Founder, Director & Registered Nurse

Bernadine Thomas

Bernie is a Registered Nurse with more than 20 years in beauty, massage and wellness. She built Rise as a place to be properly looked after, body and mind.

GET TO KNOW BERNADINE

The people behind your care.

Registered Nurse

Bachelor of Nursing Māori, registered with the Nursing Council

20+ years

Beauty, massage, nutrition, coaching and breathwork

Te Whare Tapa Whā

Whole-person care grounded in manaakitanga

Meet Bernadine.

I'm Bernadine Thomas, though most people call me Bernie. I'm a Registered Nurse and the founder of Rise Medi Spa, and I've worked in beauty and wellness for more than 20 years. I started as a beauty therapist and massage therapist, then qualified as a life coach, nutrition coach and breath coach, and I've trained beauty therapists and health practitioners internationally.

Nursing came later, because I kept wanting to understand why people don't feel well, not just how they look. I completed my Bachelor of Nursing Māori and have nursed in emergency, acute medical, surgical, neurology, mental health and aged care.

When you book with me, you'll be heard and respected, never judged, rushed or treated like a number. I'll give you honest advice, even when it isn't what you want to hear. Every service at Rise is delivered within scope, and if something is better treated elsewhere, I'll tell you and help you get to the right person.

My approach comes from Te Whare Tapa Whā, looking after tinana, hinengaro, wairua and whānau together. You might come in for a facial, a massage or your brows. If you want more, we can also work on nutrition, breathing, stress and habits, with realistic changes you can actually keep.

As a Māori woman, a mum of two grown children and a nurse, I know how easy it is to put everyone else first. I built Rise as a place to take a breath and be looked after for a change, and sometimes to have a bloody good laugh while you're at it. Come as you are. Leave feeling more like you.

Qualifications

Registered Nurse — Nursing Council of New Zealand
Bachelor of Nursing Māori
Qualified Beauty Therapist
Qualified Massage Therapist
Qualified Life, Nutrition and Breath Coach

What Bernadine does

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

A little love for Bernadine.

Kind words from Bernadine’s clients, including those who knew her at her previous Wainui clinic.

She explained everything she was doing and made the whole experience feel really personal rather than just another treatment.

MelissaFacial

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My facial with Bernie was honestly heavenly. She explained everything she was doing and made the whole experience feel really personal rather than just another treatment. My skin felt so soft and hydrated afterwards, but it was the relaxation that I loved the most. Bernie has a beautiful way of making you feel safe, comfortable and completely cared for. I’ll definitely be back.

— Melissa

I’ve been going to Bernie for beauty treatments for years and there is a reason I keep coming back.

LisaWaxing & beauty

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I’ve been going to Bernie for beauty treatments for years and there is a reason I keep coming back. She is professional, friendly and incredibly thorough. Waxing can sometimes be awkward, but Bernie makes you feel completely comfortable and never rushed. The results are always fantastic and I know I’m in safe hands. Rise feels like somewhere you can genuinely relax and be yourself.

— Lisa

From the moment I walked through the door I felt completely comfortable and looked after.

BridgetMassage & facial

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I had the most amazing massage and facial at Rise. From the moment I walked through the door I felt completely comfortable and looked after. Bernie has such a calming energy and really takes the time to understand what you need. The massage was exactly what my body needed, and my skin felt absolutely incredible afterwards. I left feeling lighter, refreshed and like I’d finally taken a moment for myself. I honestly can’t recommend Rise enough.

— Bridget

More kind words for Bernadine

I never felt rushed and the whole experience was lovely. It’s those little details that make such a difference.

JoanBeauty & brows

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I had my brows done at Rise and absolutely loved them! Bernie really listened to what I wanted and somehow managed to make them look natural but polished. I never felt rushed and the whole experience was lovely. It’s those little details that make such a difference. I walked out feeling fabulous and definitely a little more put together!

— Joan

I’ve followed Bernie for more than 10 years and have watched her business evolve through so many different stages. Rise is absolutely my favourite yet.

JulieLong-term beauty client

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I’ve followed Bernie for more than 10 years and have watched her business evolve through so many different stages. Rise is absolutely my favourite yet. The clinic is stunning private, peaceful and beautifully designed. It feels like you’ve stepped away from the outside world for a while. Bernie has always had that ability to make you feel completely comfortable, but now she has created a space that matches the experience she has always wanted to give her clients.

— Julie

Everything was done beautifully and I felt so comfortable throughout the appointment.

EmmaFacial

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I booked a facial before an event and I honestly felt like a new woman walking out of Rise! Everything was done beautifully and I felt so comfortable throughout the appointment. Bernie has such a lovely manner and makes you feel like you’re catching up with a friend while still receiving completely professional service. My skin was glowing.

— Emma

YOUR NEXT CHAPTER

Make time for yourself.

BOOK WITH BERNADINE