PremiumJoanna WaneSenior Feature Writer Lifestyle Premium·NZ Herald·15 Aug, 2026 12:00 AM6 mins to read‌Former Auckland dentist Chris Leishman is the new owner of Kaipara Dental in Dargaville. Photo / Mirror View PhotographyFormer Auckland dentist Chris Leishman is the new owner of Kaipara Dental in Dargaville. Photo / Mirror View PhotographyAsk Chris Leishman why he gave up his dental practice in Herne Bay and moved to Dargaville – a town he’d never set foot in – and the answer is simple.

“I just feel needed,” he says. “Auckland doesn’t need any more dentists. It felt like I was a bit