Leadership Team
Our leadership team brings a wealth of expertise, passion, and dedication to every aspect of animal care. With a deep commitment to both veterinary excellence and our local community, our leaders guide the clinic with a clear vision focused on innovation, compassionate care, and continuous improvement.
Brendan James
Chief Executive Officer
Brendan joined the Vet Services team in 2011 as Business Manager and is now our Chief Executive Officer. A qualified Chartered Accountant, Brendan brings strong financial and strategic expertise to the role. He is passionate about Hawke’s Bay, animals, and the rural sector—and is often referred to as a wannabe farmer. He enjoys the unique challenges and rewards of working in the veterinary industry.
Outside of work, Brendan—known to most as BJ—loves spending time with his wife Kelly, son Hamish, and daughter Holly. A self-confessed sports enthusiast, he can often be found on the tennis court, golf course, or mountain bike trails. He has also completed two half Ironmans (with the jury still out on a third!) and maintains a keen interest in the thoroughbred industry.
Camille Flack
Production Animal Veterinarian Group Leader
After completing her Veterinary Degree at Massey University, Camille began her career in 2004 in Dannevirke. A desire to see the world took her overseas, first to Australia and then the UK, before returning to New Zealand in 2007 to work in the Rangitikei region. Eager to continue expanding her experience, she later moved to Cheviot in the South Island, where she enjoyed working with a wide range of sheep breeds in some of the country’s most scenic farming areas.
In 2014, Camille joined Vet Services Hawke’s Bay. She enjoys working closely with farmers to help optimise animal health and farm production systems.
Outside of work, Camille lives on a farm and enjoys spending time outdoors with her partner and sons.
Caroline Robertson
Companion Animal Veterinarian Group Leader
Caroline has been a valued member of our Waipukurau team since 1985. While her primary focus is on companion animal medicine and surgery, she also has a strong interest in production animals through her involvement in her own farming operations.
Caroline is a past President and Chair of the New Zealand Veterinary Association, where she played a key role in advancing the profession’s high standards of skill, ongoing development, and ethical practice.
When she’s not working at Vet Services or travelling to Wellington for industry commitments, Caroline can be found on her family farm in Omakere, in coastal Central Hawke’s Bay.
Arron Scoble
Retail Group Manager
Arron is the Retail Group Manager at Vet Services Hawke’s Bay, where he works closely with production animal clients, veterinary staff, and supplier companies. He re-joined Vet Services in February 2016, having previously worked with the Hastings team in the early 2000s.
Between his roles at Vet Services, Arron built extensive experience in the rural banking sector, following his early career in a farm merchandise store in Waipukurau. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, playing Wednesday night tennis, and following a wide range of sports.
Jess Nielson
Operation & Administration Group Manager
Jess has been a valued member of the Vet Services team since 2004. Over the years, her role has evolved from veterinary nurse to Head Nurse, and now to her current position as Operations and Administration Manager.
With a deep understanding of both clinical and administrative functions, Jess works across our five clinics, supporting business operations, mentoring staff, and helping to ensure the smooth delivery of services for both clients and their pets.
Outside of work, Jess enjoys spending time with her family and pets, and making the most of the Hawke’s Bay sunshine and beaches.
Liz Cameron
Financial Controller
Louise Humphreys
Business Services Manager
Louise joined the Vet Services Team as our Business Services Manager in 2022. With a background in Accounting & Rural Banking the job held lots of appeal to Louise as it combined two of her favourite things, working with animals and numbers.
Louise enjoys being part of a large, diverse team who have a lot of fun. As an added bonus, she learns something new every day from working with such highly skilled people.
In her spare time, you’ll find Louise on farm where her family breed the most gorgeous Simmental Cows and hanging out with Hazel Humphreys, her Jack Russell.
Richard McKenzie
Equine Veterinarian Group Leader
Richard first joined the Vet Services team in 1989, originally arriving for a three-month locum—but ended up staying for three years. He then spent four years abroad, working in mixed-breed and equine practices across the UK, before returning to our Hastings clinic with a strong focus on equine work.
Today, around 90% of Richard’s day is dedicated to horses of all sizes and disciplines. He has particular interests in performance horses, equine lameness, radiography, and reproduction.
Outside of work, Richard enjoys spending time with his partner, children, and thoroughbred horses. When time allows, he also enjoys swimming, fishing, and offering some armchair commentary on rugby and racing.