Our
Clinicians

Nathan Manu

Facility Manager & Physiotherapist

Nathan has worked in the health and fitness industry for over 15 years, with qualifications in both exercise science and physiotherapy providing a great working knowledge of human movement.

Nate loves all things sport and exercise and is passionate about helping people achieve their goals – whether they are an international athlete or a weekend warrior!

Nate was fortunate to be involved in the development of the Institute, to create a space that caters for all ages and abilities under one roof. He is now enjoying the position of leading an awesome team of health and fitness professionals and working alongside some of the Bay’s best health experts.

Hannah Manu

Physiotherapist

From an early sporting background herself, Hannah always knew she wanted to be a Physiotherapist. Learning how the body moves and how to solve the puzzle when it isn’t working well, is the perfect match in a career.

After graduating from the University of Otago and making the move to the Bay, she fell in love with the place and its people.

Hannah has experience in musculoskeletal private practice, return to work rehabilitation and particularly enjoys working with athletes young and not so young! Her mission is to help each person understand more about their injury without all the medical mumbo-jumbo.

Jake Ellis

Physiotherapist

Jake was raised in Auckland but moved to Dunedin to study physiotherapy at the University of Otago before making his way up to the Bay and hasn’t looked back!

Jake brings previous experience in tertiary rehabilitation and orthopaedics, and looks forward to applying his knowledge and expanding his scope in the private setting.

Jake is passionate about educating and empowering people to understand and independently manage their conditions, with a treatment approach tailored to the individuals goals to achieve the best possible outcomes.  Jake has a particular interest in sports physiotherapy and enjoys following rugby, cricket, golf, tennis and basketball as well as having experience as a sportsmedic for representative rugby sides.

Dr Melinda Parnell

Sport and Exercise Physician

Mel graduated from Medicine at Otago University and came to the Hawke’s Bay as a Junior Doctor. After a year in General Practice she transferred to Sports Medicine and has been working in this field since 2011.

She started advanced training in Sport and Exercise Medicine in 2014, spending two years in Wellington and two years in Melbourne. Mel finished her training with a fellowship at High Performance Sport NZ (HPSNZ), where she worked solely with elite athletes.

Mel is currently the team Doctor for the Silver Ferns and is the Medical Director for Netball, HPSNZ.

As a Sport and Exercise Physician Mel brings expert opinion, diagnosis, and management for musculoskeletal injury. She enjoys seeing patients with knee and shoulder injuries, foot and ankle injuries, and hip and groin pain.

Dr Alyse Cameron

Sport and Exercise Medicine Registrar 

Originally from the Wairarapa, Alyse moved to Auckland to study Physiotherapy (BHSc Physiotherapy) at the Auckland University of Technology. Keen to further her understanding of musculoskeletal systems, she continued her studies with a medical degree (MB ChB) at The University of Auckland, graduating in 2013.

​She has been working in Sports Medicine since 2016 and prior to this worked in the public hospital system within the Wellington Region building her knowledge in Orthopaedics, Trauma and General Medicine.

​Alyse enjoys leading a healthy lifestyle with a personal interest in running, skiing, and Iyengar yoga. Alyse has been involved in the health and wellbeing of many sporting teams and is the current team doctor for the NZ Football Ferns and is on the Medical Advisory Group for the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC). She is keen to continue her development within the sports and exercise field while working as a registrar at Hawke’s Bay Sports Medicine.

Anna Henderson

Physiotherapist

Anna was raised in Invercargill and developed a love for sports at an early age. With a background in gymnastics, dance, and netball she was in and out of the physiotherapist office a lot. This is where she discovered that physiotherapy was the path she wanted to take.

Anna studied at Otago University and moved to Hawke’s Bay to complete her final year and has fallen in love with the sense of community here.

Anna believes that the best rehabilitation can only be achieved once the patient has a full understanding of their injury.  She thinks it is important for individuals to take control of their rehabilitation while she is there to provide education and guidance throughout the process.

Anna has a particular interest in helping individuals incorporate their sports and hobbies into their treatment to help develop a sense of purpose and love for what they are trying to achieve.

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