Kirsty Hayr

Primary Care Dietitian

Invercargill

I’m a dietitian based in the Southland region, with experience working in London in multiple paediatric roles across community and specialist schools, as well as in primary care and in a rural hospital here in New Zealand. I have worked with both adults and children, supporting a wide range of nutritional needs.

 I take a compassionate, non-judgemental approach and support people to build a positive relationship with food. I understand that food is closely tied to culture, traditions, and connection, and I aim to provide care that respects this.

Natalie Ashton

Primary Care Dietitian

Dunedin

I am a Dunedin-based dietitian serving the wider Otago region, dedicated to supporting individuals and whānau to improve their health through evidence-based nutrition. My background includes working as a research dietitian with a strong focus on diabetes remission and sustainable weight management.

Within this role, I have broadened my expertise across a wide range of health conditions. I have a particular interest in women’s health, especially optimising fertility, supporting healthy pregnancies, and ensuring mums-to-be feel confident and nourished throughout their journey.  

Esme Gray McCoy

Primary Care Dietitian

Dunedin

I’m one of the dietitians based in the Dunedin office, supporting clients across Dunedin and North Otago. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Otago and went on to earn a Master of Dietetics from the University of Auckland.

 I have experience working with both children and adults, supporting a wide range of medical conditions. I became a dietitian because I’m passionate about helping people and find it incredibly rewarding to support individuals in improving their health through sustainable lifestyle changes.

My approach is grounded in the Health at Every Size (HAES) philosophy, with a strong focus on the quality of the diet rather than weight alone. I aim to provide personalised nutrition advice that fits each individual’s needs, goals, and lifestyle.

Mirriam Mackay - Long-Term Conditions Administrator Invercargill

Invercargill

Originally from Hawkes Bay I moved to Invercargill 12 years ago.  My background is School Dental Therapy working with children and, also as an orthodontic auxiliary working with both adults and teenagers.

I am now the coordinator for the WellSouth Take Control of Your Diabetes program for Type 2 diabetics and the Walking Away program for pre diabetics.  These programs are offered to patients in our large Southland/Otago area from Oamaru to Bluff.

I am passionate about communicating well to patients to make them feel comfortable and valued, that their health matters and that we together as a team can make a difference in their overall health.  With vastly different cultures and backgrounds I find this incredibly rewarding that with a simple phone call they feel welcome to attend.

My other role at WellSouth is an administrator for the HPV school based vaccination program. I travel with the nurses to the larger schools in the Southland district and assist them with management of the children.