"Patients value her gentle approach, cultural understanding, and dedication to personalised evidence-based care."

When Dr Yirui (Joyce) Zhang arrived in New Zealand in 2002, she brought with her years of training and experience as an obstetrician in China - and an unwavering commitment to continuing her work in maternal and child health. That commitment has shaped a career that is as varied as it is deeply purposeful. 

Rather than stepping back from her specialty, Dr Yirui leaned further into it. She completed her midwifery training at AUT and spent five years practising as an independent midwife - building an intimate understanding of what women and families truly need through every stage of pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. It was hands-on, relationship-centred care at its finest, and it gave her something textbooks alone can't teach: a deep respect for continuity of care. 

In 2013, she qualified as a doctor in New Zealand, adding another dimension to the comprehensive, holistic care she offers her patients today. Her special interests include women's health, pregnancy care, postnatal support, and children's health - a natural extension of everything she has dedicated her career too. 

Fluent in both English and Mandarin, Dr Yirui takes great pride in being able to support families from diverse backgrounds - ensuring that every patient feels heard, understood, and cared for, regardless of the language they feel most comfortable speaking. 

Now with more than ten years at Marina Medical, Dr Yirui is one of the most trusted and respected members of our team. Her journey - from training in China, to midwifery, to general practice in New Zealand - has shaped a doctor who sees the whole person, not just the appointment. We are proud to have her at the heart of our community.