About us

Areas of Practice

• Body and Vascular Imaging
• Interventional and Vascular Procedures

Current Appointments

• Managing Radiologist, ARG Te Tai Tokerau Radiology
• Managing Radiologist, Auckland Radiology Group
• Managing Radiologist, Pacific Radiology Waikato
• Interventional Radiologist, Auckland City Hospital

With more than 20 years delivering quality healthcare, Dr Stephen Merrilees is ARG Te Tai Tokerau Radiology's Managing Radiologist/Medical Director and is also an Interventional Radiologist at Auckland City Hospital. Steve is an Otago University graduate who then completed Fellowships in Auckland, at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh, Scotland and in Melbourne, Australia.

While Steve is involved in all areas of body imaging and intervention, he has particular interest in Hepatobiliary and Vascular Imaging and Intervention. He has published in peer reviewed journals, co-written book chapters, and been involved in local and international meetings both as invited Faculty and Convenor. He has previously been the NZ branch representative of the Interventional Radiology Society of Australasia (IRSA); Australasian Committee member for the Asia Pacific Society of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology (APSCVIR) and NZ representative for the Conjoint Committee for the Recognition of Training in Peripheral Endovascular Therapy (CCRTPET). 

Areas of Practice

• Musculoskeletal Imaging
• Musculoskeletal Procedures
• General Radiology

Current Appointments

• Whangārei Hospital – Clinical Radiologist

Dr Laura Hill graduated from the University of Auckland Medical School in 2011 and completed her radiology training in Auckland. She completed the musculoskeletal sports imaging fellowship in Perth with SKG Radiology in 2023. Originally from Whangārei, she returned to Northland in 2024 and currently works as a MSK and general radiologist with ARG Te Tai Tokerau, ARG and at Whangārei Hospital.

Laura has continued her contributions to research, publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at several international conferences, whilst having an active role in radiology and education. She was the NZ representative on the RANZCR Clinical Radiology Trainee Committee in 2021 and was involved with several other RANZCR committees.

Areas of Practice

• Breast Imaging
• Body & Oncology Imaging
• Women’s Imaging
• Interventional Radiology

Dr Ria Minnie has more than 13 years’ experience as a radiologist and has been part of our ARG Te Tai Tokerau team since February 2024. Originally from South Africa, she moved to New Zealand in 2019 to work with the Northern District Health Board. Ria has a special interest in Breast Imaging, Body and Oncology, Interventions and Women’s Imaging.