Jonathan Franks five years ago.
Channel Mag: What inspired you to work in health, and what still motivates you every day?
Peter Rucastle: I enjoy making a difference in people's lives by improving their smiles, which increases their confidence. This motivates me each day.
What’s a common myth or misunderstanding about your area of expertise?
I think it’s a misunderstanding that dentistry is a painful experience. At Sunset Dental Care, we offer pain-free dentistry with modern technology and at very affordable rates.
How do you balance the demands of your profession with life outside work?
I balance the demands of the profession by participating in triathlons and marathons, as well as being a long-term member of the AUT Millennium gym.
What do you most enjoy about living and working on the North Shore?
The beaches, diverse and friendly people and community. Everything is on our doorstep.
When you’re not at work, where's your favourite local spot for unwinding?
I like running the Orewa estuary, eating at Al Forno at Takapuna, and chilling out at Speaker's Corner in Browns Bay.
