Dr Ivan Connell
MBChB, DipObst, FRNZCGP

I grew up in Hillsborough and was a patient at the Hillsborough Medical Centre before studying medicine at the University of Otago in Dunedin and Wellington. Since my graduation I worked at Dunedin Hospital, then in London and Paris. I started as a GP at the Hillsborough Medical Centre in 1985.

I practiced obstetrics until 2004, delivering more than 1000 babies. My General Practice includes performing surgical procedures including infant circumcision, in our fully equipped operating theatre. In addition to General Practice, I work as a Vein Specialist and have a Varicose Vein Clinic at the Ascot Hospital.

I am married to Margaret and have a daughter. When not at work I enjoy golf, cooking, music and languages.

Dr Robyn Chandler
MBChB, DCH, PGCertWHlth, FRNZCGP

I grew up in Auckland and have known Ivan for many years. I graduated from the University of Auckland in 2003 and completed the Diploma in Child Health working at Hawke's Bay Hospital. I then had an exciting three years in the UK and Central Australia, working in Emergency Medicine, Anaesthesia and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

On returning to NZ, I completed the Certificate in Women's Health and General Practice and Rural Hospital Fellowships. I worked in Central Otago, Thames and Northland, and then as a GP in Drury for six years.

I joined the team at Hillsborough in 2018. I enjoy all aspects of General Practice, particularly developing long term relationships with patients and families.

I am married to Bjoern and we have three young children. Outside of work, I enjoy family time exploring our vibrant city and beautiful country, tramping and camping.

Dr Tilda Samuelson
MBChB, FRNZCGP

I am originally from the UK and moved to New Zealand with my family in 2014.

I studied medicine at Edinburgh University and then worked in a variety of specialties in hospitals across Scotland, Wales and England before doing my GP training in London. I worked as a GP in London for 6 years and gained a Diploma from the Faculty of Family Planning.

I worked as a GP in West Auckland for 9 years; more recently I have also started working at a Rest Home once a week.

I met Robyn Chandler through a GP group and am very excited to start working with her and the team at Hillsborough Medical Centre.

I enjoy all aspects of General Practice, particularly getting to know patients and the diversity that general practice provides.

My partner and I have 2 children. When not working I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, exploring new parts of New Zealand and attending art exhibitions.

Dr Lauren Brenner
MBChB, FRNZCGP

Dr Libby Halligan
MBChB, PGDip Paediatrics

Originally from sunny Marlborough, I completed my medical degree at the University of Auckland and gained experience at Auckland, Waitakere, North Shore, and Starship hospitals before moving into General Practice. Recently, I've been working at a clinic in South Auckland and also acting as the School Doctor for a local high school.

With a Postgraduate Diploma in Paediatric Medicine, my clinical interests include Paediatrics, dermatology, and mental health. I'm also passionate about Digital Health and its role in improving patient care.

Outside of work, I enjoy the outdoors, running, and leading a social run club with friends. I’m excited to bring my experience to Hillsborough and support the health and well-being of the community.

Dr Eli Shaul
MBChB, BA (Honours), and BSc.

I grew up in Auckland, and my journey into healthcare began with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology, followed by an Honours degree in Cognitive Neuroscience. I then pursued my passion for medicine, earning a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Auckland.

My medical experience includes rotations at Auckland City Hospital, Starship Children’s Hospital, and Middlemore Hospital, where I worked across various departments, including cardiology, surgery, general medicine, orthopaedics, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, and medical oncology. Before moving into general practice, I also gained valuable experience in radiation oncology.

I am passionate about health education and empowering patients to make informed choices for their well-being. Outside of medicine, I enjoy photography, playing tennis, and hiking, and I cherish time spent with my wife, our daughters, and our lively household of two dogs and two cats. I am fluent in English and Hebrew and can converse in Spanish.

I look forward to meeting you and your whānau at Hillsborough Medical Centre.

Dr Andrew Wearn.
MBChB, MMedSc, MRCGP, FRNZCGP

I completed my undergraduate and GP training at Birmingham in the UK. I then worked half-time as a GP in Handsworth and half-time as a clinical academic at Birmingham University. In 2001 we moved to NZ, where I took up a position at the University of Auckland. I am involved in a range of teaching activities, research projects, and leadership roles, particularly with the Medical Programme Directorate that oversees the medical degree (MBChB).

Since 2013 I have worked one session a week at Hillsborough Medical Centre. I appreciate the grounding that this gives to my academic activities, and enjoy the variety of clinical work. I am married, live on the North Shore and have two sons. We love the landscape and wildlife of NZ and there is nothing better than a summer’s day at an east coast beach.

Dr John Russell
MBChB, DipObst. FRNZCGP

After 37 years of working in General Practice in Hillsborough, Dr Russell retired in December 2024.

Dr Libby Halligan and Dr Eli Shaul joined the Hillsborough Medical Centre team in January 2025 and look forward to meeting you all.