Our Team and Story!

Originally Lyttelton was serviced by 2 or 3 independent GP’s all working from separate rooms.

In the 1970’s the government (Labour) decided to build a community health centre in Lyttelton (one of two built in New Zealand by that government).  In 1978 it opened and the then independently practicing GP’s, Dr N Chambers and Dr J Keithley moved in.  They remained independent with separate nursing staff.  Dr N Walker worked for many years when Dr Chambers cut down to half time.

Dr Rose Chambers started practicing in 1987 gradually taking over her father’s practice.

Dr Keithley moved on and his practice was taken over by Dr H Wilson who sold on to Dr C Henry after about 5 years.

When Dr Henry left in 2002, Dr Rose Chambers bought his practice and since then the Health Centre has accommodated the one practice which provides two full time equivalent doctors.  Dr Rose Chambers remains the owner working at least half time.  She contracts long term independent contractor locums to provide the remaining cover.

In September 2019 Rose sold 2/3 of her shares to Dr Ben Hudson and Dr Anna Maze. We are very proud to say we are still a GP owned and operated centre.

History of Māori to Ohinehou.

Ōhinehou was the name of an ancient pā which was probably situated on a golden beach near to the present day Lyttelton tunnel mouth.

The pā dates back to the time of Ngāti Māmoe.

It was invaded by incoming Ngāi Tahu led by the prominent chief Te Rakiwhakaputa.

Ōhinehou became a Ngāi Tahu village as a result of this invasion. Later, Te Rakiwhakaputa settled at Rāpaki, the small bay to the west of Ōhinehou.

The name Ōhinehou refers to a young girl (hine) who was abducted by the Patupaiarehe (fairies) and changed into a new person