Dr Robert Hardy started the practice in January 1959, as a branch practice of the Blockhouse Bay Medical Centre.
A house was transported onto the section at 70 Godley Rd from the Auckland Harbour Bridge construction site, where it had previously been used as the contractor's accomodation.
The hours initially were Tuesday and Thursday, with full 24-hr cover, and every second weekend. Drs Max Pearl and Harold Collinson, from Blockhouse Bay, would cover sessions.
The inaugural staff member was "Daisy" Bell, ex Public Health Nurse.
The fees were 7s 6p (75 cents).
Later, the staff numbers were bolstered with the addition of Iris Caltaux (reception) and Keitha Petley (nurse). Dr Morag Hardy first worked at the the practice in 1972 when Dr Bob was away at his mother's funeral in Invercargill. She developed a more permanent presence in 1975, having previously been a Paediatrician in research, and bringing to General Practice an expertise gained in her specialist training.
Green Bay built up rapidly with Neil Housing subdivisions. As the population grew, other services arrived, with the Primary School opening in 1960, and the High School in 1973.
The new building opened in 1977, Neville Rykers being the draughtsman/builder.
The practice became independent in 1982.
Dr Bob died in 2017 and Dr Morag in 2022.
Dr John Hilton arrived in 1976, and with his interest in Obstetrics, and home birthing in particular, as well as an informed penchant for "alternative" medicine, the practice quickly developed a much larger patient base.
Sadly, John Hilton died October 15th, 1994. The huge turn out at his funeral attested to his immense personal following, and to the esteem in which he was held.
Dr McAllister was another early member of Green Bay Medical Centre. He joined in 1982, and retired in March 2021 after nearly 40 years of commitment to the community. As a senior member of staff he oversaw the growth and evolution of the clinic through many of these years.
Dr McAllister holds diplomas in psychiatry and geriatric medicine with a special interest in the care of the elderly.
