GP Central

02/05/2026

🌿 GP Central in the Community – Ōwairaka parkrun 💙

From a recent weekend in April, it was fantastic to see such a strong turnout from our GP Central community at Ōwairaka parkrun.

It’s always encouraging to see patients and staff coming together to stay active, connect, and support each other’s wellbeing — this is what community health is all about.

A big thank you to everyone who took part and contributed to making it such a great morning, including those who volunteered behind the scenes (and a few who missed the photo!).

We look forward to seeing even more familiar faces at future events.

Todays run report written by Warren Mackie (Thank you) is here aptly titled" The weekly check- up" - it's a great read. Sit back relax and enjoy!
https://www.parkrun.co.nz/owairaka/news/

25/03/2026

💉 Flu vaccinations are now available at GP Central

❄️ Winter is coming, and now is a great time to protect yourself and your whānau by booking your flu vaccine.

We recommend that everyone aged 6 months and over has a flu vaccination each year. Influenza is more than just a bad cold — it can cause serious illness and hospitalisation, even in otherwise healthy people. Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself and help reduce the spread of flu in our community.

✅ Funded flu vaccines are available for eligible patients, including:
• Everyone aged 65 years and over
• People aged 6 months and over with long-term medical conditions
• People who are pregnant
• People with certain mental health conditions or addiction issues
• Tamariki aged 4 years and under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness

📍 Bookings are now open at both GP Central Stoddard and GP Central Dominion.

📅 To book your flu vaccine:
• Use our patient portal: patientportal.myindici.co.nz/login
• Call our reception team on 09 621 0387
• Or speak with us at your next appointment

🤝 Let’s prepare for winter together and keep our community well.

GP Central

19/03/2026

GP Central is now a parkrun practice!

We’re pleased to support parkrun — a free, weekly 5 km community event for people of all ages and abilities.

Our local event is Owairaka parkrun, held every Saturday at 8:00 am at Owairaka Park.

Whether you prefer to walk, jog, run, volunteer or simply cheer others on, parkrun is a great way to get moving and connect with the community.

We’d love to encourage our patients, whānau and wider community to give it a go.

More information: parkrun.co.nz/owairaka

24/02/2026

👋 Welcome to GP Central – Dr Ry Tweedie-Cullen

We’re pleased to introduce Dr Ry Tweedie-Cullen, our newest GP Registrar joining the GP Central team.

Ry grew up locally in Devonport and Freemans Bay. Before entering medicine, he completed Masters research in Heidelberg, Germany, followed by a PhD in Zürich, Switzerland, and postdoctoral research in Boston. He later returned home to complete his medical degree at the University of Auckland and has since worked across the Auckland region in medical, surgical, and psychiatric specialties.

Alongside clinical work, Ry remains actively involved in research as a Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Auckland, contributing to clinical trials in diabetes and research into the gut microbiome. He also holds a Certificate in Travel Medicine from the University of Otago.

🗓 Clinic Days
Monday – Stoddard Road
Tuesday – Dominion Road
Friday – Stoddard Road

Outside of medicine, Ry is a potter and ceramic artist — often found at the wheel — and also enjoys photography, travel, and visual arts.

Please join us in welcoming Dr Tweedie-Cullen to GP Central 💙

21/02/2026

👋 Welcome to GP Central – Dr David Henry

We’re pleased to introduce Dr David Henry, our new GP Registrar joining the team.

Dr Henry grew up locally in Mt Albert and attended Avondale College before completing his medical degree at the University of Auckland. His training included placements in Waikato, the Bay of Plenty, and Middlemore Hospital, followed by three years working as a House Officer across Auckland’s major hospitals — including time in the Emergency Department.

David has always been passionate about becoming a GP and enjoys creating a comfortable environment where patients feel heard and supported while working together towards the best possible outcome.

🗓 Clinic Days
Monday – Dominion Road
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday – Stoddard Road

Outside of medicine, David enjoys sports such as football, touch rugby, indoor netball, and is currently working on improving his golf!

Please join us in welcoming Dr Henry to the GP Central team 💙

21/02/2026

👋 GP Central is Growing – Welcome Dr James Moody

We’re excited to welcome Dr James Moody, a GP Fellow, to the GP Central team in early 2026 as our practice continues to grow to better support our community.

James was born and raised in Auckland and graduated from the University of Auckland Medical School. He spent several years working as a medical registrar across hospitals in the Bay of Plenty and Auckland before settling into General Practice. Prior to joining GP Central, James worked for four years as a GP in Manurewa.

James enjoys taking the time to get to know his patients and their families and hopes to build lasting relationships while supporting them in their long-term health.

Outside of work, he keeps active through running and social sports such as football and tennis, and enjoys spending time with his (soon-to-be) wife, friends and family.

Please join us in welcoming Dr Moody to GP Central 💙

03/02/2026

📢 Changes to Prescription Lengths – from February 2026

From February 2026, new regulations mean GPs in New Zealand can prescribe some medicines for up to 12 months.

However, it’s important to know that longer prescriptions are not suitable for everyone.

🔍 What this means for patients:

12-month prescriptions will only be appropriate for a small number of people

Many medications still require regular review, monitoring, or blood tests

Some medicines (including controlled drugs) cannot be prescribed for 12 months

🩺 Prescription length will always depend on:

Your medical condition

The medication you are taking

How stable your treatment is

What is safest and best practice for your care

Even if you meet general criteria, the final decision rests with your GP’s clinical judgement, made with your health and safety in mind.

📅 What to do next
At your next appointment, please discuss with your GP what prescription length is most appropriate for you.

Thank you for your understanding and for working with us to ensure safe, high-quality care.

— GP Central

03/02/2026

🌿 Waitangi Day – Clinic Closure Notice 🌿

In recognition of Waitangi Day, both GP Central clinics will be closed:

📅 Friday 6 February 2026
📍 Stoddard Road & Dominion Road

🗓 Saturday Clinic
❌ Closed on Saturday 7 February 2026

✅ Both clinics reopen on Monday 9 February 2026

If you need urgent medical advice while we are closed, please contact Healthline on 0800 611 116, or attend your nearest urgent care clinic.

We acknowledge Waitangi Day as an important time to reflect on Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our shared commitment to care, equity, and community wellbeing.

Ngā mihi,
GP Central

03/02/2026

🌿 GP Central Walking Groups – Building Health Together 🌿

Our GP Central walking groups are going strong, and it’s been wonderful to see patients connecting, moving, and supporting each other in such a positive way.

🕘 When we walk:

Mondays: 10:00 – 11:00

Tuesdays: 9:30 – 10:30 (photo from our Tuesday group)

These groups are about gentle movement, wellbeing, and community — all at a pace that’s welcoming and inclusive.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us today and kindly consented to us sharing this moment. 💙
If you’re interested in joining a future walk, please speak with our team.

22/01/2026

📌 Auckland Anniversary Day – Practice Closed

Please note that GP Central (Stoddard Road & Dominion Road) will be closed on Monday, 26 January 2026 for Auckland Anniversary Day.

🔔 What to do if you need care while we’re closed:
• For urgent medical issues, please visit your nearest urgent care clinic or emergency department
• You can also call Healthline on 0800 611 116 to speak with a registered nurse 24/7
• In an emergency, dial 111

We will reopen as usual on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.

Thank you for your understanding, and we hope you enjoy the long weekend.

Your GP Central Team 💙

16/01/2026

📣 Welcome Brighde – Our New Health Improvement Practitioner

We’re delighted to welcome Brighde, our new Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP), to the GP Central team 💙

Brighde is a qualified and experienced mental health professional who works with people of all ages to support emotional wellbeing and positive behaviour change.

🧠 How Brighde can help
She offers brief, focused sessions (20–30 minutes) to help when you’re feeling:

Stressed or overwhelmed

Anxious or low in mood

Struggling with work or relationship stress

Having trouble with sleep, parenting, or substance use

Going through change, loss, or feeling “stuck”

Sessions are practical and supportive, focusing on strategies and tools you can use straight away. If more support is needed, she can help with referrals to counselling services.

💰 All appointments are FREE

📅 Availability

Monday–Thursday: 8:30am – 5:30pm

Friday: 8:30am – 3:00pm

📞 How to book
You can be referred by your GP, book through reception, or book online. Often, Brighde can see patients on the same day as a GP appointment.

We’re excited to have Brighde on board and look forward to the positive impact she’ll have for our patients and community 🌱