Meet The Primary Care Dietitians Team
WellSouth has a team of New Zealand Registered Dietitians that cover all of Otago and Southland.
Branko Cvjetan
Team Leader - Dietetics, Long Term Conditions and HPV
Dunedin
Originally from Dunedin I returned home in 2023 after 20 years away. I’m privileged to lead both the Dietitian and Long Term Condition teams here at WellSouth. I hold a bachelor’s degree in human nutrition, a postgraduate diploma in Dietetics from the University of Otago and master's in public health from the University of Auckland. I’ve worked in health for over 25 years in hospitals, community and non-governmental organisations.
I’m passionate about men's health, reducing inequity and keeping health advice straightforward and practical. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family and taking part in local running events—usually somewhere near the back of the field.
Arlene Delgado
Clinical Services Administrator
I joined WellSouth in 2023 as a Clinical Services Administrator, bringing with me a strong background in administrative operations and team support. Before that, I was the Administrator at South Port, where I gained valuable experience managing complex workflows, coordinating across departments, and ensuring everything operated efficiently.
I really enjoy working behind the scenes to help everything come together—whether it's organising processes, supporting clinical teams, or simply making sure the day flows as it should. I'm passionate about working in roles that make a positive difference and love being part of a team that supports the health and wellbeing of our community.
Alice Nettleton
Primary Care Dietitian
Dunedin
Since completing a Master of Dietetics from the University of Otago, I have spent several years gaining experience and knowledge in multiple work and healthcare settings. My previous roles have provided me with valuable experience in research, private practice, rural hospitals, and secondary care settings. Primary care dietetics has seen me work across Southland, Otago and more recently the United Kingdom where I completed further postgraduate studies in this area. I enjoy providing practical nutrition support to people of all ages and have a passion for preventative care.
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.