Today (Tuesday) marks the end of an era for Newport alternative therapists Ed and Rhona Edmonds, as the couple and their three teenage children head for pastures new in New Zealand.

Medical herbalist and craniosacral therapist Rhona and her husband Ed, who specialises in acupuncture, reflexology, massage and manipulation, set up the Natural Healthcare Centre in the town’s Long Street more than 16 years ago.

Before then Rhona, who has been practicing in the area for 21 years, had helped establish the Natural Healing Centre in Fishguard.

The couple have seen the Newport centre go from strength to strength. It now offers an extensive variety of alternative therapies and hosts a thriving herbal dispensary.

It will now be run by therapists Lara and Emma with a new acupuncturist and osteopath to cover Ed’s role.

“We want to thank the people who have been our patients all over the years,”

said Rhona. “We want the best care for our patients and have people coming in to take our places who we completely endorse.”

The Edmonds family is attracted to the outdoor lifestyle offered by New Zealand.

“Pembrokeshire started us off on that and we want to expand on it,” said Rhona.

They will move to the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, 40 minutes outside Aukland, where Ed and Rhona hope to establish a new practice.

“We have been very happy here,” said Rhona. “Living in Newport has been the best upbringing the kids could have had and Fishguard School has been great for them.

“We feel that it’s time to start a new chapter in life and embark on a new adventure as a family. It’s the right thing to do.”