Our Team

Newtown Acupuncture Centre was established in 2015 with the aim of providing patients with affordable and accessible treatments. Good health should be a right rather than a luxury.

Our acupuncture practitioners hold Bachelor of Health Science degrees in Acupuncture, a 4 year, full-time degree program here in NZ. We have a registered nurse on site, who is able to register injuries with NZ's national health insurers, ACC, allowing for subsidized acupuncture treatment. 

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We pride ourselves on working as a team. Patients have the option of selecting one practitioner for all their treatments, or they can see a number of different practitioners based on skills, timing, or simply preference. 

NOTE: When booking a treatment or practitioner online, you must select one treatment at a time. 

Xiao was born in China, where he completed his initial training in Traditional Chinese medicine and pharmacology. He then moved to NZ to study nursing and spent 10 years working in this field in NZ, including post-graduate studies in mental health nursing. Xiao then went on to do a health science degree in Acupuncture through the NZSATCM. 

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He works alongside Debra Betts at the NAC community pregnancy clinic on Thursday mornings, and enjoys being part of women's pregnancy journey's. 

Fan Xiao Meng  (Shao)

Acupuncturist, Martial Arts Instructor, Registered Nurse.

BHSc Acupuncture, PGCert Nursing (MENH), Diploma TCM and Pharmacology (China) member Acupuncture NZ, ACC Registered 

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Email: xiao@newtownacupuncture.co.nz

Laura has been practicing acupuncture for 10 years and has a strong interest in both internal health conditions as well as chronic and acute musculo-skeletal issues and pain management.

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After completing her bachelor degree, she undertook extensive studies with her mentor and Chinese herbal medicine specialist Shelly Sun. This traditional and holistic approach to TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) has always been an important part of Laura's approach to health. Laura has also enjoyed passing on her experience and mentoring students in a clinical supervisor role.

Laura also belongs to the acupuncture group AMH -Acupuncture for Mental Health which advocates for acupuncture and Chinese herbal supplements as a safe and effective option to support those with anxiety, depression and mood related disorders. She is passionate about the integration of TCM into both preventative and integrative health care. 

Laura Callaghan

Acupuncturist

Managing Director NAC

BHSc Acupuncture,

Dip. Tuina,

Dip. Qigong/Taichi. Member Acupuncture NZ, Acupuncture for Mental Health (AMH)  

Evergreen Herbal Specialist

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Email: laura@newtownacupuncture.co.nz

Hernan was introduced to Chinese medicine through his extensive training in martial arts. A number of his teachers were Chinese doctors, who taught him massage and acupuncture techniques to overcome injuries. Hernan's passion led him to practice modern Wushu (Olympic Chinese martial arts), traditional Wushu (Hung Gar, Tsun Chiao, etc), Taichi, Hapkido, western boxing and more extensively traditional Shaolin Kung Fu for over 16 years.

Hernan has a great massage repertoire, skilled at both relaxation and stress relief, as well as strong techniques for the more deep tissue and sports focused clients. 

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As well a all these skills, Hernan is a registered lawyer in his home country of Chile, where he studied extensively for 8 years in a competitive university. All these experiences have given Hernan a deep understanding of both mental and physical stress on the body. 

See our page on massage here

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Hernan Rojas Nazar

Massage Therapist

Kickboxing

Shaolin Kung Fu Instructor 

Certificates in Deep tissue, Lymphatic, Decontraction, Relaxation and Weight Reduction massages. Reiki practitioner. 

Shaolin Kung Fu Instructor

Registered lawyer (Chile) 

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Email:hernan@newtownacupuncture.co.nz

Kate spent a year living in China, which deepened her interest in Chinese culture and ignited her passion to learn more. She went on to train at the College of integrated Chinese Medicine in the UK where she received her Bachelor of Science in Acupuncture.

Her background as a professional dancer and yoga teacher means she has first-hand experience of the mechanics of the body. Having experienced many injuries herself, she can also empathize with the struggles involved when the body is out of balance and not functioning as it should be. Kate is passionate about both the physical and emotional benefits of acupuncture and welcomes patients looking to understand their health better.

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Kate also has a strong interest in supporting pregnanct women, and can be found at the NAC community pregnancy clinic on Tuesday's. 

Kate Marley 

Acupuncturist

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BSc (Hons) Acupuncture

Member NZASA, ACC registered.

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Email: kate@newtownacupuncture.co.nz

Kate's  Availability

Tuesday 11am-7pm

Wednesday 9.30am- 3.30pm

Thursday 11.30am-7pm

Friday 9.30am-6.00pm

Saturday 10am-4pm

Edmund studied extensively through the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, obtaining his bachelor degree, and then his masters. After 7 years of university training, he then worked for  a number of years at The Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Shanghai YueYang Hospital of Intergrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine.

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Fortunately, Edmund and his wife then decided to move to New Zealand, where he took up private practice as well as lecturing for the NZ School of Acupuncture and TCM.

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Edmund brings with him a wealth of knowledge, and his kind and sincere manner makes him an excellent practitioner. 

Edmund Peng Liu

Acupuncturist

Masters Degree in Chinese Medicine

Lecturer at NZ School of Acupuncture & TCM

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Email: contact@newtownacupuncture.co.nz

Angela Studied traditional Chinese medicine over 10 years ago, completing diploma's in Acupuncture and Tuina massage from the NZSATCM. She values the hands on therapy of Tuina (Chinese massage) and finds it very helpful in encouraging the body and mind to reset and relax. 

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Angela has a sensitive and caring touch, and will help you soften in to a calm and relaxed state. Her work at NAC is mostly focused on providing relaxation sessions, which can  include, but is not limited to;

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- neck and shoulders

- lower back weakness/ discomfort

- legs and feet massage

- scalp and face

- hands/ forearms

Angela Handscomb

Massage Therapist

Diploma Tuina Massage (Chinese massage) 

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Email:

Jess has recently completed her Level 5 Diploma of Relaxation and Wellness Massage from the New Zealand College of Massage here in Wellington. 

Jess has a great interest in how the human body works and is always wanting to learn more. She is hoping to continue this passion through future studies. 

Jess has a very professional and warm manner. Her skill set and focus is primarily relaxation massage and she finds her joy in helping people unwind and relax from their busy lifestyles. 

Jessica Monaghan

Massage therapist

Diploma of Wellness & Relaxation Massage

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Email: contact@newtownacupuncture.co.nz