Gary
If you don’t know me already my name is Gary Parker and I am the proud owner of Unichem Waiuku Pharmacy. Our family of three live locally and - fun fact - my wife and I were married in 2010 in a little white chapel in Las Vegas! I have been a Pharmacist since 2001. I have a BSc (Sports Science), DipSci and a BPharm which I completed at Otago University. I initially worked in a Pharmacy in St Lukes Mall for 3 years before my future wife and I ventured on our OE in 2004.
We set ourselves up in the beautiful English town of Cambridge and enjoyed 9 years exploring the sights and tastes of the United Kingdom and Europe. I worked for Boots the Chemist for the 1st year and then decided to locum for the following 8 years. During this time I worked all over the East of England in Tesco, Sainsbury, Asda supermarket pharmacies and the likes of Boots Co-Op and Lloyds. This gave me an opportunity to explore the diverse culture that England has to offer and exposure to new pharmacy initiatives that are just hitting our shores here in NZ.
In 2012 we returned to NZ and I have been working within the Green Cross Health Group since then, managing the Albany Metro Pharmacy, helping set up processes and managing the dispensary for the Whangaparaoa Life Pharmacy and also assisting with a couple of other projects. You might also have seen me on screen in my brief moment of fame as the pharmacist on last years Men's Health Week campaign - though I doubt anyone would consider that my forte!
I am passionate about building great relationships and really love helping the community here in Waiuku. Our customers and patients are delightful and a true representation of the strong community spirit that we have here in Waiuku. We have a great team; I can say honestly it’s the best team I have ever worked in and I am truly lucky to have such superstars. We will always have a smile for you when you walk in and provide you with a fun and helpful service.
Rachel
It is a privilege to work at Unichem Waiuku as we have such a good culture and environment and of course an awesome boss!! We are always looking at going that extra mile for our customers and I love helping with any health advice or just having a good old chat. Outside of the pharmacy, I love food and enjoy baking up a storm.
Clare
Clare arrived in NZ over 20 years ago, but only reached the wonderful area of Waiuku in 2018. She already feels part of the community and is very keen to progress this relationship through her work in the pharmacy.
Having had a very varied and extensive career, initially in the hospital and now within the community pharmacy, she has a great grasp of both environments and supports her customers with advice and information to ensure that they are fully informed. This extends beyond prescribed medication to providing advice on complimentary medicine choices.
She is very approachable with a great depth of knowledge and is only too willing to help in any way she can to meet your pharmacy health needs.
Kaye
My name is Kaye and I have lived in Waiuku almost all my life. My love of Pharmacy started when I was 15 when I did work experience at Barkers Pharmacy on Kitchener Road. At 18 I started at Grafton pharmacy, Auckland hospital. I quickly became a retail manager and I learned so much in my 8 years there. From there I moved to Sydney and managed a busy team at St Vincent's Private Hospital Pharmacy. While I was working there I met my husband Aaron. We moved back to Waiuku in 2013 and our 2 beautiful children now go to Otaua Primary School. I really enjoy working with Gary and the team and my love of pharmacy continues.
Wendy
Throughout my working life I have worked in the health care sector, beginning my career as a nurse, and in 2003 moving into a pharmacy technician role. I have worked at both Waikato and Middlemore Hospitals, allowing me to develop a broad range of knowledge, skills, and experience.
A lifestyle change has brought me back to Waiuku, where I enjoy working closely with customers and colleagues, with the bonus of being closer to home, where I can spend time with my family, and friends.
Erin
I have been a pharmacy technician since 2003 and have been working at Unichem Waiuku since 2018. Previously I worked at Middlemore Hospital Inpatient Pharmacy and still work there on a casual basis during the weekends.
I am married with three children and live in Pukekohe.
In my spare time, I volunteer for a couple of charities and enjoy baking and reading.
I enjoy the community feel of Waiuku and the pharmacy staff is great to work with.
I look forward to seeing you in the store.
Alice
Hi, my name is Alice and I have worked at Unichem Waiuku Pharmacy for 5 years.
Being a true Waiuku local my favorite thing about our pharmacy is how community focused we are because it's the community and people that I've grown up with.
I am currently training as Retail Team Leader and love working with our awesome Team.
Maureen
I have worked in a pharmacy in Waiuku since 1999. I started on the retail side before qualifying as a Pharmacy Technician in 2012. Last year I studied towards a new pharmacy qualification, Pharmacy Accuracy Checking Technician, which means I can complete the final check on prescriptions. There are approximately 50 practicing in New Zealand at present. I really enjoy the busy atmosphere of the pharmacy and also knowing that my job helps most people feel better.
Waiuku has grown immensely over the last 20 years and I am hoping that the natural beauty of this area will open opportunities for new businesses in the town centre and bring an artisan feel to the village.
When I’m not at work my family and I enjoy water and snow skiing, fishing, eating out and long walks on Karioitahi Beach with our dog.
Rachel
My family and I came to New Zealand from the UK in 2001, and have loved exploring this fantastic country ever since. I am married to Don, have two boys and 4 Grandchildren. I trained as a Beauty Therapist back in the UK, but have not practiced since being in New Zealand.
I have worked as a counter assistant for Shiseido at Life Pharmacy, Pakuranga, and enjoyed 13 years in various positions within Nutrimetics New Zealand Ltd, helping Consultants and running the NZ office with the Sales Manager. I have also worked as a buyers assistant for the Health & Beauty Department at Farmers Head Office.
I moved to Waiuku in 2016 and started with Gary and the crew at Unichem Pharmacy Waiuku in November 2018, and love meeting and chatting with all the customers.
Skincare and cosmetics are my passion, so if you have any questions about either, just come on in and see me and let’s have a chat.