Our Team

Our Team

Director/ Senior Physiotherapist
Blair Jarratt
Blair Jarratt
Director/ Senior Physiotherapist
- blair@buretaphysio.co.nz
Blair is a Director of Bureta Physiotherapy and is the President for Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy New Zealand. He and his brothers and grew up locally in Matua and all attended Otumoetai College before he studied Physiotherapy at Otago graduating in 2000. Blair returned to the Bay of Plenty in 2013 with his wife - Sheree and two children - Ashton and Pippa. After spending 5 years OE in London working as a physio he initially came back to Christchurch where he held National and International sporting positions in Cricket and Rugby, working with Canterbury Cricket, New Zealand Cricket and Canterbury Rugby. Blair is a credentialed therapist of the McKenzie Institute (Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy) an internationally acclaimed method of assessment and treatment for spinal and extremity pain since 2002 and enjoys seeing complex spinal pain complaints. His clinical expertise also include being a lead provider on pain programs helping clients with persistent pain and also helping people return to work.

Blair enjoys an active lifestyle with his family, you are just as likely to find him out and about in our community involved in his childrens sport, as you would out on early morning Road or Mountain bike ride, at the beach or lake or maybe with a snowboard tucked under his arm on the mountain.
Director/ Senior Physiotherapist
Jacinta Horan
Jacinta Horan
Director/ Senior Physiotherapist
- jacinta@buretaphysio.co.nz
Jacinta has been one of the Principle therapists and Directors of Bureta Physiotherapy since 2004. During this time she has worked both in the clinic and Nationally and Internationally with a number of sports teams including 9 years with NZ Rugby with the Blackferns and Blackferns Sevens, HPSNZ at the Youth Olympics, World University Games, NZ Athletics, NZ Waterpolo, and NZ Surf. She continues to work in International Sports Physiotherapy with International Campaigns at Olympics and Commonwealth games in addition to consulting work. In 2019 she became the first NZ Physiotherapist to be registered as a Physiotherapy Specialist in Sports. The result of this is she holds an alternative contract with ACC allowing her to provide more in-depth, fully funded ACC assessments and treatments for appropriate patients and injuries. These must come from external providers with the majority of referrals coming from other physiotherapists for second opinions and medical specialists such as Sports Doctors and Orthopaedic Surgeons. The areas she is most focused on are Athletic hip and groin pain, chronic tendon pain, the sporting shoulder, and the Female Athlete. For more information click here https://www.jacintahoran.co.nz.
Outside of work she is married with three awesome kids that keep life busy. She loves to keep fit and active with running and gymming and whenever she gets the chance snow and water skiing, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Senior Physiotherapist
Marcel Gyde
Marcel Gyde
Senior Physiotherapist
- marcel@buretaphysio.co.nz
Having joined the Bureta Physiotherapy Team shortly after Jacinta took over the reins, I have enjoyed 15 years providing physiotherapy to my home town of Tauranga. Previously spending several years in Auckland, and a similar amount of time in Australia and London, it was refreshing to return back to the outdoor lifestyle of the Bay Of Plenty. Myself, and my life partner Becks, are often seen at the mountain bike parks, surfing the Mount, out in the boat pulling in fish or just walking the shops with our bulldog Guvner, sniffing out the sights of our fast-growing city. With Tauranga being so central in the North Island, we are blessed with the snow mountain of Ruapehu being only a few hours away, so much of winter we are carving up the slopes and venturing into the backcountry. The year 2020 may be known for the COVID 19 virus lockdown, but I am excited to re-visit the great sport of Softball this summer, as my new team sport, which will replace the many years I devoted to basketball in the Bay. The many sporting activities I've been involved in have driven my physiotherapy focus, as well as covering my age groups in Tauranga with the growing demographics. My style of physiotherapy is a very hands-on based approach, incorporating Manual therapy, myofascial massage, acupuncture, muscle balance, and exercise prescription, all delivered with a healthy, professional and slightly cheeky exuberance, as I love my job and workplace. The years at Bureta Physiotherapy have entrenched me in the tapestry of many people's lives in The Bay, indeed across some generations too, and I look forward to meeting and creating more lasting relationships with my clients, the people of Tauranga Moana.
Senior Physiotherapist
Matt Clark
Matt Clark
Senior Physiotherapist
- matt@buretaphysio.co.nz
After graduating from Physio School from what is now known as AUT in 1992 I headed off on an extended OE working in both the United States and the United Kingdom. During this time I worked in a number of private and public hospitals and sports clinics gaining experience in a wide variety of conditions and patient groups treating kids through to older adults. Returning to New Zealand in 1996 I settled in Hamilton and undertook my Acupuncture training through the Physiotherapy Acupuncture Association of New Zealand becoming a Registered Physio Acupuncturist. I ventured overseas again in 2004 this time to the sunny mid north coast of NSW working mainly with the assessment and treatment of local industries in the area. After a 4 year stint in Oz I returned to Hamilton where I have been based at a Sports Med Clinic treating weekend warriors through to elite athletes. The call of better weather has me now relocating to Tauranga. Professionally I bring over 20 years of experience focusing on providing a level of care that enables and empowers clients to be the best caretakers of their physical wellbeing, through both hands on treatment, acupuncture and exercise prescription.

When I am not at work I probably spend far too much time on my mountain bike even getting out to do the odd race now and again - the longer the race the better, there is nothing quite like pedalling a bike round and round in circles for 12 or 24 hours. With the coast so close I am looking forward to dusting of the longboard and growing chillis.
Senior Physiotherapist
Donna Johnstone
Donna Johnstone
Senior Physiotherapist
- Donna@buretaphysio.co.nz
Donna completed her physiotherapy study at AUT and graduated in 2007. She always knew treatment of sports injuries and musculoskeletal physiotherapy was her passion. Donna began her career working in private practices in Auckland before relocating and joining the Bureta team in 2012. Donna has completed further training in Vestibular rehabilitation and has developed a special interest for treating patients with vertigo and those recovering from concussion. She also enjoys treating musculoskeletal and sports injuries aiming for full rehabilitation and prevention, whilst encouraging achievement of patient goals, whatever they may be. When she's not spending time with family and friends, Donna enjoys watching and participating in sports, including football, tennis,running and mountain biking. She is passionate about exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Senior Physiotherapist
Janelle McGirr
Janelle McGirr
Senior Physiotherapist
- janelle@buretaphysio.co.nz
After graduating with a Bachelor of Health Science, Physiotherapy from AUT in 2019, Janelle returned to the Bay of Plenty and joined the Bureta physio team. Janelle has played a variety of sports throughout her school years and has had her own fair share of injuries. This developed her interest in anatomy and revealed the importance of physio within rehab and injury prevention. Janelle is excited to continue to develop her skills alongside such a supportive and experienced team and she looks forward to meeting and working alongside people and making a difference by enabling them to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. Outside of work she enjoys keeping active, being outdoors, and spending time with family.
Senior Physiotherapist
Megan Blair
Megan Blair
Senior Physiotherapist
- megan@buretaphysio.co.nz
Megan graduated from Otago University in 2018 and is currently completing post-graduate study in strength and conditioning through AUT. She spent the last 3.5 years working in a musculoskeletal clinic and gym in the Wairarapa before relocating to Tauranga in June 2022. Megan enjoys taking people right through the rehabilitation journey from acute injury to performance, utilising a combination of exercise and hands-on skills to assist her clients in moving above and beyond their pre-injury level. Megan likes helping people with a range of conditions including running-related injuries, general sports injuries, concussions, and chronic pain. She has a particular interest in female and adolescent athletes, sport-specific conditioning, and load management (making sure people aren't under or overtraining). Megan enjoys completing her own training outside of work and can often be found running, cycling, or in the gym. She also enjoys baking, attending concerts, and curling up to her cat with a good book.
Physiotherapist
Ella Waite
Ella Waite
Physiotherapist
- ella@buretaphysio.co.nz
Ella graduated from the University of Otago in 2022 and decided to make a move from Christchurch to a sunnier part of New Zealand up here in the Bay of Plenty (although she is still a keen Crusaders supporter). Brought up on a healthy diet of sport watching including cricket, rugby, surfing and tennis, you will find Ella can have a good chat on just about any sport.

After playing sports throughout her schooling years and making regular trips to her own physio, Ella was inspired to be a part of getting people back to their best form. Over her years studying Ella was able to be involved in managing many sporting injuries through her time as a rugby medic. She really enjoys being a part of a person's journey to help them achieve their goals through rehabilitation and injury prevention. Ella loves interacting with people and enjoys building connections with patients and encouraging an active lifestyle. In her spare time, you will find Ella enjoying the beach and all nature has to offer or participating in sports such as netball and tennis.
Physiotherapist
Emma Burggraaf
Emma Burggraaf
Physiotherapist
- emma@buretaphysio.co.nz
Emma graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of Otago in 2022.

After exploring all the South Island has to offer and living in both Dunedin and Christchurch, she decided to make the move to the beautiful Bay of Plenty. Originally from Auckland, Emma has spent a lot of time visiting family in Tauranga and is excited to be closer to home.

Emma enjoys treating a wide variety of conditions and helping patients get back to things that make them tick, whether that be getting back on the sports field or going for their daily walk. Emma has a particular interest in working alongside her patients to not only to ensure they are injury free, but confident and motivated to maintain an active lifestyle. Outside of work you'll find her on long leisurely walks, running, or in the gym. She also enjoys catching up with family and friends and finding the best coffee spots in town.
Physiotherapist
Sam Herbert
Sam Herbert
Physiotherapist
- sam@buretaphysio.co.nz
Sam graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Physiotherapy from Bangor University in Wales in late 2021. With two years of experience in both the National Health Service and the private sector in North Wales, Sam has now moved to the Bay of Plenty to explore opportunities overseas.

Sam is passionate about empowering patients by creating personalized management plans tailored to their abilities and goals. He focuses on using functional movement patterns to build confidence and improve mobility for patients of all fitness levels.

Outside of work you'll find Sam in the sea, up a hill or in a forest, exploring what New Zealand has to offer!
Physiotherapist
Natalie Lester
Natalie Lester
Physiotherapist
- natalie@buretaphysio.co.nz
Natalie joined Bureta Physio as a new graduate after receiving her Masters of Physiotherapy degree from University of Auckland in 2024. She moved to NZ to pursue a career in physiotherapy after graduating with a Bachelor of Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia in 2020. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, she loves to ski, hike, surf, and play golf, anything to get outside. She grew up playing sports like ice hockey, baseball, and rugby and has a passion for working within the athletic community, further emphasised by her years as a rugby side-line medic. You can usually find her catching waves, attending Pilates, or checking out the best local spots to eat. She has a passion for movement, exercise, and returning patients to the sports and lifestyles they love. Natalie loves working with an array of presentations from concussion to sports-related injuries to that niggly pain you can't quite get rid of. She's very excited to make the move to the beautiful Bay of Plenty and enjoy all it has to offer!
Receptionist
Rachel Brett-Kelly
Rachel Brett-Kelly
Receptionist
- reception@buretaphysio.co.nz
Hi. I have recently joined Bureta Physiotherapy as a part-time receptionist and am very much enjoying working with such a friendly and professional team, as well as getting to meet the lovely patients who walk through the door.

My husband and I, along with our three children have lived in Tauranga for 13 years, after spending 5 years living in Fox Glacier on the West Coast of the South Island. I love living in Tauranga and enjoy being busy with family and friends. I also like to keep fit by regularly walking up, or running around the mount, as well as playing squash.
Receptionist
Abby Strong
Abby Strong
Receptionist
- reception@buretaphysio.co.nz
Hamilton-born Abby comes with a huge passion for movement through her long involvement with all things dance and fitness. Full-time dance training led to a professional dance career internationally onboard cruise ships and in the Bollywood film industry in Mumbai. While abroad, Abby completed her Personal Training and Group Fitness qualifications to add to her Musical Theatre Diploma and Dance Teaching certificates. After settling back in New Zealand in 2015, Abby founded her own boutique women's dance and fitness space in Hamilton, Studio Glow, which still continues with a fabulous team of instructors since her move to the Bay of Plenty in 2020. Abby adores her family, so in her spare time, aside from gymming and being part of anything theatre/dance, she loves spending time on the water at their Rotoiti family lake house, traveling and getting out into nature.
Receptionist
Kayleigh Sach
Kayleigh Sach
Receptionist
- reception@buretaphysio.co.nz
Born in South Africa, raised in Auckland, built first home in Palmy now living the dream in Papamoa! Kayleigh loves spending time with her family be that mountain biking in the hills, swimming/ boogie boarding at the beach, or trekking up and around the Mt. When Kayleigh was applying for university, she had her heart set on two paths bachelor of science with a specialisation in environmental science or to be physio... the latter never eventuated but the interests was always there! She has worked in a physio clinic for the past 7 years in administration and looks forward to the adventure continuing at Bureta physio.
Receptionist
Mea Batchelor
Mea Batchelor
Receptionist
- reception@buretaphysio.co.nz
Mea, a proud local of Mt Maunganui, has always had a passion for both sports and connecting with people. Growing up, she played a variety of sports and even took on coaching roles, where she developed a strong sense of teamwork and leadership. With a diverse background working as a receptionist at holiday parks across New Zealand, Mea discovered her love for interacting with people from all walks of life. Her dedication to ensuring guests' expectations were not only met but exceeded, has been a cornerstone of her approach to service. Now, Mea is thrilled to bring her bubbly personality and enthusiasm for learning to Bureta Physiotherapy, where she looks forward to further expanding her skill set and contributing to the clinic's welcoming environment.
Massage Therapist
Martina Migliore
Martina Migliore
Massage Therapist
Martina came all the way from Argentina to play hockey in New Zealand. She has dedicated her life to sports and staying active. As a passionate Sports Massage Therapist and Certified Physiotherapist Assistant, she has built a wealth of experience helping individuals recover and thrive. Martina collaborates closely with physiotherapists to provide tailored support that empowers clients to achieve their fitness goals and enhance their everyday movement. Her goal is to improve recovery, prevent injuries, decrease muscle tension, enhance performance, and promote better posture. With a background as a Physical Education Teacher, she loves educating others about the body and how it works, sharing her passion for movement and well-being. Martina also teaches Pilates, focusing on improving strength, flexibility, and overall wellness. As an athlete involved in hockey and football, she understands firsthand the importance of staying active. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, hiking, CrossFit, and skating. Her mission is to inspire and empower others to embrace movement and become the best versions of themselves.