Dr. Neki Patel
Book Neki
Trained at the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic. Neki is one of only five chiropractors in New Zealand with ICCSP internationally certified chiropractic sports practitioner. Neki has worked with building a well rounded family orientated clinic. Neki uses chiropractic techniques not only to fix backs, but also to help improve patient’s range of movement and their levels of comfort with all joint and soft tissue injuries. He has worked on various high profile rugby players, worked with the Australasian PGA since 1998. He was the chiropractor for the New Zealand Commonwealth Games team to Manchester. He has treated various international ski teams and ice hockey teams. His main aim is the integration of treatment for the patient’s best possible benefit.
Cole Mackie
Book Cole
Cole Mackie is excited to return to Otago to serve the people of Queenstown. For as long as Cole can remember he has been passionate about health, wellbeing and helping people. Chronic headaches in high school forced Cole to seek out chiropractic care, and he fell in love with its holistic approach to health. Cole studied 2 years at Otago University before moving to Auckland to train at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic.
Cole has been actively involved in sports his entire life. He played rugby for over a decade, including a season of Premier Rugby in Central Otago and has competed at an international level in karate, competing in Australia and Japan. Cole brings a wealth of knowledge in sports training and performance.
In his own time Cole enjoys working out in the gym, good food of any description, and good laughs. Cole also has a passion for Martial Arts, currently trains in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu while also training in Kickboxing and MMA.
Cole’s approach to care is very hands on and he aims to give patients the best results possible to help them achieve their health goals.
Georgina Smallwood
Book Georgina
Georgina came to New Zealand in 2021 from the UK after spending 9 years working within the NHS and private neurological practice. She graduated from Keele university in 2012 with a first class honours degree. From this Georgina has worked in sports injury outpatient settings, respiratory and orthopaedic rehabilitation which led her to specialise in neurological conditions with Georgina’s keen interest in sport this had led her to specialise in concussion and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation and English football clubs in later years. Georgina combines her love of sports injuries with hands on technics, patients education and strength work to achieve patient centred goals.
Georgina loves mountain biking, trail running, CrossFit, hockey and surfing
Ana Cano
Originally from Medellín, Colombia, Ana came to New Zealand on holiday several years ago but fell in love with Queenstown and the outdoors lifestyle. She decided to stay. Starting off in banking in Colombia, Ana easily transferred her skills to working in the tourism and hospitality sector, working her way up to managing her own department and getting NZ residency, before becoming an important part of the team at Queenstown Health. Ana loves CrossFit, mountain biking, hikes and running.
Madison Hooper
Book Hooper
Hooper has graduated with a bachelors in Physiology from Oklahoma State University and a bachelor’s in Chiropractic from the New Zealand College of Chiropractic. She is originally from the states and has lived in New Zealand for the past four years while studying Chiropractic. Hooper has traveled all over the world including Europe, Africa, Asia and Central America where she was absorbed in the culture and health care. She grew up with sport being a big part of her life, playing soccer since age 5 and continuing on to play for a high-level club team through high school. Hooper loved participating in Tough Mudder where she faced physical challenges and learned how to work together as a team to cross the finish line. Hooper has a special interest in the lifestyle of Queenstown including the sports, hiking and skiing. Having torn her ACL early in her chiropractic degree she has an inside experience as to the diligence it takes to adhere to a rehab program to achieve the best results. Hooper has always had a passion for helping others, especially when it comes to their performance. She is determined to help others achieve better function by restoring proper motion in the spine and extremities with adjustments and soft tissue care.
Jo O’Connor
Originally from Leicester, England, I worked within the Travel Industry in Reservations and Customer Care. I also spent 3 years working as a Tour Leader on board Cruise Ships – enjoying every minute of it, meeting people from all walks of life and all ages. I made the move to New Zealand after being swept off my feet by a Kiwi man and have now lived in Queenstown for 18 fantastic years. I have worked locally in the Hotel and the Tourism Trade as well as Childcare, while bringing up a family. I am now very pleased to be a part of the team at Queenstown Health, as I have a keen interest in health and wellbeing and I love to deliver great customer service. I am here to help you in any way possible.
Nataly Arias
Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Nataly is a professional in Finance and International business. She has worked in Technology companies in Colombia, then challenged herself by coming to New Zealand five years ago. She wanted to live new experiences and learn. During this time she worked in the hospitality industry but it’s now time to add and complement her knowledge by becoming a part of the team at Queenstown Health. Nataly is passionate about travelling, hiking and dancing.
Jingying Wu
Book Jingying
Jingying graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Tuina of Chinese Medicine from Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine. During her undergraduate studies, she dedicated her extracurricular time to shadowing experienced clinicians, with a primary focus on endocrine and metabolic issues. Additionally, she gained practical experience as an assistant acupuncturist at Emeishan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, specifically in the Department of Orthopedic Rehabilitation.
After the pandemic, when New Zealand finally opened its borders, Jingying wasted no time in entering the country. After experiencing life in NZ for a while, she made the decision to stay here permanently. While working as a massage therapist, she also joined AcNZ and obtained the Annual Practicing Certificate in NZ.
Jingying is deeply committed to providing compassionate and personalized care to her patients. Her approach not only addresses their immediate health concerns but also empowers them to take charge of their overall well-being. She goes beyond simply treating people and strives to educate her patients about preventive measures, including dietary and lifestyle tips.
Her passion for learning extends beyond medicine. Years of studying the Guqin, a traditional Chinese instrument, and participating in tea ceremonies have enriched her perspectives. The soothing melodies of the Guqin are believed to have healing properties, and she also appreciates the health benefits of tea drinking.
During her leisure time, Jingying enjoys staying active with workouts and hiking. She is also an enthusiast of good food and culinary experiences.
Jessica Vargas
Book Jessica
Jess is from the Chilean Patagonia, where she was raised on a farm without modern comforts
At 17 she discovered the transformative power of Yoga, and for the following 10 years worked in hospital setting utilizing the therapeutic benefits of Yoga. This then lead to an interesting in aiding individuals with various health conditions, injuries and mental health challenges.
In 2005 Jess studied Chinese medicine for 2.5 years, which lead to her developing a passion for massage therapy. Since then she has travelled around the world continuing to learn and hone her craft in countries such as Cambodia, Nepal, India and Canada. She has acquired many skills such as Abhyangam, pregnancy massage, hot stones, Therapeutic Thai massage, myofascial release, deep tissue, sports and Met (Muscle energy technique)
In her free time Jess enjoys staying fit with activities such as mountain biking, Hiking and CrossFit. She also enjoys travelling and is also studying mental health coaching
Rowena Speed
Book Rowena
Rowena’s passion lies in helping people explore and live to their full potential, this led her to study both physiotherapy and teaching.
Rowena studied at Auckland university of Technology and has 9 years experience working in musculoskeletal clinics across New Zealand and Australia.
She has a varied experience and skill set and has completed courses in manual and manipulative therapy, Connect Therapy™, Integrative Dry Needling and breathing retraining.
Rowena grew up on the water in the Bay of Plenty and represented New Zealand in Canoe Slalom. She also played football at a high level. Currently she’s a keen mountain biker, hiker, surfer and kayak fisher.
On her teaching side, Rowena has been involved in the development of two future-focused high schools and enjoys working with teenagers.
Recently, Rowena had her first child, Piper, so she understands first-hand the various challenges that come through pregnancy and early motherhood.
Rion McKenna
Book Rion
Rion Grew up in the US, Ireland, and UK with experience in a variety of sports, running nationally at cross country and playing Gaelic football provincially. Being involved in sport and seeing the difference Physiotherapy can make is what influenced him to become qualified in the UK. While in England Rion worked in the NHS, private sports clinics and worked with rugby and football teams, including England Touch Rugby.
Rion’s passion for health and ensuring people are fit to enjoy their hobbies is his main motivator. With experience in pitch side trauma, acute orthopedic injuries and chronic aches and pains, Rion uses a combination of hands on techniques and neuromuscular retraining to get the best outcome for patients. In his free time, he enjoys anything outdoors, eating food and laughing with friends. Being in New Zealand and experiencing the culture and landscape has always been a goal of his, so to be here in Queenstown is a dream.
Nick Maher
Book Nick
Nick is a Wellington native with a unique journey into Physiotherapy. After embarking on a successful yet unfulfilling career in marketing, he decided to pursue his true passion in health. Helping people to lead more active and healthy lives.
This lead Nick to Completing a BSHc in Physiotherapy at Auckland University of Technology. The transition from marketing to physiotherapy was a pivotal moment, as he found purpose and fulfilment in contributing to the well-being of others. His enthusiasm for physiotherapy stems from a genuine desire to empower individuals to remain active and enjoy a high quality of life.
Outside of work, he is an avid sports and outdoors enthusiast. From rugby to rowing and, more recently, undertaking his first triathlon, Nick thrives on the camaraderie and challenge sports offer.”
Clara Mujica
Book Clara
Hello, I’m Clara! I’m from Argentina, I’m a massage therapist with over 10 years of experience.
I love what I do, My expertise includes Myofascial release, deep tissue massage, reflexology, and Shiatsu. With a background of 1 year experience in physiotherapy helped me with better knowledge of anatomy and how to treat patients. I’m a truly believer in living life with no pain.
I am part of the Wakatipu Waka Ama team. I love to be in the water and enjoying the outdoors activities around Queenstown area.
Looking forward to bring my diverse skill set to our collaborative team, working together and expanding my learning for better patient outcomes. Excited to contribute to the success of our chiropractic practice being part of Queenstown Health team!