Meet the Team
Dr Pieter Veenhuijsen
I am a dedicated general practitioner who has worked for over 25 years with patients and their families within a variety of communities in Auckland. I love working in primary health care where I can establish long term relationships with patients assisting in all aspects of their health. My focus is on providing consistency of care by being readily available to see my patients.
I originally trained in Amsterdam. My next six years were spent working and training in the United Kingdom where I obtained Membership of General Practitioners and completed Diplomas in Child Health and Obstetrics and Gynaecology. I am a fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners. In addition to my private practice, I tutor medical students, facilitate senior registrars in general practice and work for the Medical Council.
I am fluent in English and Dutch and speak some French and German.
I am married and now that our children have grown up and are pursuing their own careers, we have more time to focus on the things we love doing. For me, these are playing music, yoga, gardening and tackling small building projects.
I value and respect the unique place of Māori as tangata whenua in Aotearoa. This is a beautiful harakeke proverb reflecting the Māori reference to the harakeke plant as whanau.
“Hutia te rito o te harakeke
Kei whea to kōmako e kō?
Ki mai ki ahau
He aha te mea nui o te Ao?
Maku e kī atu,
he tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata…”
If the heart of the harakeke was removed, where would the bellbird sing?
If I was asked what was the most important thing in the world I would be compelled to reply, it is people, it is people, it is people
Dr Kosar Kheirabi
General Practitioner
Dr. Kosar has been practicing medicine in New Zealand since 2018 and has experience in surgery, paediatrics, women’s health (obstetrics and gynaecology) as well as supporting the health of older people. She speaks English, Farsi, and Turkish and lives locally with her young son and husband, who is an Ophthalmology specialist.
When not at work Kosar loves to engage in research and I enjoy travelling, swimming and outdoor activities.
Dr Marianne Kim
BHSc, MBChB, FRNZCGP
Dr Marianne joins us as a GP. She has a Bachelor of Health Science (BHSc) and Bachelor of Medicine (MBChB 2014) both from the University of Auckland. She is also a Fellow of the Royal NZ College of GP (FRNZCGP 2023. Dr Marianne’s special interests within GP are chronic care management, women’s health and minor skin surgeries. She is passionate about preventative care, focusing on lifestyle and dietary improvements to support long-term health.
She has always looked up to, and respected the work of doctors who are able combine the art of effective communication, empathy and evidence-based medical expertise to accurately diagnose and manage patients and their medical conditions. As such, Dr Marianne aspires to help patients and their families in the same way.
Beyond work, she is kept busy by her two young children. Her hobbies include keeping fit and active, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Dr Sonal Mehra
General Practitioner
Golda Nyemecz
Practice Nurse
Golda has recently completed her Bachelor of Health Science Nursing. Prior to this, she completed her post graduate diploma in cosmetic nursing in Perth, Australia. She enjoys working in primary care because you get to know patients and their families over time.
When she’s not working at Devonport Family Medicine, she enjoys her work as cosmetic nurse for her own business.
Nicola Dewar
Practice Nurse
Nicola Dewar is an experienced Registered Nurse with a long career in occupational health, wellbeing, and safety.
She is dedicated to walking alongside individuals on their health journeys and brings a holistic approach to her practice. Her work is guided by Te Whare Tapa Whā, recognising the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of wellbeing.
Outside of work, Nicola enjoys spending time in nature, gardening, exploring creative pursuits, and being with family and friends.
Tetiana Chornovol
Healthcare Assistant
Dr Tetiana Chornovol has recently moved to New Zealand with her kiwi partner from her home country of Ukraine.
Tetiana is trained as a Doctor of Neurology and had been practicing as a Neurologist in Odessa, Ukraine. Tetiana is unable to practice as a Doctor in New Zealand as re-registration is required. Her plan is to re-register as a medical professional in New Zealand and she is going to work towards this over the next couple of years.
In the meantime we are very grateful to have Tetiana as part of our team as a healthcare assistant and receptionist.
LeeAnn Lewis
receptionist
LeeAnn has worked in the medical field for most of her working life. LeeAnn joined Devonport Family Medicine in 2018. While not at work she enjoys travel and spending time with family and friends.
Bel Gonzaga
Medical Receptionist
Bel Gonzaga brings over 15 years of administrative experience to her role, including nine years in pharmaceutical and healthcare organisations in the Philippines. She is currently completing her Master of Business Administration.
Her approach is grounded in professionalism, clear communication, and a commitment to ensuring every task contributes to positive patient experiences and seamless clinic operations. Outside of work, Bel enjoys baking, travelling, and spending quality time with her husband and son.
Patricia Swart
Medical Receptionist
Theresa Coleman
Medical Receptionist
Theresa brings extensive experience in patient care, having built her career across multiple roles in the dental sector, including Dental Assistant, Receptionist, Practice Manager, and Clinic Coordinator. A standout chapter in her career was coordinating the Oral Health Clinic at AUT, where she supported patients, students, and clinical teams with skill and care.
Now transitioning into the medical field, Theresa continues to bring her strong patient‑focused approach to a new healthcare environment. She is excited for the opportunities and challenges this role offers.
Outside of work, Theresa enjoys time with her family, especially through cooking and baking. Staying active is important to her, with walking and tramping being firm favourites. She is also an avid gardener with a special love for growing orchids.
Aletta Staal
Practice Operations Manager
Aletta was born in The Netherlands where she lived most of her life until moving to New Zealand recently with her husband and two sons.
She brings over 25 years of experience within both the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, and has held several different roles in The Netherlands and New Zealand.
Aletta is very happy to live and work in Devonport and enjoys being part of its community.
