From Lawnmowers to

Healthcare Magic.

Michal Noonan

Nurse Practitioner, Innovator & Advocate for Change


With a career spanning more than 40 years across primary care, paediatrics, clinical education, and health management in West Africa, the USA, and New Zealand, Michal brings deep global experience and visionary leadership to every role she takes on. As NP #52 in New Zealand, she stands among the earliest accredited Nurse Practitioners in the country—an early adopter and ongoing champion for the profession.

Michal’s passion for advancing the role of NPs is evident in her boldest move yet: opening a Greenfields VLCA (Very Low Cost Access) practice in Glen Innes, Auckland, in early 2020—a time that would soon become infamous across New Zealand. Despite pandemic pressures and a major setback (including a runaway builder and a $70,000 loss), she transformed an old lawnmower shop into a thriving, and the first Foundation Standard accredited clinic focused on community-first care. Long story short, the builder charged with transforming a crusty Glen Innes lawnmower repair shop into a brandnew practice ran off with their money, costing Ms Noonan not just cash and time but also her staff. Then, only months after finally opening and just shy of enrolling her 15th patient, COVID-19 arrived, and the doors were slammed shut again.

But admitting defeat was not an option, says Ms Noonan. Starting a VLCA practice from scratch was never simply a business venture; it was a mission to show how a nurse-based model of care can not only succeed but should also be part of the fix for an overburdened primary care sector.

Driven by a desire for deeper connection, creativity, and impact, Michal took the kind of risks only those with true grit and vision can. Her clinic stands today not just as a healthcare facility, but as a reflection of what’s possible when values, experience, and courage align.

A vocal advocate for professional recognition of Nurse Practitioners within New Zealand’s health sector, Michal is respected for her practical wisdom, cross-cultural perspective, and unwavering belief in the value of working at the top of one’s scope.

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  • Michal Noonan

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    Michal brings over 23 years of experience across clinical practice, academia, and health sector advisory roles, both in New Zealand and internationally. As one of the early recipients of Nurse Practitioner (NP) accreditation in NZ, Michal has been a trailblazer in NP-led practice ownership, and the support of Nurse Practitioner Interns.

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Hear from our colleagues.

  • I recently completed a clinical placement at Family Health Matters with Michal for my Nurse Practitioner training. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed into a supportive and friendly environment. I feel privileged to experience Michal’s expertise and holistic approach to patient care firsthand. She is dedicated to patient well-being and has a thoughtful, inclusive approach to healthcare. Coming from secondary care in Women's Health, I learned so much from this placement.

    Brittany Gibbons NP

  • It was great experience to learn from Michal. Despite being there for such a short time, It was one of the most valuable learning time. Very professional and caring for her patients and whanau. Lovely receptionists. Strongly recommended primary care practice.

    Gurjit Kaur NP

  • I am a Nurse practitioner intern, and throughout this year, I had a placement at this practice. My specialty is secondary mental health, and so primary care was eye-opening. The team's support, compassion, friendly attitude and clinical abilities made for an enjoyable learning experience. I felt like part of the team from day one. Recently people have asked if I know of any primary care practices I would recommend and have found myself not hesitating to recommend this practice for people to enrol in. It excels at responsiveness to genders, ethnicities, cultures and health needs.

    Jemma Stephens NP

  • Christine Logmao

    Thank you to the entire team for the exceptional care you provide. Your holistic approach—considering not just physical health, but also the emotional, social, and cultural needs of your patients—demonstrates a deep commitment to truly patient-centered care. The way you work collaboratively ensures that every aspect of the patient journey is thoughtfully managed. Your professionalism, warmth, and consistent delivery of high-quality care make a real difference in the lives of the people you serve. It’s inspiring to witness such a cohesive and compassionate team in action.

    Christine Logmao NP Intern