about the headache clinic

After experiencing ongoing headaches and migraines following a concussion, our founder, Helen Tufui began searching for a treatment that addressed the true cause, not just the symptoms.

Her journey led her to the Watson Headache Institute in Australia, where she trained in a world-leading approach. In 2014, she opened New Zealand’s first dedicated headache clinic in Invercargill.

Since then, the demand for effective, high-quality care has seen us grow rapidly. With clinics now across New Zealand, more people than ever have access to our specialised services and a real path to relief.

Our team shows up every day with one mission, to help people take back control of their lives. We are passionate, driven, and relentlessly focused on results. Whether it’s returning to work, enjoying family time, or simply living without fear of pain, we are here to help our patients do what they once thought impossible.

We stay at the forefront of the latest research, using advanced techniques and tailored treatment plans to deliver real change, fast. Our goal is to get our patients achieving a significant improvement in their symptoms within a few short weeks.

Helen Tufui

FOUNDER OF THE HEADACHE CLINIC

Bachelor of Physiotherapy

Certified Watson Headache Practitioner

Speaker at The International Watson Headache Symposium, Milan 2018 and online 2020

Research paper with colleagues from University of South Australia and The Watson Headache Institute - Manual Therapy as a Treatment for Migraine with Aura: A Multi-Site Case Series

Certified Complete Concussion Management Clinician

After sustaining a concussion injury, I was plagued with ongoing symptoms. Finding the underlying cause to my own symptoms was life changing. Being able to provide others with this same relief is what sparks my passion for treating headache, migraine and concussion. In 2014, I opened the first Headache clinic of its kind in New Zealand and have worked exclusively in the field of Headache, Migraine and Concussion treatment ever since.

I’ve amassed over 15,000 hours of practical experience in this medical field. Joining with my Australian colleagues, I have co-authored a research paper on the effectiveness of manual therapy on migraine with aura. My dedication, experience and expert knowledge has been acknowledged by national and international speaking invitations.

My key driver is inspiring my team and enabling my patients to take control of their symptoms rather than their condition controlling them.

Our clinicians

Meet our expert team

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senior headache consultant and director – christchurch
Hanlie Kuys

Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Certified Watson Headache Practitioner
Complete Concussion Management Clinician

I thrive on improving my patient’s quality of life and helping them achieve their goals. My passion for treating headache, migraine and concussion is fueled by the dramatic impact these conditions have on my patients lives. I love being able to give people back their lives and helping them realise that they can have control of their symptoms instead of feeling like their symptoms control them.
senior headache consultant and director – auckland (grey lynn & campbells bay)
Hanlie Kuys

Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy)
Certified Watson Headache Practitioner
Complete Concussion Management Clinician

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senior headache consultant and director – hamilton
Yulana Stynder

Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Certified Watson Headache Practitioner
Complete Concussion Management Clinician

I have seen first-hand the impact of headaches, migraines and concussion in family members and patients lives over many years.

I have been driven to find the most effective treatment techniques to help patients with their symptoms and absolutely love working in this area.

I feel grateful to be working in a team that is passionate about changing their patients lives.

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senior headache consultant and director – Invercargill
Lena Bekhuis

Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Certified Watson Headache Practitioner
Complete Concussion Management Clinician

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senior headache consultant and director – dunedin
Anna Zhai

Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Complete Concussion Management Clinician

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Senior headache consultant - auckland - grey lynn
Holly Seebold

Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy)
Post-graduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
Complete Concussion Management Clinician

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headache consultant - auckland - grey lynn
Louise Clemens

Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Postgraduate certificate in Sports Physiotherapy

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headache consultant - auckland - north shore
Michelle Smith

Bachelor of Physiotherapy

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senior headache consultant - hamilton
Stephanie Dickins

Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy)
Complete Concussion Management Clinician

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headache consultant -
hamilton
Candice MacInnes

Bachelor Health Science (Physiotherapy)
Bachelor Sport and Exercise

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senior headache consultant - wellington
Fiona Fulton

Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy)
PG Diploma (Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy)

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headache consultant -
wellington
Kyla Anderson

BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy

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headache consultant -
nelson
Karen Anderson

Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Post-Graduate Certificate in Rehabilitation
Complete Concussion Management Clinician

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senior headache consultant - Christchurch
Colum Mackey

BSc Hons Physiotherapy (Ire)
PG Cert Orth Man Th (Aus)

Certified Watson Headache Practitioner
Complete Concussion Management Clinician

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headache consultant - christchurch
Nic Klever

Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Complete Concussion Management Clinician

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headache consultant - christchurch
Aoife Garvey

Master of Physiotherapy
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

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senior headache consultant - wanaka
Lauren Shepherd

BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
Certified Watson Headache Practitioner
Complete Concussion Management Clinician

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headache consultant -
queenstown
Laura Spalding

BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, Certificate in Orthopedic Manual Therapy (COMT)

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headache consultant -
dunedin
Jonathan Potter

Bachelor of Physiotherapy

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headache consultant -
invercargill
Caroline Sales

Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Post-Graduate in Occupational Physiotherapy | Ergonomics

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headache consultant -
invercargill
Nona McDonald

Bachelor of Physiotherapy

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practice
manager
Stacey Lindsay
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senior
administrator
Georgea Newell
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administrator
Angela Hassed
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administrator
Samantha Tufui
interviews

as seen on

Here are just a few of the interviews that our Founder, Helen has done about Headache, Migraine and Concussion management. Take a look!

join us

Are you a qualified, passionate physiotherapist? Do you thrive on personal development and want the opportunity to grow within this industry? Does the thought of running your own clinic excite you? Then you could be what we are looking for!

We are always searching for enthusiastic and eager physiotherapists to join our team. We have clinics spread throughout New Zealand with one main goal – helping people get more of what they want out of life. By enabling clients to take control of their headache, migraine and concussion, they can take living life to a whole new level.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, contact us today!

Want to find out if this treatment is for you?

about us
Expert headache, migraine and concussion care, focused on getting to the source of your symptoms for lasting relief.

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