about us
We’re bariatric surgery specialists
At Renovate Nutrition, we specialise in bariatric surgery nutrition, guiding clients from pre-surgery preparation through post-operative care and beyond.
We combine solid scientific knowledge with compassion to ensure every phase is well-supported. Our passionate dietitians create lifelong health transformations with personalised, realistic guidance.
By crafting strategies that focus on lasting health and addressing the unique challenges and natural fluctuations of weight management, we empower our clients to lead healthy, confident lives.
The team
renée mackintosh
Managing Director / Specialist Bariatric Dietitian
BSc, PgDipDiet, NZRD
Renovate Nutrition is owned and operated by Renee Mackintosh, an experienced and qualified Dietitian and Nutrition Consultant born and raised in Southland. Renee and her small professional team look forward to assisting you along every step of your journey.
Renee is dedicated to improving her clients wellbeing and is one of their biggest supporters to better health. With a rich background from Otago University to specialist roles overseas, Renee’s expertise lies in integrating scientific knowledge into practical, personalised nutrition plans. Renee has 15 years experience in working specialist roles of bariatric nutrition and specilalist diabetes dietitian roles.
She thrives on connecting with clients, refining their dietary strategies to enhance health and well-being, Renee ensures nutrition advice, exercise and dietary plans fit within family and life commitments and the demands of a busy lifestyle.
Outside the clinic, Renee is a proud mum to 4 children. She loves spending time with her family, getting outdoors for a refreshing ocean swim, camping or exploring our beautiful enivironment. She has always had a love for baking, cooking and sharing in culinary delights with family and friends
Renée is supported by a dedicated team of experienced dietitians, each bringing their own unique expertise to Renovate Nutrition
kim te
Specialist Bariatric Dietitian
BSc, PgDipDiet, NZRD
Kim Te is a seasoned dietitian with a diverse background spanning roles from Auckland’s Waitemata District Health Board to London’s Imperial College Healthcare.
His extensive experience includes working in renal, surgical, gastroenterology, and intensive care. He also worked at Otago University as a Professional Practice Fellow for the Masters of Dietetics programme.
At Renovate Nutrition, Kim leads our Dunedin clinics as well as travelling to Invercargill to support clients in the deep south. He specialises in supporting clients through their bariatric surgery journey, striving to create dietary transitions from before through to after bariatric surgery that are smooth and easy to understand.
Kim integrates his strong science background and passion for nutrition into his practice. Kim thrives in building relationships with clients and developing nutrition routines that seamlessly fit into their daily lives.
Laura peat – Currently on leave
Specialist Bariatric Dietitian
BSc, PgDipDiet, NZRD
Meet Laura, a Specialist Bariatric Surgery Dietitian who runs our Central Otago Clinics.
Laura is passionate about postpartum and pregnancy nutritional support, and she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role.
She earned her Master of Health Science in Nutrition and Dietetics with first-class honours from the University of Auckland, where she excelled in Food Science and Nutrition.
Her diverse experience spans roles at the Bay of Plenty DHB and private practice in Auckland and Dunedin, with specialisations in rehabilitation nutrition, eating disorders, and digestive health.
Now based in Queenstown, Laura brings a deep passion for enhancing client relationships with food through evidence-based, collaborative approaches.
Outside the clinic, she's a skiing enthusiast, a devoted Disney fan and loves to bake.
Jo pannabecker
Aged Care Registered Dietitian
B.Ag.Sci, M.Appl.Sci, NZRD
Meet Jo, our NZ Registered Dietitian with a passion for aged care and community nutrition.
Raised with a love for country living, Jo pursued agriculture at Lincoln University before embarking on a career in dietetics.
She advocates passionately for the unique nutritional needs of elders, seamlessly blending clinical expertise with food service management. At home in Auckland in her 3-generation household , Jo runs her private practice 'Elders At My Table'™, dedicated to enhancing the nutrition of elders living independently.
Whether discussing the latest in IDDSI frameworks or sharing nutrition tips, Jo brings warmth and professional insight to every conversation.
Sarah Johnstone
Administrator & organiser of all things Renovate
Sarah is born and raised in Invercargill and has 15 years of experience in medical administration and management.
Sarah dedicates herself to being caring and compassionate with clients helping them navigate their way through the healthcare requirements.
Sarah has always had a love of the outdoors. Whether it’s biking, camping, traveling, or delving into history, she finds real pleasure exploring what the world has to offer.
Her kitchen talents aren't too shabby, she enjoys whipping up delicious dishes for family and friends, while enjoying the company with a glass of wine.
When she’s not working or adventuring outdoors, Sarah loves immersing herself in good music, reading, or enjoying a show or movie.
She is married and a proud mum of two energetic boys, who fill her life with excitement and love.
Embrace a non-dieting approach to weight stability with real foods and meal plans that fit your family life and food preferences.
