Takapuna Como Street

Meet Our Team

Takapuna Chris
Dentist

Dr Chris Ferreira

Chris graduated from the University of Pretoria, South Africa in 1984, and completed an honours degree in 1989. From 1984 he gained valuable experience, first working in the Defence Force medical services, followed by a period with the Department of National Health. He was in solo private practice in South Africa for 12 years before making the move to New Zealand in mid-2006.

He enjoys practising dentistry, maintaining a keen interest in cosmetic dentistry and implantology, and his goal is to provide high-quality care, professionally and ethically in a friendly and caring environment.

In his free time, he enjoys cycling, tramping, playing the piano, live theatre and reading.

Mt Eden Daniel
Senior Clinician

Dr Daniel Kamariera

With over 25 years of experience in dentistry, Dr. Dan Kamariera is a highly skilled and compassionate clinician who has dedicated his career to providing exceptional care. After graduating from Otago University with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 1999, he spent nine years honing his expertise in London before returning to New Zealand. For the past 12 years, Dan has been an integral part of the Lumino Takapuna team, where his patients benefit from his extensive knowledge and gentle approach.

Dr. Dan practices all areas of general dentistry, with a special focus on cosmetic dentistry and restoring dental function.…

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With over 25 years of experience in dentistry, Dr. Dan Kamariera is a highly skilled and compassionate clinician who has dedicated his career to providing exceptional care. After graduating from Otago University with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 1999, he spent nine years honing his expertise in London before returning to New Zealand. For the past 12 years, Dan has been an integral part of the Lumino Takapuna team, where his patients benefit from his extensive knowledge and gentle approach.

Dr. Dan practices all areas of general dentistry, with a special focus on cosmetic dentistry and restoring dental function. His expertise includes advanced treatments such as dental implants and sedation, ensuring his patients receive both outstanding aesthetic results and long-lasting solutions. Whether it’s a small filling or a complete smile makeover, Dan’s passion is to deliver work that not only looks great but stands the test of time.

A committed lifelong learner, Dan continues to refine his skills and stay at the forefront of modern dental techniques. He has trained at the renowned Kois Centre in Seattle, where he learned the latest advancements in restorative and aesthetic dentistry, all grounded in evidence-based practices.

Patients appreciate Dan not just for his expertise but for his ability to create a comfortable, welcoming environment. Understanding that many people feel anxious about dental visits, he strives to make every experience as relaxed and positive as possible. His loyal patient base speaks to his success, sharing glowing feedback about both the quality of care and the enjoyable conversations they share with him.

“Very happy! Have had some dental work done by Dan over the past couple of months, and I am so pleased with everything. He is very kind, considerate, professional, and did I mention kind! Feeling very lucky to have found such a great dentist!”
— Alison Jacobs, patient

Outside of the practice, Dan is kept busy by his two young daughters. When he’s not cheering them on from the sidelines at sports events, he enjoys spending time at the beach, hiking in the bush, or attempting to improve his golf game. A passionate student of Te Reo Māori, Dan also makes time to visit his roots in Ahipara whenever he can.

Fleur W Como
Dentist

Dr Fleur Woolford

Fleur graduated from the University of Otago in 2009 with Distinction and the Harvey Brown Prize for Excellence. She joined the Takapuna team in January 2018 and loves working with the passionate clinicians here.

Her clinical interests are diverse, encompassing orthodontics—both early intervention and advanced treatments such as braces and Invisalign for all ages—as well as family and cosmetic dentistry, and minimal intervention techniques. Fleur is particularly adept at using composite resin to create instant direct veneers that preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible. She takes a comprehensive approach to dental care, aiming to prevent unexpected issues and…

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Fleur graduated from the University of Otago in 2009 with Distinction and the Harvey Brown Prize for Excellence. She joined the Takapuna team in January 2018 and loves working with the passionate clinicians here.

Her clinical interests are diverse, encompassing orthodontics—both early intervention and advanced treatments such as braces and Invisalign for all ages—as well as family and cosmetic dentistry, and minimal intervention techniques. Fleur is particularly adept at using composite resin to create instant direct veneers that preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible. She takes a comprehensive approach to dental care, aiming to prevent unexpected issues and ensure that each treatment is tailored to the patient's lifestyle, budget, and goals for a smile they love.

Committed to ongoing learning, Fleur regularly attends continuing education courses both in NZ and overseas and has completed the Lumino Go programme, which focuses on providing comprehensive, evidence-based dentistry. In 2024, she further advanced her expertise by earning a postgraduate diploma in orthodontics, focusing on clear aligner therapy.

Fleur is also dedicated to promoting holistic wellness within the dental profession. As the chair of the New Zealand Dental Association Benevolent Fund, she plays a crucial role in supporting the well-being of dentists across New Zealand. Her contributions to the field were recognized in 2024 when she was inducted as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists—a prestigious honour awarded by invitation only, recognizing exceptional professional achievements and dedication to the advancement of dentistry.

Outside of work, Fleur enjoys yoga, cooking, and exploring Auckland with her husband and daughters. She volunteers with the Breast Cancer Foundation and leads Mainly Music sessions on Fridays.

Takapuna Peter
Dentist

Dr Peter Rucastle

Peter graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1989. He has practiced both in the UK and in South Africa, owning his own practice in Johannesburg, before moving to New Zealand in 2016.

Peter believes in providing quality and lasting dental treatment options in a relaxed and virtually pain-free environment. He enjoys general dentistry but has a special interest in endodontics (root canals), Invisalign (moving teeth into ideal positions with clear plastic aligners), aesthetic dentistry, especially restoring worn teeth utilizing bonding, veneers, crowns, and whitening, as well as placing dental implants to replace missing teeth.

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Peter graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1989. He has practiced both in the UK and in South Africa, owning his own practice in Johannesburg, before moving to New Zealand in 2016.

Peter believes in providing quality and lasting dental treatment options in a relaxed and virtually pain-free environment. He enjoys general dentistry but has a special interest in endodontics (root canals), Invisalign (moving teeth into ideal positions with clear plastic aligners), aesthetic dentistry, especially restoring worn teeth utilizing bonding, veneers, crowns, and whitening, as well as placing dental implants to replace missing teeth.

"Invisalign is an amazing orthodontic option to move teeth into ideal positions in order to facilitate better aesthetic outcomes, doing away with uncomfortable brackets and wires"

He enjoys being part of the experienced team at Takapuna, and constantly thrives to hone his skills by attending continuing education courses locally and abroad.

When he is not in the clinic, he is passionate about endurance sports and is an active triathlete, having recently completed the Taupo Ironman and a number of half Ironman's, as well as numerous cycling and half-marathon races.

Takapuna Teen
Hygienist

Teena Olsen-Smith

As a dedicated and experienced dental hygienist, Teena is passionate about providing exceptional care to all her patients, especially those with advanced periodontal conditions. With 11 years of experience in the field, Teena specialises in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease, working closely with our patients and their dentists to restore and maintain their oral health.

Teena ensures that every patient receives the best care available, tailored to their individual needs. In addition to her expertise in periodontal therapy, Teena is committed to promoting preventive care, helping patients understand the importance of daily oral hygiene routines and regular…

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As a dedicated and experienced dental hygienist, Teena is passionate about providing exceptional care to all her patients, especially those with advanced periodontal conditions. With 11 years of experience in the field, Teena specialises in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease, working closely with our patients and their dentists to restore and maintain their oral health.

Teena ensures that every patient receives the best care available, tailored to their individual needs. In addition to her expertise in periodontal therapy, Teena is committed to promoting preventive care, helping patients understand the importance of daily oral hygiene routines and regular dental visits. Teena is also dedicated in providing dental care for our adolescents aged between 13 to 18 and ensures their visit at Como is a positive one. Her caring and bubbly attitude makes her a favourite with our nervous patients. Teena works Monday to Friday.

Takapuna Michael
Hygienist

Michael Ralm

Michael graduated from the University of Otago School of Dentistry in 2002 with a Diploma of Dental Hygiene and is a member of the New Zealand Dental Hygienists Association.

By keeping up to date with the latest techniques in dentistry, Michael will make your visit a pleasant experience. He has a passion for maintaining dental health with a focus on preventing and controlling disease management which in turn can reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. By establishing a positive rapport with his patients and educating good oral health practices, Michael's aim is to help you keep your teeth…

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Michael graduated from the University of Otago School of Dentistry in 2002 with a Diploma of Dental Hygiene and is a member of the New Zealand Dental Hygienists Association.

By keeping up to date with the latest techniques in dentistry, Michael will make your visit a pleasant experience. He has a passion for maintaining dental health with a focus on preventing and controlling disease management which in turn can reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. By establishing a positive rapport with his patients and educating good oral health practices, Michael's aim is to help you keep your teeth for life.

What Michael loves most about his role is the variety of people and personalities. He enjoys working in a team environment where he can bounce ideas and solutions to help some of our more challenging patient cases.

In his spare time Michael likes to stay fit at his local gym, he enjoys the outdoors - beach walks and fishing and practicing his culinary skills in the kitchen. Recently, Michael has taken up gardening and enjoys seeing the results of growing different vegetables and plants. 

Takapuna Jake
Clinical Technician

Jake Innes

Jake has a Diploma in Dental Technology, an Advanced Certificate in Clinical Dental Tech and is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Dental Technologists. He has been working as a clinical technician for 15 years and enjoys the hands-on creativity of designing and making new smiles. Jake also works out of Lumino The Dentists Red Beach.

His specialties include repairs, partial dentures, full upper and lower dentures.

When Jake is not busy working he likes to spend time with his family outdoors fishing, snorkelling, camping, hiking and skiing.

Nada Photo
Oral Health Therapist

Nada Fatouhi

Nada graduated as an Oral Health Therapist in 2009 from AUT.

She enjoys working with people to help them achieve better oral health. Her strengths are in working with people with dental anxiety and working with them to overcome their fear of dentistry.

Nada wants to pass on her knowledge to patients to achieve great oral health outcomes and enjoys working in a friendly team environment and meeting new patients.

Outside of the practice, Nada enjoys walking on the beach and going for coffee with her husband.

Chailani Francis
Oral Health Therapist

Chaitali Francis

Chaitali graduated with a BHSc (Oral Health) from the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in 2009.

Chaitali's dental interests include preventative dentistry and minimally invasive dentistry. Her goals include building rapport and long term relationships with her patients for the best quality dental outcome.

The thing Chaitali enjoys the most about her job are her patients and the amazing, daily conversations with all of them.

Outside of work Chaitali enjoys gardening, cake decorating and spending time with her two beautiful daughters.

Her favourite place to be is at a nice restaurant with her friends having great chats over food and drinks. She is also a big fan of the Marvel Universe.

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Practice Manager

Karen Blay

Karen's goals for the practice are to provide great customer service and ensure every patient has a positive dental experience.

Karen enjoys meeting new people and working with a caring team in a busy practice.

Outside of work, Karen enjoys yoga and going to the beach but most of all she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Her favourite place to be is on the water on her stand up paddle board or on her yoga mat. Karen also enjoys doing headstands and handstands to relieve stress and tension.