Primary Care Dietitians

WellSouth has a team of New Zealand Registered Dietitians that cover all of Otago and Southland. Dietitians complete five years of study, including an undergraduate nutrition degree and a Master of Dietetics. We are registered prescribers and provide medical nutrition therapy, offering evidence-based guidance on how nutrition affects various medical conditions. Our approach considers each person’s environment, knowledge, preferences, and socioeconomic factors.

A dietitian can help you and your whānau improve your eating habits to promote better health and wellbeing. All of our services are completely FREE and are provided by our qualified team.

Individual Appointments

Our dietitians work with people and whānau to help manage their conditions. Our sessions are interactive and focused on working with you to set goals to improve your eating.

We support people with conditions such as pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, women’s health (including PCOS, subfertility, pregnancy, and breastfeeding), and young fussy eaters without growth or nutrient deficiencies.

These can be in-person in Dunedin or Invercargill, or via telephone or video consultation, whichever suits you best. Central Otago appointments are via phone call or video call.

You need to be referred through your GP or Practice Nurse for nutrition advice. We do not accept self-referrals for individual appointments.

FAQs

What can I expect when I see the dietitian?

The initial appointment lasts up to 45 minutes and focuses on understanding your health and nutrition goals and your current eating habits. You’ll discuss your relationship with food and your body. Your nutrition-related health concerns (e.g. diabetes, high cholesterol) will also be explored. Together, you’ll look at practical changes that can support your health goals.

Note: We are dietitians who do not promote dieting or restrictive meal plans. We recognise that weight can be important to some people, and we also understand that many complex factors influence it. Our aim is to help shift the focus from weight to improving your overall health.

How many appointments will I see the Dietitian for?

We usually offer an initial appointment and up to three 30-minute follow-ups, depending on your needs. Once you’re familiar with your goals and have started making lifestyle changes, you’ll typically be discharged back to your GP team for ongoing support.

Can I bring someone with me?

Absolutely.  We encourage whānau, friends, and support people to attend especially if they have an influence on what you eat (do the shopping/cooking).

How much does an appointment cost?

Nothing. It’s absolutely FREE for you. Please let us know if you have any difficulties attending the appointment, and we may be able to help.

Where are your nutrition clinics based?

Dunedin:

WellSouth, Level 2 Cargill House, 333 Princes Street, Dunedin 9054

0800 477 155

Invercargill:

WellSouth, 40 Clyde Street, Invercargill 9810

0800 800 249

Central Otago:

WellSouth, 4/59 Russell Street, Alexandra 9320

0800 477 155

All consultations can also be done online via video call or via telephone.

If you are a health professional, please refer via ERMS (Allied health -- Dietitian referral -- Southern DHB -- WellSouth Community Dietitian Otago/Southland)

If you do not have access to ERMS, here is the form you can use.