Click the links in the list below to go directly to the latest news article of your choice or scroll down to view more news.
- Q&A with Dr Gal Carmi
- Dr Matt O’Sulllivan chats all things melanoma on the MORE FM breakfast show
- Local expert warns of Taranaki’s ‘perfect UV storm’
- A life less ordinary: Dr Neil Hughes’ remarkable journey to skin cancer care
- What’s happening behind the scenes at Skin Clinic Taranaki
- Donate to the WISE Charitable Trust Pyjama Drive at Skin Clinic Taranaki
- Boost for Taranaki patients as SCT grows varicose vein treatment team
- Celebrating Dr Nelia Lourens: Raising the standard in cosmetic medicine
- Skin Clinic Taranaki 2025 Gift Guide
- Out and about at the Coastal Five
- It took just 20 minutes to catch a killer: a Taranaki man’s skin cancer wake-up call
- Melanoma Awareness Month 2025: Claim your free spot check & 20% off all sunscreen!
- Farewell Dr Geoff Tvrdeich – honouring a legacy of care
- From the clinic to the board game: Skin Clinic Taranaki & Carefirst make Monopoly history!
Q&A with Dr Gal Carmi
28 October, 2026
Originally from Israel and now happily settled in New Plymouth for the past 11 years, Dr Gal Carmi brings extensive GP experience and specialist skin cancer training to Skin Clinic Taranaki.
Gal provides thorough skin checks, mole checks, and skin cancer assessments, with a strong focus on accurate diagnosis, dermoscopy, and minor surgical treatment. He’s committed to giving patients clear, practical guidance and high‑quality care for all skin cancer concerns.
What qualifications and training do you have?
I completed my medical training at Tel Aviv University and have worked as a GP for more than 14 years having gained my fellowship (specialist GP qualification) from the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) in 2019. I also hold a Skin Cancer Medicine and Dermoscopy Certificate from the Australasian Skin Cancer College.
What experience do you bring to Skin Clinic Taranaki?
I’ve worked as a GP for 14 years, and for the past two years I’ve focused specifically on skin examinations, skin cancer diagnosis, and minor surgical treatment. Living and
working in New Plymouth for more than a decade has given me extensive experience caring for the local community. My dedicated work in skin cancer medicine has strengthened my diagnostic accuracy and surgical skills, particularly through the use of dermoscopy.
What drew you to skin cancer medicine?
As a GP you see a lot of skin lesions. I wanted to improve the accuracy of my diagnoses and ensure patients received the right treatment at the right time. Dermoscopy has been a powerful tool for improving diagnostic confidence, and I enjoy the hands‑on aspect of skin cancer surgeries.
Click here to read more…
How would you describe your approach to working with patients?
It’s important to me to be very respectful of, and attentive to my patients and their support people. I believe in shared decision‑making and patient‑centred care, ensuring every patient feels heard and involved in their treatment plan.
What do you want patients to feel when they come to see you?
Comfortable, respected, and confident that they’re receiving proper and professional advice and treatment.
What do you enjoy most about skin cancer medicine?
The ability to reach a diagnosis and begin treatment quickly, especially for high‑risk conditions. Early intervention can make a significant difference.
What’s something patients often don’t realise about skin cancer or skin checks?
How important regular skin checks are, especially for people at higher risk. Early detection is key.
Do you have family here in Taranaki?
Yes — I have a wife and four children.
What do you enjoy about living and working in Taranaki?
I love the colours of Taranaki! It’s almost always green. Having both the mountain and the sea so close gives a fresh, energising feeling. I’ve worked in several places here, and everywhere I’ve been, the people are friendly and welcoming. It’s a great environment to work in.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and playing football and basketball.
What’s one thing you wish every patient knew about their skin health?
Be sun smart! Wear hats and long sleeves when you can, and apply SPF 50+ whenever you’re outside, even on cold but sunny days.
Dr Matt O’Sullivan chats all things melanoma on the MORE FM breakfast show
7 October, 2026
Melanoma Awareness Month has us chatting all things sun safety and Dr Matt O’Sullivan caught up with Ken and Crez from MORE FM Taranaki to unpack why consistent skin protection matters more than ever. Their conversation covers practical ways to protect yourself, the rise of the “tan‑maxxing” trend on social media, and what to do if a spot or mole has you feeling unsure. It’s a clear, relatable reminder that looking after your skin is one of the simplest ways to look after your future.
Local expert warns of Taranaki’s ‘perfect UV storm’
1 October, 2026
Taranaki may be known for its moody skies and wild west coast weather, but the numbers tell a different story. Last year, New Plymouth recorded 2,743 sunshine hours, making it the sunniest region in Aotearoa for the third time in five years. And whether the sky is clear or cloudy, that sunshine comes with strong skin cancer-causing ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
October is Melanoma Awareness Month, and Dr Hannah Smiley, Skin Clinic Taranaki (SCT) clinician, says many locals underestimate how much UV they’re exposed to, not just on bright days, but on the overcast ones too.
“It’s easy for people to turn a blind eye to UV risk when the weather feels mild. Cloud cover and coastal winds can make the sun seem harmless. Taranaki is one of the sunniest regions in the country, and even on cooler or cloudy days, the UV can be extremely high,” says Dr Smiley.
SunSmart New Zealand’s national estimates show melanoma makes up a notable share of New Zealand’s ~90,000 annual skin-cancer diagnoses — around seven percent. Skin Clinic Taranaki sees a similar trend reflected in its own patient presentations, with melanoma forming a steady proportion of the skin cancers diagnosed at the clinic.
Melanoma is the most life-threatening form of skin cancer because it can grow rapidly downward into deeper skin layers, enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and spread (metastasise) to vital organs throughout the body – which is why early detection is critical,” explains Dr Smiley.
“Taranaki’s UV environment matters. High UV, outdoor lifestyles, and misleading weather conditions create a perfect storm for melanoma risk in our region,” she adds.
From farmers and tradies to surfers, cyclists, golfers, runners, gardeners and retirees, Taranaki locals spend a lot of time outside. It’s part of the region’s identity. But repeated UV exposure, even incidental exposure, is one of the strongest drivers of melanoma risk.
“People often forget that it’s not just the big beach days that matter,” says Dr Smiley. “Incidental UV like the ten minutes here and there while you’re gardening, walking the dog, or hanging out washing, adds up fast.”
Cooler breezes and mild temperatures can also create a false sense of safety. Reflective surfaces like water, black sand at our beaches, and even snow on the mountain can intensify exposure from multiple angles.
“The New Zealand sun often doesn’t feel harsh during brief periods outside, and that’s exactly the problem,” says Dr Smiley. “Comfortable weather tricks people into staying outside longer and more often, not realising the UV is still hitting their skin at full force.”
Historically, Taranaki has recorded some of the highest melanoma rates in New Zealand, with past figures ranging between 60–70 cases per 100,000 people, well above the national average of 40.5.
Click here to read more…
New Zealand already faces one of the highest melanoma burdens in the world. Approximately 6800 melanomas are diagnosed nationwide each year, and our mortality rate remains among the highest globally. Taranaki’s extreme UV environment only amplifies that risk, but importantly, skin cancer is one cancer we can largely prevent.
The science is clear: even one severe or blistering sunburn can damage skin-cell DNA and increase your lifetime risk of melanoma. And the harm is cumulative. Every burn adds to the total amount of damage your skin carries.
At the same time, social media trends are influencing how young people think about tanning and skincare. Online content promoting “tanmaxxing” — deliberate tan lines created through intentional, unprotected sun exposure — is gaining traction among teens and young adults.
“There’s no such thing as a safe tan,” says Dr Smiley. “Any tan is your skin showing UV damage. Young people are chasing tans and even sunburns for aesthetic reasons, and it’s deeply concerning.”
At the same time, highly influential anti-aging content dominates social media feeds. But the most effective anti-aging step isn’t expensive or complicated: daily broad-spectrum sunscreen. UV radiation breaks down collagen, accelerates wrinkles, and causes long-term skin changes far more than any other factor.
“If young people want healthy skin for life, sunscreen is the most powerful product they can use,” says Dr Smiley. “It protects against skin cancer while also protecting against the signs of ageing. No serum or cream can undo UV damage once it’s happened.” Despite the risks, Dr Smiley says the outlook is hopeful.
“Skin cancer is largely preventable. Consistent sun protection dramatically reduces the chance of developing melanoma and other skin cancers, while regular checks facilitate early detection when the disease is most treatable and curable”.
Skin Clinic Taranaki provides comprehensive skin cancer services for the region, including mole mapping, spot checks, full-body skin checks, total body imaging using AI technology, diagnosis, surgical and non-surgical treatment, and ongoing surveillance for high-risk patients.
“Early detection saves lives,” says Dr Smiley. “Most melanomas appear as new spots, not old moles, but a change in an old mole can also be a warning sign. If something looks different or new, that’s the moment to get checked — not six months later.”
SCT is encouraging locals to take simple, practical steps all year round: wear SPF 50+ daily, reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, use ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) clothing for work and recreation, get regular skin checks, and avoid intentional tanning.
“Taranaki’s sunshine and lifestyle are part of what makes this region extraordinary,” says Dr Smiley. “With the right habits, we can all enjoy it safely.”
A life less ordinary: Dr Neil Hughes’ remarkable journey to skin cancer care
A Q&A with Skin Clinic Taranaki’s newest clinician
9 July, 2026
Skin Clinic Taranaki is delighted to welcome Dr Neil Hughes, whose path into medicine has been anything but typical. From the British Air Force to management consulting, venture capital, flying helicopters in a South African conservation reserve, and finally medicine, Neil brings a depth of life experience that shapes the way he works with patients today.
Where did your medical journey begin?
Neil: “I started medical school a bit later than most — at 38. I trained at St George’s, University of London, which some people might recognise from the Netflix documentary Critical: Between Life and Death.
Starting later meant I was often mistaken for the consultant rather than the trainee, but it also meant I brought a bit more life experience and perspective to the job. I think that helped me stay calm in clinical situations.”
What brought you to New Zealand?
Neil: “I moved here in 2011 which was perfect timing because it was right as the Rugby World Cup kicked off. I worked across a range of specialties at Whanganui Hospital before moving into general practice.
I ended up spending more than a decade as a GP, including running my own practice. I really valued the relationships I built with patients and the sense of community that comes with general practice.”
What made you shift from general practice into skin cancer medicine?
Neil: “While I really loved general practice, especially the long‑term relationships and the sense of community, I found myself increasingly drawn to the procedural side of the work. In smaller or semi‑rural communities, GPs often end up doing a lot of procedures that would normally be handled in specialist clinics in bigger centres.
That meant I was regularly removing suspicious moles, treating sun‑damaged lesions, excising skin cancers, and repairing wounds; a process I quite enjoyed. The precision, focus, and immediate impact for patients really appealed to me.
Over time, that hands‑on surgical experience became the catalyst for moving fully into skin cancer medicine.”
What training have you completed in skin cancer care?
Neil: “I’ve engaged in advanced training through the Skin Cancer Symposiums — skin cancer medicine, surgery, and advanced surgical techniques. I also hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Ultrasound, which adding another layer of diagnostic capability to my practice.
I enjoy all aspects of skin cancer care, but surgery is what energises me the most. There’s something incredibly satisfying about achieving both a good clinical outcome and a good cosmetic result.”
What can patients expect from your approach to care?
Neil: “I place a lot of importance on building rapport with people and explaining things in a way that feels familiar and easy to understand. If someone’s an engineer, I’ll use engineering analogies. If diagrams help, I’ll draw them. My aim is always to make things as clear and reassuring as possible.
My goal is simple: I want people to leave feeling reassured, confident, and certain that nothing has been missed.”
What drew you to working at Skin Clinic Taranaki?
Neil: “SCT has a great reputation and a really experienced team. It felt like the right place to deepen my skill set and keep learning. I like being part of a team that’s genuinely committed to high‑quality skin cancer care.”
What do you enjoy about spending time in Taranaki?
Neil: “Even though I commute on the days I’m here, Taranaki already feels familiar. My family and I have spent many summers camping at the Ōākura campground, so coming back regularly feels a bit like returning to an old favourite spot.
I’m really looking forward to spending more time here.”
And outside of medicine, what keeps you busy?
Neil: “I’m a keen runner and gym‑goer, and I played football until just a few years ago. And if you’re trying to guess where my loyalties lie, I’m a Manchester City fan!”
Book an appointment
We’re thrilled to have Neil join the Skin Clinic Taranaki team. His blend of surgical skill, advanced training, life experience and genuine warmth makes him a wonderful addition to our clinic and community.
If you’d like to book an appointment with Neil, or with any of our experienced clinicians, we’d love to see you – click here to head to our appointments page – no referral needed.
What’s happening behind the scenes at Skin Clinic Taranaki
18 June, 2026
There’s a real buzz around Skin Clinic Taranaki at the moment. Our team is growing again, with two new clinicians, Dr Neil Hughes and Dr Gal Carmi, and two new nurses (Gail and Andrea) on board already, with another clinician joining us in the next few months!
It’s the kind of growth that lets us do more of what matters; increase appointment availability, broaden our expertise, and keep advancing the high standard of care our community knows us for.
With this expansion, Jouvelle will be relocating to Blossom Beauty & Day Spa, just down the road. This move gives us the space we need for our incoming clinicians, and it allows Jouvelle to continue doing what they do best in a setting that supports their next chapter.
Change like this is always a sign of momentum. For us, it reflects where SCT is heading. We’re investing in people, strengthening our skin cancer and varicose vein services, and building for the future. We’re excited to welcome our new nurses and doctors, and to keep growing in a way that benefits the whole region.
More updates (and introductions) to come soon!
Donate to the WISE Charitable Trust Pyjama Drive at Skin Clinic Taranaki
28 Apr, 2026
This winter, we’re proud to be supporting WISE Charitable Trust’s annual Pyjama Drive. Each year, WISE works alongside whānau across Taranaki who are living in cold and damp homes.
For many tamariki, this means restless nights, getting sick more often, and missing kura. A warm pair of pyjamas might seem small, but it can make a real difference to a child’s comfort and wellbeing.
From April through to July, we’re helping collect new or good quality second hand pyjamas and dressing gowns. All donations go directly to tamariki in our community who need them most.
If you’d like to be part of this kaupapa, you can drop your donations off with us.
Boost for Taranaki patients as SCT grows varicose vein treatment team
15 April, 2026
Skin Clinic Taranaki is expanding capacity within our specialist varicose vein service, with Dr Jamie Crawford now training under our resident vascular consultant, Mr Steve Benson. This development strengthens our ability to offer timely, specialist-level, non‑invasive vascular care right here in New Plymouth, the only community-based service of its kind in the region.
We’re excited to be supporting Jamie in this next step in his career. Many patients will already recognise Jamie as a friendly, familiar face from our Carefirst Moturoa clinic. Originally from Scotland, he brings a calm, approachable style to his work and a genuine interest in helping people feel confident in their health. Now, he’s adding advanced vascular skills to his toolkit under the guidance of one of Australasia’s most experienced specialists.
Jamie says he is excited to be learning from Steve, whose qualifications and extensive international experience in vascular care are second to none.
“It’s a privilege to train alongside someone with such depth of expertise, and I’m really enjoying contributing to the high-quality care Vein Specialists at Skin Clinic Taranaki is known for in our community.
With Steve’s leadership and Jamie’s expanding vascular skillset, our team can offer more appointment availability and continue delivering safe, specialist‑led care without the need for hospital referrals, invasive surgical methods or post-surgery overnight stays. Patients can access high‑quality vascular assessment and treatment in a comfortable, community setting.
If you’ve been experiencing discomfort, swelling, or cosmetic concerns related to varicose veins, now is an ideal time to take the first step.
Book a FREE varicose vein assessment and let our specialist team guide you through your treatment options.
Celebrating Dr Nelia Lourens: Raising the standard in cosmetic medicine
15 December, 2025
We’re thrilled to celebrate the achievements of our very own Dr Nelia Lourens (MBChB, MRCGP, FRNZCGP, NZSCM DipCosMed), an experienced GP and skin cancer doctor here at Skin Clinic Taranaki (SCT) and the expert behind Jouvelle Aesthetics.
Nelia has recently completed her second-year exams for the New Zealand Society of Cosmetic Medicine (NZSCM) Diploma. This is the only cosmetic medicine qualification in Aotearoa recognised by the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ), and available exclusively to registered doctors.
It’s a huge milestone that reflects her dedication to excellence, safety, and ongoing learning in the field of cosmetic medicine. In the Q&A below, Nelia shares what inspired her journey into cosmetic medicine, what the training involved, and why seeing an NZSCM-qualified doctor is the best choice for anyone considering a cosmetic and regenerative medicine provider.
What inspired you to pursue cosmetic medicine alongside your skin cancer and GP work?
I love being able to offer a truly comprehensive skin service to my patients. For the past three years I’ve been the only female skin cancer doctor at Skin Clinic Taranaki, and many of my female
patients naturally shared their cosmetic concerns with me. Expanding my knowledge in cosmetic medicine alongside my skin cancer qualifications has allowed me to address all aspects of my patients’ skin journeys, from health and prevention through to confidence and appearance.
You’ve recently completed two years of the NZSCM Diploma. What does that involve?
I was privileged to train with some of New Zealand’s leading cosmetic doctors and plastic surgeons. As part of the two‑year diploma, I was required to attend 13 weekend workshops in Auckland. Each weekend involved a knowledge test and hands‑on practical training with models, assessed by NZSCM trainers.
Alongside this, I sat a written exam in the first year and two practical exams each year. The final step this year is a practice visit to ensure my protocols and premises meet NZSCM standards before I officially gain my diploma. I am passionate about this work and confident our standards will exceed the requirements.
Many people might not realise that doctors can perform cosmetic procedures before completing this qualification. Can you clarify what the NZSCM course adds to your capabilities?
The NZSCM Diploma is the only qualification in New Zealand that formally allows doctors to work independently in performing cosmetic procedures, in line with the Medical Council of New Zealand’s statement on cosmetic practice.
It is also the only recognised qualification enabling GPs to supervise nurses administering cosmetic injectables. All nurses in New Zealand must work under supervision when performing these treatments.
What are the benefits of having cosmetic procedures performed by a doctor rather than a nurse or technician?
Cosmetic injectables are prescription medications that can only be prescribed by a doctor or nurse practitioner. As a doctor, I have extensive medical training that ensures a deeper understanding of the risks involved with cosmetic treatments, anatomy, safe prescribing practices, and the ability to provide the highest level of care. This training means patient safety is prioritised at every stage of treatment.
Beyond the technical skills, our training also focuses on treating the whole patient. That means listening carefully to concerns, understanding underlying health factors, and guiding patients when what they want may not align with what will best serve them.
A full facial assessment, combined with the breadth of tools available to a doctor, allows for care that is comprehensive, safe, and tailored to an individual.
What were some of the most valuable things you learned during the course?
Gaining a more complex understanding of facial anatomy, in particular the 10 layers of the temple. Safety always comes first!
What do you love most about working in cosmetic medicine?
I love helping everyday people feel like their most confident, radiant selves. For me, it’s pure artistry; each face is a unique canvas, and there’s no one‑size‑fits‑all blueprint for sculpting a cheek or refining a chin. Cosmetic medicine allows me to combine my diagnostic skills as a doctor with my creative side, delivering results that feel truly personal.
While many assume injectables are reserved for the elite or eternally glamorous, I find the greatest joy in seeing people from all walks of life and every stage of ageing reclaim a sense of timelessness.
What would you say to someone considering their first cosmetic treatment but feeling unsure?
It’s completely normal to feel uncertain about your first cosmetic treatment, so if you’re feeling that way, you’re not alone! To make sure you receive the most appropriate care for your health, facial structure, and skin condition, every journey begins with a thorough consultation. During this time, I carry out a full facial assessment with photos and create a personalised treatment plan tailored to you.
I will never recommend a treatment that doesn’t serve your needs, and you’ll always have the time and space to consider the plan before making an informed decision. My goal is to ensure you feel confident, comfortable, and supported every step of the way.
If you’re considering cosmetic treatments or simply want a highly qualified and skilled provider you can really trust, booking with Dr Nelia Lourens at Jouvelle Aesthetics at Skin Clinic Taranaki ensures you’ll be in expert hands.
With her advanced NZSCM training and warm, professional approach, you can feel confident you’re getting the safest care and the best possible results. To book a consultation, contact our reception on 06 281 1698, or email us on reception@skinclinictaranaki.co.nz
To learn more about Nelia’s approach to cosmetic and regenerative treatments, visit our Cosmetic and Regenerative Medicine page, or head directly to our range of treatments available using the links below.
- Cosmetic Injectables – An extensive range of industry-leading cosmetic injectable treatments.
- Light Therapy Treatments – Reveal your best skin with treatments that rejuvenate, heal, and enhance your natural glow.
- Acne Treatment Package – A selection of treatments to combat breakouts and promote lasting skin clarity.
- Chemical Peels – Tailored treatments designed to exfoliate, renew, and restore your natural glow.
- Dermapen 4 Microneedling – Boost collagen and rediscover your skin’s natural glow with the latest in microneedling technology.
- Medical Treatments – Advanced solutions for conditions that impact your comfort and quality of life.
🎁 Skin Clinic Taranaki Xmas Gift Guide 🎁
2 December, 2025
This holiday season, give the gift of glowing, healthy skin. At Skin Clinic Taranaki, we’ve handpicked our favourite products to help your loved ones (or yourself!) feel radiant and protected all summer long!
Our Top Picks
La Roche-Posay Wet Skin SPF 50+ – A family-friendly sunscreen that bonds to wet skin, offering 4-hour water resistance and broad-spectrum protection without white marks ($47)
Gift Vouchers – Can be purchased for the value of your choice, and are redeemable across all our services, from skin cancer prevention and varicose vein treatment to cosmetic procedures and regenerative medicine.
Allmedic 2 in 1 Skin Repair – A powerhouse blend of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and niacinamide to exfoliate, repair, and rejuvenate for youthful-looking skin ($75)
Radiance LED Mask – Advanced light therapy with red, yellow, blue, and green settings to target acne, boost collagen, balance tone, and rejuvenate skin. Available for rent (from $70 per week) or purchase ($499).
Emepelle Night Cream – Luxurious hydration with MEP technology, retinols, and peptides to restore vitality and luminosity, especially for skin affected by menopause. $310
VISIT US
Pick up your perfect gift at our clinic at 183 Powderham Street, New Plymouth. We offer Afterpay and convenient off-street parking.
Call us on (06) 281 1698 or explore our full product range at www.skinclinictaranaki.co.nz/products.
Out and about at the Coastal Five 2025!
17 November, 2025
This weekend, some of our Skin Clinic Taranaki team joined our Carefirst colleagues for the Coastal Five — and what a fantastic time we had! From early starts to finish-line celebrations, it was all about team spirit, fresh air, and a whole lot of local pride.
We loved being part of this iconic Taranaki event and cheering each other on along the way. It’s not every day you get to swap scrubs for sneakers (but always with SPF 50+ sunscreen!) and hit the coastal trails with such a great crew.
📸 Scroll down to check out some of our favourite snaps from the weekend!
It took just 20 minutes to catch a killer: a Taranaki man’s skin cancer wake-up call
20 October, 2025
As part of Melanoma Awareness Month, Skin Clinic Taranaki is sharing a New Plymouth man’s story to highlight the importance of regular skin checks and early skin cancer detection.
For one Skin Clinic Taranaki patient, it started as a harmless-looking spot beneath their watch. Small. Brown. Easy to ignore. But over time, it darkened, changed shape, and quietly became life-threatening.
“I’d never had a skin check,” says the patient. “Not my finest thinking.” It wasn’t until a routine GP visit and a stroke of luck that the spot was flagged.
“My doctor asked me to roll up my sleeve. I chose my left arm, and she took a keen interest in the spot. She suggested I visit Skin Clinic Taranaki. I made the appointment as soon as I left.”
That decision saved this patient’s life, and it’s a reminder of just how common melanoma is in New Zealand.
Our country has one of the highest incidence rates in the world, with approximately 35 to 40 people per 100,000 diagnosed each year. That’s why regular skin checks aren’t just a good idea, they’re essential.
Dr Matt O’Sullivan at New Plymouth’s Skin Clinic Taranaki carried out a full skin check and identified multiple areas of concern. The forearm lesion was deemed urgent.
Within a week, it was surgically removed, followed by a second procedure to ensure clear margins, meaning no cancer cells were found at the edges of the removed tissue. The diagnosis: melanoma.
Thankfully, it was caught early and fully removed. A second lesion turned out to be a superficial basal cell carcinoma, which was suitable for treatment with a simple cream.
The patient was surprised at what was needed to ensure all the cancer was removed.
“A spot no bigger than 10mm led to a 100mm incision. It’s dramatic. I’ve shown photos to my extended family, lines of black stitches against pale skin are a powerful illustration of how quickly things can escalate.”
Now, he’s urging others not to wait.
“If you have any doubts, seek a professional opinion. Complacency is not a good idea when you notice changes in colour, texture, or shape. A total skin check is the only check that offers total certainty.”
Skin Clinic Taranaki offers a full range of skin checks, right here in our region. From spot checks and full-body skin assessments to mole mapping with total body imaging, our services are designed to catch skin changes early and support timely, effective treatment. With a team known for clinical excellence and genuine care, we’re helping Taranaki stay proactive about skin health.
Dr Matthew O’Sullivan says melanoma doesn’t always look dangerous, but it certainly can be. “Early detection is our best defence, and regular skin checks are quick, thorough, and often lifesaving. We’re here to make that process easy and reassuring for every patient.”
This Melanoma Awareness Month, don’t wait. Skin cancer doesn’t slow down, and neither should you. Keep an eye on your skin but know that the most effective way to catch changes early is with regular skin checks from the experts at Skin Clinic Taranaki.
A 20-minute appointment could save your life too.
Book now at skinclinictaranaki.co.nz or call our friendly team on 06 281 1698 – no referral needed.
Melanoma Awareness Month 2025: Claim your free spot check & 20% off all sunscreen!
6 October, 2025
At Skin Clinic Taranaki, we’re proud to support Melanoma Awareness Month with a special offer that puts your skin health first. Early detection is key when it comes to skin cancer, and this October (2025) we’re making it easier than ever to take action.
Free spot checks for new patients
To mark this important month, we’re giving away 10 FREE single spot checks to new patients. If you’ve noticed a mole or lesion that’s changed in size, shape, or colour, or you simply want peace of mind, this is your chance to have it professionally assessed by our experienced team.
Skin cancer, including melanoma, is highly treatable when caught early, so don’t wait. A quick spot check could make all the difference.
Free spot checks are available to the first 10 new patients who contact us and mention this promotion during the month of October 2025 (only). Valid for one mole or lesion check per patient.
20% off sunscreens for the month of October 2025
We’re also offering 20% off our full range of dermatologist-recommended sunscreens throughout October 2025. These high-quality formulations are designed to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, one of the leading causes of melanoma and other types of skin cancer.
Whether you’re heading into the garden, out for a walk, or just enjoying the spring sunshine, make sure your skin is protected.
Flexible payment options available
At Skin Clinic Taranaki, we believe that access to skin cancer prevention and treatment should be stress-free. That’s why we offer Afterpay and payment plan options to help you manage your healthcare costs with ease. Whether you’re booking mole mapping, a full skin check, or cosmetic medicine or varicose veins treatment, speak to our reception team about the payment option that suits you best.
How to get your FREE spot check
Booking your free spot check appointment is easy. Just contact our friendly team and mention this promotion (available October 2025 only):
- Phone: 06 281 1698
- Email: reception@skinclinictaranaki.co.nz
- Website: www.skinclinictaranaki.co.nz/contact
Let’s work together to raise awareness, catch skin cancer early, and keep our Taranaki community safe and sun-smart.
Farewell Dr Geoff Tvrdeich – honouring a legacy of care
4 July, 2025
After almost 30 years of dedicated service with the Carefirst Group, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Dr Geoff Tvrdeich as he begins a well-earned retirement.
As a founding clinician of the Carefirst Group and Skin Clinic Taranaki), Geoff has been a stalwart of the Carefirst Group leading with quiet strength and steadfast commitment to patient care.
Geoff’s leadership helped shape the foundation of our clinics, which continue to serve generations of patients.
His career was defined by clinical excellence and deep compassion, but it’s his enduring support for patients and colleagues, and his advocacy for skin cancer prevention and early treatment, that have truly left a lasting legacy.
Though we farewell Geoff, the journey continues. Our team of five experienced and dedicated skin doctors proudly carry forward the legacy he built, offering:
- Comprehensive skin cancer screening, diagnosis, and surgery
- Specialist non-invasive varicose vein treatments, led by vascular consultant Mr Steve Benson and sonographer Daryl Queenin
- Cosmetic & regenerative medicine, offering the latest in doctor-led aesthetic and medical treatments
We thank Geoff for his immense contributions – we’re honoured to continue serving our community with the same dedication he exemplified.
From the clinic to the board game: Skin Clinic Taranaki & Carefirst make Monopoly history!
13 March, 2025
A famous visitor popped into Skin Clinic Taranaki and Carefirst Westown recently.
The Monopoly Guy was out and about visiting many of the businesses and iconic Taranaki landmarks that are featured in the new Monopoly – Taranaki Edition, which we are so thrilled to be part of!
He was very busy during his visit, protecting himself with a thorough skin check with our Skin Clinic Taranaki clinicians, and a free flu vaccination ahead of flu season (seeing as he’s over 65) at Carefirst.
It’s a true privilege to support our incredible community with the gold standard in skin cancer prevention every day, and now we get to be part of your Monopoly adventures too! To get your own piece of Taranaki history, place your game order here.
Skin Clinic Taranaki team celebrate certification audit success
4 October, 2024
Ensuring our patients receive the highest quality care is a priority at Skin Clinic Taranaki. One way that we do that is through three-yearly audits from the Designated Auditing Agency (DAA), with surveillance audits at 18 months post certification, or half-way.
We recently completed our latest audit and are proud to say we have retained certification to the NZS 8165 Rooms/Office-Based Surgery and Procedures Standard. This standards is set by industry leaders, providing a nationally consistent benchmark that we can measure our ourselves against.
Certification against these standards demonstrates our commitment to ongoing excellence in care for our patients.
It gives assurance to our team, our patients and our health insurance partners that we are practicing in a safe way, and that our systems, procedures and policies are up to date and being adhered to.
We’d like to acknowledge our wonderful SCT kaimahi/staff; a lot of time and effort goes into preparing for the audits. We also appreciate the opportunity to demonstrate the hard mahi/work our team put in every day to ensure the highest quality care and support for our patients.
Pictured L-R: Skin Clinic Taranaki staff Leigh, Becks, Anne, Estelle, Gillian Geoff and Rob with the certification audit certificate.
LIVE Magazine – Winter 2024: Expanding services to treat growing skin concerns
19 July, 2024
Have you spotted our Skin Clinic Taranaki team (part of the Carefirst Group) on page 73 of the latest Live Magazine?
We really value what our patients have to say about our services. We get such great feedback about our skin cancer prevention and treatment services, but we couldn’t ignore what our patients were telling us about their other skin issues that they also wanted us to be able to address.
So, last year we added specialist, non-invasive varicose vein treatments to our services, and now high quality, individualised cosmetic medicine! These include anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, skin rejuvenation therapies and surgical scar removal.
Give us a call on 06 281 1698 or email reception@skinclinictaranaki.co.nz to book an appointment. Head to page 73 of the Winter 2024 LIVE Magazine to read the full article.
