Dr Tony Farrell
Dr.Tony Farrell has been a cornerstone of the Mount Medical Centre for 30 years, and he’s not planning on leaving anytime soon! He deeply enjoys treating patients in our local community and aims to continue for many years, though he anticipates reducing his hours in a year or two.
Patients often describe Tony as having a personable, relaxed style, and he’s dedicated to building positive, lasting relationships with everyone he treats.
Tony holds a fellowship in Addiction Medicine and brings extensive experience in mental health to his practice. Beyond the clinic, he’s a long-time advocate for evidence-based alcohol policy, having chaired Alcohol Action NZ and serving as a trustee for Hanmer Clinic (which provides abstinence-based treatment for alcohol and other drug problems). He’s also held numerous leadership roles within the Royal College of General Practitioners, the Western Bay of Plenty PHO, and various health ministry committees.
Last year, Tony’s dedication to primary care was recognized with a Distinguished Fellowship from the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners. He’s incredibly grateful for the support of his team and colleagues, who have been instrumental in his journey.
Outside of medicine, Tony is married to Donna and they have three adult children. He’s recently become ‘addicted’ to golf – a “meaningless game that must be practiced often,” as he says.
Dr Jessica Payne
NZ trained GP with post-graduate qualifications in Women’s Health and Travel Medicine. Mum of two, who enjoys raising her kids in the most beautiful part of New Zealand.
Dr James Peckett
James was born and raised in the South Auckland town of Papakura, where he attended Rosehill College and studied Medicine at the University of Auckland.
He moved to Tauranga with his wife Renee, also a GP at Mount Medical, about 15 years ago.
His medical scope is general, and interests include aviation medicine, skin cancer surgery, travel medicine and men’s health. He is a Fellow of the College of General Practitioners.
In his spare time, James enjoys spending time with his 3 children, and watching/playing a wide range of sports. You can also find him regularly out on the water jet-skiing/foiling.
Dr Jordan Thompson
M.B.Ch.B DipPaed
Jordan grew up Auckland, graduating from the University of Auckland Medical School in 2012. He made the move to Mount Maunganui the following year where he spent three years working at Tauranga Hospital before deciding to work in primary health care. Jordan has completed a post graduate diploma in Paediatrics and is working towards a Certificate in Travel Medicine. While interested in all aspects of medicine he has also taken time to travel overseas which remains a passion of his.
Jordan enjoys most outdoor activities and you may find him out mountain biking or surfing in his spare time.
Dr Natasha Disher
Kia ora, my name is Natasha Disher and I am a GP registrar at Mount Medical Centre. I was born and raised in Hamilton and then moved to Dunedin where I completed my medical degree. I worked in Dunedin hospital for 4 years before moving to Tauranga to start my GP training.
I have a broad interest in many aspects of medicine but looking more towards Māori and Pacific health at this stage.
My interests outside of work include reading, hiking, and spending time with those important to me. I look forward to meeting and getting to know more of you.
Dr Renee Peckett
Renee graduated medicine from the University of Auckland. After her further years of work and training in Auckland and Tauranga, she is pleased to join us at Mount Medical Centre as a Consultant GP. She has broad interests in primary care, from child health to older age care. She also has a growing interest in women’s health.
When not at work, Renee’s time is filled with raising her three children with her husband James.
Dr Lara Cubison
Lara grew up in England and graduated from the University of Leeds in 2011. She moved to New Zealand in 2013, where she completed her GP training, with a special interest in Palliative Medicine. She has also completed certificates in Skin Cancer Medicine and Dermoscopy through the Australasian Skin Cancer College.
Since completing her training, Lara has worked in Auckland and the UK before returning to settle in Mount Maunganui. She enjoys the relaxed lifestyle of the Mount and, in her spare time, can be found out running or spending time with her young children.
Dr Roddy MacVicar
Kia ora! I was born and raised in the Highlands of Scotland and completed my medical degree in Glasgow, where I also earned a Bachelor of Clinical Medicine with a special interest in sports medicine. After spending several years working in England, I moved to Mount Maunganui in 2021 and have since worked at Tauranga Hospital and Accident & Healthcare before joining Mount Medical Centre. I have a strong interest in preventative medicine and enjoy supporting people to maintain their long-term health and wellbeing.
Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors and making the most of everything the Bay of Plenty has to offer. You’ll often find me freediving and spearfishing (with varying success), or planning my next travel adventure. When I’m winding down, I enjoy reading and playing the guitar.
Dr Wai Tze Cheng
Kia ora,
My name is Wai Tze and I trained and qualified as a doctor in 2007 at Imperial college London.
In addition to being a qualified GP, I worked as a menopause specialist in a London hospital for 5 years. I also have a Diploma in Child Health.
I am very happy to be joining the team at Mount Medical Centre and being in the beautiful Mount. Outside of work I love to travel, going for beach walks and playing badminton.
Practice Manager – Rowena Taki
With over a decade of experience in healthcare and management, I have a strong background in both dental and primary care. After a year in urgent care, I returned to primary care, where my passion for patient care and leadership continues to thrive.
Outside of work, I enjoy the outdoors, staying active in sports, and cherishing time with my whānau.
Administration – Dorothy Crane
Nurse Team Leads – Tracy Snow and Leone Wiggens
Nurses – Ruth Stringer, Natasha Harris, Rachel Miller, Kathryn Sharples and Karen Laidlaw
Receptionists – Karen Moorby, Anna Phillips, Tayla Natkze, Renee Miller, Sarah Rizzi, Leanne Nightingale and Katarina Munro
Healthcare Assistant – Monique Kotze
Health Improvement Practitioner – Charmaine McGillan
Health Coach – Annie Skivington
