Our Approach


I don't see conventional and complementary medicine as competing camps, and I don't believe that “natural” automatically means better.I'm interested in a more practical set of questions: Is it safe? What does the evidence tell us? Is there a plausible reason it might help? And does it make sense for this particular person? 

That means drawing from conventional medicine when it is the right tool, while also considering evidence-informed approaches from nutritional and lifestyle medicine, mind-body medicine, hypnotherapy, behavioural science and other complementary disciplines when they add value.At the centre of all of this is curiosity: looking beyond an isolated symptom, listening carefully to the person's story, understanding how the pieces may connect, and turning that complexity into something useful. 

  

Zivio Core Team

ZIVIO's core team is intentionally small. It allows us to keep things personal, thoughtful and responsive, while working with trusted specialists and collaborators when their expertise is needed. 

Dr Zuzi: A curious Path Through Medicine

I’m Dr Zuzana Oravcova-Wheeler, a New Zealand-trained medical doctor, educator, hypnotherapist and coach, and the founder of ZIVIO Health.

I grew up in Slovakia, where my interest in medicine started remarkably early. This is photographic evidence of me at about five years old, already dressed for the job  and my family had started calling me “Dr Zuzi”

Growing up in Central Europe also shaped how I came to think about healthcare. I was accustomed to a medical culture in which conventional treatment could sit alongside rehabilitation, therapeutic spa treatments, herbal medicines and other long-established approaches. They weren't necessarily viewed as opposing philosophies, but as different tools that could sometimes complement medical care.

My path since then has taken me across countries and disciplines. After studying arts and pharmaceutical sciences, I trained in medicine at the University of Otago and went on to work across general practice and psychiatry, followed by further training in nutritional and environmental medicine, lifestyle medicine, mindfulness, hypnotherapy and coaching.

Each has given me a different lens through which to understand health, behaviour and change.

Confident middle-aged woman with short gray hair wearing a white blouse.

Why I Created ZIVIO

I've always been drawn to the places where health gets complicated. Our bodies and minds don't organise themselves according to medical specialties, and health rarely comes down to one symptom, one system or one simple answer.

At the same time, we have access to more health information than ever before, but more information doesn't necessarily mean better understanding. Online health advice can be overwhelming, contradictory and presented with far more certainty than the science warrants. It can be remarkably difficult to know what to trust.

I created ZIVIO to help cut through that noise. I wanted to offer something I believe is still relatively hard to find: a genuinely broad, whole-person perspective that is also medically grounded, evidence-informed and willing to distinguish what we know from what we don't.

ZIVIO has also grown from something I've seen repeatedly in clinical practice: understanding matters. When people understand their bodies and minds, the connections between them, and the patterns shaping their health, they are better equipped to make informed decisions and create meaningful change.

That's why ZIVIO is increasingly moving beyond the consulting room. Through one-to-one medical care, masterclasses, self-paced learning and supported programmes, my aim is to make complex health information reliable, understandable and genuinely useful.


That is what a wider lens on health means to me.

  

Smiling woman with long red hair in front of a brick wall.

Nancy McAllister- Practice Support Lead

 Originally from Canada, Nancy grew up playing hockey, soccer, and later diving into CrossFit. Her drive for excellence on and off the field has shaped her personal and professional journey. After starting her career in accounting, Nancy discovered a passion for supporting others in the health and well-being space, building teams and helping people create lives on their own terms. This path opened doors to travel and adventure, allowing her to work remotely in countries such as the USA, Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand. Some of Nancy’s highlights include hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, mountain biking Moab’s trails, snowboarding Vermont’s slopes, and chasing waterfalls around the globe. Happiest outdoors and in nature, it’s no surprise she’s now settled in New Zealand, calling Dunedin home. 

Nancy now brings her energy and expertise to ZIVIO HEALTH, keeping the team organized, supported, and running smoothly. She   is the go-to for bookings, admin, and all things behind the scenes at Zivio Health. 


Dr. Zuzi | Founder of ZIVIO Health

    

 DOCTOR · EDUCATOR · CURIOUS MIND 

 

I'm Dr Zuzana Oravcova-Wheeler, originally from Slovakia and now firmly at home in New Zealand, where I trained as a doctor. My path has taken me through general practice, psychiatry, integrative and lifestyle medicine, as well as hypnotherapy and coaching, giving me an unusually broad lens on health and behaviour.

I've always been drawn to the places where health gets complicated, where symptoms don't fit neatly into one box and the usual explanation doesn't quite explain the whole story.

ZIVIO grew from that curiosity. Its name comes from the Slavic root for life, reflecting a way of looking at health that is broader, more connected and deeply interested in how we live. Today, ZIVIO brings together medicine, science, mind-body approaches and education to make complex health more understandable, and help people find practical ways forward.


Meet Us

Zivio Circle of Care

 Good care rarely happens in isolation. Beyond our small core team, ZIVIO works with a trusted network of health professionals and specialists, collaborating when needed to bring the right expertise into each person's care. 

Taste Nature - Organic Shop

Body Synergy Team - Expertise in EMG-Integrated Movement & Rehab

Body Synergy Team - Expertise in EMG-Integrated Movement & Rehab

 Taste Nature is more than an organic store, it’s a warm, community-minded sanctuary for sustainable living, nourishment, and wellbeing . They offer one of New Zealand’s largest ranges of certified organic groceries (from produce and staples to body care and home goods).  With a deep commitment to sustainability - from their own gardens t

 Taste Nature is more than an organic store, it’s a warm, community-minded sanctuary for sustainable living, nourishment, and wellbeing . They offer one of New Zealand’s largest ranges of certified organic groceries (from produce and staples to body care and home goods).  With a deep commitment to sustainability - from their own gardens to zero-waste initiatives like refillery and reusable packaging - Taste Nature brings integrity, expertise, and wholehearted support to the health journeys of our shared clients. 

Body Synergy Team - Expertise in EMG-Integrated Movement & Rehab

Body Synergy Team - Expertise in EMG-Integrated Movement & Rehab

Body Synergy Team - Expertise in EMG-Integrated Movement & Rehab

 

Body Synergy uses cutting-edge surface electromyography (sEMG) technology to guide every movement and rehabilitation program with real muscle data. Their highly skilled team pairs science with personalised support, eliminating guesswork so clients train smarter, recover better, and reach their wellness goals faster. As a collaborator wit

 

Body Synergy uses cutting-edge surface electromyography (sEMG) technology to guide every movement and rehabilitation program with real muscle data. Their highly skilled team pairs science with personalised support, eliminating guesswork so clients train smarter, recover better, and reach their wellness goals faster. As a collaborator with Zivio Health, they bring precision, expertise and tailored care to our shared clients. 

Hannah Majester, Founder of HEaling Trough Korero

Hannah Majester- Founder of Healing Through Kōrero

Body Synergy Team - Expertise in EMG-Integrated Movement & Rehab

Jemma Marr- Holistic Dermal Therapist, Skin Health Studio

BA(hons); MSc(psych); PGDipCinPsych; Angelic Reiki Level 1&2; NLP Practitioner and Life Coach; Pranayama Breathwork Instructor; Romiromi Bodywork Level 1&2


  As an Integrative Practitioner, Hannah’s practice is dedicated to supporting holistic and embodied well-being. Her work bridges clinical and trauma-informed practice with more complex

BA(hons); MSc(psych); PGDipCinPsych; Angelic Reiki Level 1&2; NLP Practitioner and Life Coach; Pranayama Breathwork Instructor; Romiromi Bodywork Level 1&2


  As an Integrative Practitioner, Hannah’s practice is dedicated to supporting holistic and embodied well-being. Her work bridges clinical and trauma-informed practice with more complex spiritual and energetic healing. Hannah works with individuals and groups through workshops, retreats, private sessions, and practitioner development spaces, guiding people through experiences that integrate breath, body awareness, and subconscious re-patterning. She is passionate about creating environments where people feel safe to soften, regulate, and return to their innate capacity for healing.


Jemma Marr- Holistic Dermal Therapist, Skin Health Studio

Jemma Marr- Holistic Dermal Therapist, Skin Health Studio

Jemma Marr- Holistic Dermal Therapist, Skin Health Studio

 Jemma is a devoted skin-health specialist whose work reflects a true “beauty from within” philosophy. In collaboration with Jemma, we offer an integrated approach to managing persistent and complex skin concerns. By combining advanced dermal therapies with Zivio Health’s expertise in lifestyle, physical and emotional health, we address s

 Jemma is a devoted skin-health specialist whose work reflects a true “beauty from within” philosophy. In collaboration with Jemma, we offer an integrated approach to managing persistent and complex skin concerns. By combining advanced dermal therapies with Zivio Health’s expertise in lifestyle, physical and emotional health, we address skin issues at their root - from hormonal and nutritional factors to stress and inflammation. Together, we create personalised, evidence-based care plans that restore balance and support lasting skin health. 

Denis Orel-Bartlett- Holistic Health & Wellness Coach

Jemma Marr- Holistic Dermal Therapist, Skin Health Studio

Denis Orel-Bartlett- Holistic Health & Wellness Coach

 Denis supports clients on their wellness journey with compassion, clarity, and practical guidance. Blending a holistic and strengths-based approach, he helps people create sustainable habits that enhance physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Denis works collaboratively to set achievable goals around nutrition, movement, s

 Denis supports clients on their wellness journey with compassion, clarity, and practical guidance. Blending a holistic and strengths-based approach, he helps people create sustainable habits that enhance physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Denis works collaboratively to set achievable goals around nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, and life balance — empowering clients to make lasting, positive change. Her calm, supportive style and genuine care provide a safe space for growth and transformation. 

Jenny Malcolm- Clarity Coach & EFT Practitioner

Jemma Marr- Holistic Dermal Therapist, Skin Health Studio

Denis Orel-Bartlett- Holistic Health & Wellness Coach

Jenny works with clients who feel stuck or unclear. With expertise in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and clarity coaching, she helps people release mental and emotional blocks so they can move forward with confidence and purpose. Jenny partners with Zivio Health by offering grounding, insight-driven support that complements our integrative care approach. 

Kirsty Sutton – Certified Metabolic Health & Nutrition Coach

Kirsty Sutton – Certified Metabolic Health & Nutrition Coach

Kirsty Sutton – Certified Metabolic Health & Nutrition Coach

Kirsty helps clients reconnect with their energy, balance, and confidence through small, realistic changes informed by evidence-based metabolic health and nutrition science. She supports people experiencing the effects of metabolic syndrome—such as fatigue, blood-sugar swings, or stubborn weight shifts—to find steady progress and renewed 

Kirsty helps clients reconnect with their energy, balance, and confidence through small, realistic changes informed by evidence-based metabolic health and nutrition science. She supports people experiencing the effects of metabolic syndrome—such as fatigue, blood-sugar swings, or stubborn weight shifts—to find steady progress and renewed wellbeing.

Working collaboratively with other practitioners, Kirsty provides wrap-around care that meets each person where they are. Her compassionate, practical approach helps clients create lasting change that often ripples outward, inspiring healthier patterns for their families and future generations.

Merryn Johnston – Health Coach

Kirsty Sutton – Certified Metabolic Health & Nutrition Coach

Kirsty Sutton – Certified Metabolic Health & Nutrition Coach

Merryn is a PREKURE certified health coach who helps people in midlife reconnect with their energy, confidence, and sense of purpose. Drawing on her experience in coaching and education, and a passion for developing people potential, she supports clients to create sustainable changes across all areas of health and wellbeing - from nourish

Merryn is a PREKURE certified health coach who helps people in midlife reconnect with their energy, confidence, and sense of purpose. Drawing on her experience in coaching and education, and a passion for developing people potential, she supports clients to create sustainable changes across all areas of health and wellbeing - from nourishment, movement, and sleep to mindset and psychological wellness. Her approach is compassionate, curious, and deeply client-centred, helping people build lasting momentum towards a balanced, fulfilling life.

Ashleigh Helm – Counsellor & Reiki Master Practitioner

Kirsty Sutton – Certified Metabolic Health & Nutrition Coach

Consultancy House Clinic – Movement, Recovery & Whole-Body Wellness

 Ashleigh is a qualified counsellor and Reiki Master Practitioner who brings a warm, grounded, and holistic approach to supporting emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Her practice combines evidence-based counselling with energy-based healing, helping clients access self-awareness, empowerment, and balance. 

Consultancy House Clinic – Movement, Recovery & Whole-Body Wellness

Consultancy House Clinic – Movement, Recovery & Whole-Body Wellness

Consultancy House Clinic – Movement, Recovery & Whole-Body Wellness

Consultancy House Clinic adds expert movement and bodywork support to the Zivio Health circle of care. Their skilled osteopaths, physiotherapists, and massage therapists help restore balance, ease pain, and improve mobility,  supporting the physical side of healing while we focus on the internal, emotional, and energetic.

Together, we crea

Consultancy House Clinic adds expert movement and bodywork support to the Zivio Health circle of care. Their skilled osteopaths, physiotherapists, and massage therapists help restore balance, ease pain, and improve mobility,  supporting the physical side of healing while we focus on the internal, emotional, and energetic.

Together, we create a gentle, holistic pathway that helps your body move freely, your mind settle, and your whole system return to balance.

Hot Yoga Dunedin-Unwind & Build Resilience

Consultancy House Clinic – Movement, Recovery & Whole-Body Wellness

Hot Yoga Dunedin-Unwind & Build Resilience

 

Hot Yoga Dunedin beautifully complements our holistic care by nurturing movement, strength, flexibility, and embodied awareness. As we support your internal balance and emotional wellbeing, their wide range of practices can help you unwind, build resilience, and reconnect.


Nu Yoga- Functional & Accessible Yoga

Consultancy House Clinic – Movement, Recovery & Whole-Body Wellness

Hot Yoga Dunedin-Unwind & Build Resilience

 Nu Yoga offers a restorative refuge in Dunedin’s heart, combining functional, accessible movement with mindful practice. Their experienced team emphasises attainable yoga for all bodies, guiding clients with warmth and expertise. With offerings ranging from gentle stretching and chair yoga to Hañsa Rest and full classes, Nu Yoga supports

 Nu Yoga offers a restorative refuge in Dunedin’s heart, combining functional, accessible movement with mindful practice. Their experienced team emphasises attainable yoga for all bodies, guiding clients with warmth and expertise. With offerings ranging from gentle stretching and chair yoga to Hañsa Rest and full classes, Nu Yoga supports balance, resilience, and well-being through movement, breath, and rest. As collaborators with Zivio Health, they complement our integrative care approach by bringing connection, presence, and a body-wise perspective to your wellness journey.