Waipukurau Team
The Vet Services clinic in Waipukurau has a strong team of production animal & companion animal vets. The practice offers a wide range of services for all animal species. Our on-site horse stocks provide a convenient location for all your equestrian needs as well as surgery facilities and consult rooms for your precious pets.
Management TeaM
Brendan James
General Manager of Vet Services Hawke’s Bay
Brendan joined the Vet Services Team in 2011 as our Business Manager. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant, is passionate about Hawkes Bay, animals and the rural sector and has been often referred to as a wannabe farmer. He really enjoys the veterinary industry and all of the challenges that come with it.
In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife Kelly, son Hamish and daughter Holly. A self-confessed sports nut, BJ as he is more commonly known spends as much time as he can on the tennis court, golf course and mountain bike trails. He has also completed two half iron-mans and the jury is out on whether there will be any more! BJ also takes more than a passing interest in the thoroughbred industry.
Camille Flack
Production Animal Veterinarian Group Leader
After completing her Veterinary Degree at Massey University, Camille started work in 2004 in Dannevirke. The rest of the world beckoned and she went off to work overseas, first in Australia and then in the UK. In 2007 she returned to NZ working in the Rangitikei region. Still keen to broaden her horizons and experience, she moved to the South Island to work in Cheviot. Whilst here she enjoyed working with a diverse range of sheep breeds in some amazing parts of the countryside.
In 2014 she headed north and started work at Vet Services Hawkes Bay. Here at Vet Services Camille enjoys working together with farmers to achieve the best out of their animals and farm production systems. Outside of work Camille spends time on her farm and enjoying the outdoors with her partner and son.
Caroline Robertson
Companion Animal Veterinarian Group Leader
Caroline has been with our Waipukurau team since 1985. She is primarily involved in companion animal medicine and surgery but has a specialist interest in production animals due to her involvement with her own farming operations.
Caroline is the immediate past President and Chair for the New Zealand Veterinary Association. And has been a key figure in the Association which is committed to safeguarding the high skills, continuing the development and ethical standards of the New Zealand veterinary profession.
When not travelling to Wellington or working at Vet Services, she’s on the family farm at Omakere in coastal Central Hawke’s Bay.
Arron Scoble
Retail Group Manager
Arron is the Vet Services Hawke’s Bay retail group manager where he works closely with production animal clients, vet staff and supplier companies. He re-joined Vet Services in February 2016 after previously working for Vet Services in Hastings in the early 2000’s.
In between this time, he primarily worked in the rural banking sector after starting his career in a farm merchandise store in Waipukurau. Outside of work he enjoys time with family, Wednesday night tennis and is an avid sports follower.
Louise Humphreys
Business Services Manager
Jess Nielson
Operation & Administration Group Manager
Jess is one of our most experienced Vet Nurses who has been with Vet Services since 2004.
Over the years her position has developed and she is now our Head Nurse, Business Development and Small Animal Clinic Coordinator.
Though not handling the day to day care of our patients as much these days, Jess’s role involves working across our five clinics helping with business development, mentoring our nursing team, and ensuring you and your pets have the best experience when visiting our clinic.
In her spare time, Jess enjoys spending time with her family and pets, and making the most of the Hawkes Bay sun and beach.
veterinarians
Alyse Hansen
Mixed Practice Veterinarian
Annelise Enslin
Companion Animal Veterinarian
Annelise graduated from the University of Pretoria in South Africa and joined the team in 2014, shortly after immigrating to New Zealand.
She is passionate about companion animal health and a key member of our busy Waipukurau Clinic. She brings with her experience with exotic birds and reptiles, many dog breeds and enjoys doing a wide variety of soft tissue surgery and clinical work.
When she is not working Annelise enjoys getting into the outdoors part of life, hiking and fishing, spending time with her partner, family and dogs and catching the Hawke’s Bay sunshine.
Abbigail Robinson
Mixed Practice Veterinarian
Elise van Dijck
Mixed Practice Veterinarian
Gabby Muschamp
Mixed Practice Veterinarian
Gabby’s passion for animal health started from a young age as she watched her Dad and his colleagues working in their mixed practice vet clinic in Edendale. Gabby graduated from Massey University in 2014 and spent the first few years of her career working in Canterbury where she was given the opportunity to work with a variety of clients including large dairy, sheep, cattle and lifestyle farms.
After a big overseas adventure Gabby moved to the sunny Hawke’s Bay and joined our busy Waipukurau Team. When she’s not working you’ll find Gabby helping her partner on the farm, cycling, hunting or playing sport.
George Smith
Large Animal Veterinarian
Harry Whiteside
Production Animal Veterinarian
Harry has been with Vet Services since 2003 after emigrating from the UK and spending a couple of seasons in Taranaki. The lure of sheep and beef work drew him to Waipukurau where he is now more than happy to immerse himself in all aspects of production animal work.
Outside of work he loves spending time with his family out and about in the greater Hawke’s Bay region and has been heavily involved as a coach to the CHB junior football rep team.
Joyce Anita
Mixed Practice Veterinarian
Kathryn Sigvertsen
Large Animal Veterinarian
Kathryn has been with Vet Services Waipukurau since 2013. She initially joined the team as a mixed practice veterinarian, splitting her time between the companion animal clinic and on farm with production animals.
More recently, she has taken a more specialised role, working with our Dairy clients. Having previously worked in Taranaki Kathryn’s strong dairy experience has been a fantastic addition to the practice. While she enjoys all aspects of dairy production, she has a particular soft spots for calves.
Outside of work Kathryn enjoys the challenges that come with owning a lifestyle block and fitting in family life with two young children.
Mike Fitzgerald
Equine Veterinarian Group Leader
Mike originally hails from the Canterbury plains. He started with Vet Services in 2011 after graduating from Massey University. Mike worked for three years in Waipukurau, where he established himself as a thorough clinician before taking eighteen months off to do his OE. Along with lots of travelling, Mike was lucky enough to get into some great equine clinics in England, upskilling himself before returning to Hawkes Bay in 2016. He has undertaken a range of further study including lameness, performance, dentistry, wound management and pre-purchase examinations.
In his spare time, Mike is an avid runner, outdoorsman, and traveller. Not one to sit still for too long, you’ll likely catch him alongside his partner Tess, and their four-legged daughter Molly, up Te Mata peak.
Nicolette Adamson
Companion Animal Team Leader
Nicolette hails from the green dairy pasture of the Waikato but after graduating from Massey University, she made her home in Central Hawkes Bay. Nicolette wears many hats at Vet Services clinic with a particular interest in equine and working dog medicine.
She spent her early years on the farm wrangling with a naughty pony in her attempt to make it into a stock horse. Today she fills her spare time running around the rugby field.
Nicolette loves the challenge that equine medicine provides and enjoys the physicality of working with horses while also utilising the precision often reserved for the small animal clinic.
Nicole Lansdown
Mixed Practice Veterinarian
Nicole joined the Vet Services team in early 2021 and originally hails from a sheep and beef farm in Dannevirke.
After graduating from Massey University in 2018 Nicole spent 2 years in Taumarunui working as a mixed practice vet. During this period she spent her time working with sheep, beef, deer and a variety of small animal clients.
Outside of work Nicole enjoys social sports, tramping and travelling.
Tracey Wallace
Companion Animal Veterinarian
Renate Haveman
Companion Animal Veterinarian & Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Renate is an experienced small animal veterinarian who is currently sharing her time between Napier & Waipukurau.
Renate has completed her postgraduate training in veterinary acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and is a certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (University of Tennessee). She loves being able to help more animals, to improve their quality of life and keep them moving.
Renate lives on a small lifestyle block in Waipawa with her husband, two active young boys and a whole menagerie of pets. If there is any spare time you can find her in the gym, going on adventure with the motorhome or just enjoying a cup of coffee or glass of wine depending on the time of day.
Zoe Romein
Mixed Practice Veterinarian
Veterinary Nurse Team
Ally Robinson
Vet Nurse
Anna Foster
Clinical Nurse Manager
Anna graduated from Vocational School (in Germany) in 2010 and spent the first two years of her career working in a specialist small animal clinic with eight vets and twenty-two nurses.
At the end of 2011 Anna travelled to Australia to gain some overseas experience. She was lucky enough to work on a camel farm in Alice Springs and in an Emergency Centre based in Adelaide.
Anna and her friend Astrid emigrated from Germany together and began working for Vet Services in 2017 (Astrid works for our Napier Clinic). Her passion for animal health and overseas experience has been valuable to our team.
When she is not at work or running our popular puppy preschool classes, Anna enjoys the life she has built in Central Hawke’s Bay with her husband Mike and their dogs, Ferm, Bella and Roo.
Brooke Hinricks
Vet Nurse Assistant
Chase Dargaville
Vet Nurse
Emma Duff
Vet Nurse Assistant
KAte Hibbs
Vet Nurse
Michelle Cameron
Administration Nurse Manager
Michelle graduated from Massey University in 2001 with a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. Upon graduating she worked for a few years in New Zealand gaining experience in small animal practice.
In 2004 Michelle left for her OE and ended up settling in Glasgow, Scotland for 13years. While in Scotland she spent time in various small animal clinics, including Orthopaedic specialist, inner city practices, and emergency after hours. Whilst in Scotland she did some further study and obtained the Emergency Critical Care Veterinary Nursing Certificate. Also gained a husband, house and 2 kids.
When not at work Michelle will often be found in the paddock with the kids doing something fun on her parent’s coloured sheep and alpaca farm.
Naida Marlow
Senior Vet Nurse
Naida graduated with a Certificate in Vet Nursing in 2011 and soon joined the Vet Services Team. Naida has since completed her Diploma and Bachelor in Vet Nursing while working a variety of nursing roles across all Vet Services clinics.
Naida spent two years travelling and working in veterinary clinics across the UK. One of her highlights during the trip was while locuming in a specialist clinic in Somerset, England where she became familiar with CT and MRI technology.
Naida’s enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine but has a special interest in post op recovery and physiotherapy.
Outside of work Naida and her husband are kept busy with their growing family, dogs, cats, and terrapin. They enjoy making the most of the outdoors and are often helping friends on farm, hunting or heading into the ranges.
Paige Nilsson
Vet Nurse
Paige started her Veterinary Nursing career with Vet Services Hastings and transferred to Waipukurau in early 2022.
She enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine but it particularly passionate about working dogs and providing the best possible inpatient care to ensure they return to peak physical condition as soon as possible.
Paige helps new puppy owners with training and education in our monthly Puppy Pre-school. She is also fantastic at organising student placements in Waipukurau ensuring that every veterinary nurse and veterinarian student gets the best learning experience.
In her spare time, Paige and husband Bryce enjoy like on the ‘farm’ on their lifestyle property in Waipawa. They like to keep social and are often trying out new hobbies like baking classes or line-dancing with friends and family.
Sienna Jones
Vet Nurse Assistant
Tracey Davis
Vet Nurse
Rural Veterinary Technicians
Caitlin Watts
Large Animal Technician Team Lead
Caitlin hails from Auckland but moved to Palmerston North to complete a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology at Massey University.
While completing her studies, Caitlin undertook practical placements with Veterinary Clinics across the country and decided that Hawke’s Bay was where she would like to develop her career in rural animal health and procedures.
She enjoys the variety of her role and helping farmers get the best results.
Ashley Esler
Large Animal Technician
Ashley completed a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology at Massey University and moved to Hawkes Bay in 2022.
Originally from down South, Ashley grew up riding rodeo and on farm making the most of the outdoors with her friends and family.
She enjoys being in a job where she can get out on farm and no two days are the same.
In her spare time Ashley helps her partner on farm and travels the North Island riding in and supporting the rodeo.
Madi Daines
Large Animal Technician
Madi joined Vet Services to help run our Sheep Conveyor in 2022.
Madi is an experienced farmers and has always been passionate about animal health completing studies in both Veterinary Nursing and Animal Technology. While she loves animals both great and small she is a country girl at heart and prefers being out in the field assisting farmers with their production goals.
When she’s not at work, you’ll find Madi helping on the family farm, heading to the beach, or with her team of working dogs.
Libby Plummer
Equine Technician / Vet Nurse
Libby joined our team in 2018 and has thrived in our large mixed animal practice. She has worked hard towards her Nursing Diploma and graduated in 2019.
Libby has a passion for small animals but has a keen interest in the equine side of her veterinary nursing. In her spare time Libby enjoys traveling the north island competing in different equestrian events, including side-saddle.
When Libby isn’t in the horsey scene, she can be found enjoying the great outdoors with her Swedish Vallhund dog Harold.
Retail & Customer Services Team
Arron Scoble
Retail Group Manager
Arron is the Vet Services Hawke’s Bay retail group manager where he works closely with production animal clients, vet staff and supplier companies. He re-joined Vet Services in February 2016 after previously working for Vet Services in Hastings in the early 2000’s.
In between this time, he primarily worked in the rural banking sector after starting his career in a farm merchandise store in Waipukurau. Outside of work he enjoys time with family, Wednesday night tennis and is an avid sports follower.
Carla Smith
Production Animal Retail Assistant
Carla joined our farm retail team in 2022.
She has an extensive knowledge on production farming, particularly in sheep & beef and enjoys being able to help other farmers reach the best outcomes for their system and animals.
On the days she is not at Vet Services, Carla helps her husband Butch on Te Manuiri Station. She loves springtime and seeing lambs and calves skipping around the farm.
Carla is a strong believer that life is never boring when surrounded by animals and has many pets including some adorable Australian Terriers, Staffie’s, a Maine Coon and even a couple of pet pigs!
Grace Lowry
Marketing and Social Media Coordinator
Grace joined the Vet Services Team as Marketing and Social Media Coordinator in March 2020. She has a background in communications, sales and marketing.
Grace has always had a keen interest in animals and was lucky enough to grow up riding horses and collecting pets in sunny Hawke’s Bay. She studied in Wellington before saving up for her OE and heading to London. After moving home in late 2019, Grace worked for the family business and spent lots of the summer travelling New Zealand and training her new pup, Whisky. Her friends and family still cannot believe she found a marketing job working for a vet company and gets to see adorable pets every day!
Outside of work Grace loves to keep social and make the most of the Bay’s great food, wine, and beautiful beaches.
Grace Wright
Customer Service & Receptionist
Grace joined the Vet Services customer services & reception team in early 2022 and is the friendly voice at the end of our Equine phoneline.
When she’s not at work, you’ll find Grace on farm in Dannevirke with her friends, family and dog Polly.
Hamish Grant
Production Animal Retail Assistant
& CHB Farmers Vet Club Secretary
Hamish joined the Vet Services in 2020 bringing plenty of practical farming and product knowledge to the retail team.
Predominantly based in Waipukurau, Hamish is actively involved in the CHB farmers Vet Club – and your go to man for all things club related (membership, scholarships etc).
Outside of work Hamish likes to keep fit – playing in many social sports clubs and representing Hawkes Bay in the Senior Men’s Netball Team. In his downtime you will find Hamish on farm with his dogs, breaking in show cattle, and exploring the best of what Hawke’s Bay has to offer.
Hayley Wakefield
Customer Service & Receptionist
Hayley completed a certificate in Veterinary Nursing & Animal Care in 2003 and spent a number of years in Pet and Equine Nutrition sales.
In 2018 Hayley joined the Vet Services customer service and reception team part time, and really enjoys the family – work life balance.
When she is not at work, Hayley is kept busy with family and farm life.
Heidi Thompson
Customer Service & Receptionist
Heidi completed a Diploma in Vet Nursing in 2003. She worked in the Nelson area as a nurse before starting a family and moving to Waipukurau.She began working at Vet Services in 2010, where she now works as a part-time receptionist.
Heidi prides herself in being able to help her customers with her knowledge of food and product from many years in the veterinary industry.
Outside of work Heidi enjoys spending time with her amazing family, watching hockey, gardening, cooking and walking.
Jess Manning
Customer Service & Receptionist
Jess started here in April 2012 as a full-time receptionist, her background was in hospitality. Jess has a passion for customer service, animals and looking after ‘her’ staff. Jess has worked in all but our Wairarapa clinics helping out whenever needed. Jess has also been doing our after-hours phones for the last couple of years. When she is not at work (which is rare!) she is at home with her very active little boy or running around after 5 step kids! Life is never dull!
Lisa PEacock
Production Animal Retail Assistant
Robyn Cudby
Customer Services and Production Animal Receptionist
Robyn started with us in 1985 as the sole receptionist in Waipukurau, then left to start her family in 1987. Robyn returned to the Waipukurau clinic in the retail shop in Oct 1996 in a job share role 2 days a week. Robyn worked in our Hasting’s clinic for a few years while also working in Waipukurau. Robyn then moved to a small animal reception role 2 days a week before taking over her current large animal reception role. Robyn also did our afterhours phone for 20 years before retiring from that 2 years ago. Robyn has a wealth of clinic and client knowledge and loves the diversity of the job, as well as playing a few pranks/jokes along the way. Robyn is very sporty and has spent years on the netball side-line as a manager before retiring that role to concentrate on being a nana.