Vincent has been working at VetSouth Gore since 1998 after making the big move north from Invercargill. Vince’s strong interest in production animal health has suited the high producing potential of the Gore area. His particular interest in dairy production and herd health fits in well with running the dairy side of the Gore and West Otago vet clinics. Vincent is a director of VetSouth Ltd.

Briar graduated from Massey in 2013. She orginated from Waikato (Cream of the Country) Morrinsville. She has always wanted to be a large animal vet, enjoying both dairy and sheep work. Briar loves everything involving outdoors, singing and cheese rolls!

Dan graduated from Massey in 2011 and started working in VetSouth Winton for three and a half years. After this he married his wonderful wife Sarah and commenced on a long two year honeymoon around UK and Europe. After learning the UK system of farming and vetting, he has recently returned to VetSouth to head up the Balclutha branch. Dan is a very keen hunter and tries to get in the bush as much as possible. He is also a volunteer firefighter and has recently transferred to the Balclutha Brigade.

Donna grew up on a sheep farm at Enfield (Oamaru). She now lives with husband Brett and their three boys on a 1100ha sheep and beef farm at Greenvale. Donna started at Gore Vets in 2002 as a mixed animal vet. Now Donna mostly works with sheep and beef farmers. Donna’s passion is for increasing productivity and profitability on farms.

Fleur was raised on a sheep/beef farm in Stanley Brook in the Nelson district. After studying veterinary science at Massey.  She moved south, beginning  her career  with Gore Vets in 1996.

Fleur now works predominantly  from the Tapanui Vetsouth Branch, where her main interests are with sheep, beef, dairy and deer. She has become a well known member of the West Otago Community.

Joel joined us after finishing his studies at Massey University in 2011. Originally from dairy country in the Bay of Plenty, Joel likes to get stuck into all aspects of production animal work, especially dairy, sheep, beef, and deer. He enjoys the outdoors, and is very much looking forward to getting into some local sport, hunting, and fishing – anything Southland has to offer.

Lisa qualified from Massey University in 1997 and has worked in Southland as a mixed animal vet since then. She made the change to solely companion animals in August 2015 and enjoys medical and surgical cases including orthopaedics. Outside of work her time is filled up by a busy family and a menagerie of pets.

Lizzie is originally from the UK and has moved to New Zealand to join VetSouth in Gore. She graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, London in 2009 and has worked as a mixed animal vet in Wales since then. Her hobbies include a wide range of outdoor activities including kayaking and climbing.

Sara Berryman BVSc— Qualified in 2006 from Massey. Born in Malaysia then moved to Perth and then to NZ in 2002. Enjoys working with all species and will give anything a go. Enjoys a bit of dancing and squash.

Theo graduated from Utrecht University (NL) in 2012. After graduation he went to New Zealand to start pursuing his dream of working as a large animal vet. Together with Elena he moved to Southland in the winter of 2015. Theo predominantly works as a dairy cow vet. IN his time off he enjoys hunting, fishing, boating and socialising.

Elena graduated from Utrecht University (NL) in 2013. She decided to follow Theo to New Zealand and started working as a mixed vet in the North Island. Together they moved to Southland in the middle of 2015. Besides working as a mixed vet Elena has strong interest in epidemiology. Outside work Elena loves the outdoors: tramping, boating, climbing, skiing etc, and she doesn’t like to miss out on a good party either.

Mark qualified from Glasgow in 1988, and spent the next seven years moving between intensive dairy practice in the North of England and climbing mountains. A stint in New Zealand convinced him that this was the best place to do both, so in 1995 he moved to the Waikato in the North Island.

In 1997 he moved South to head up the dairy side of Central Southland Vets in Winton. He became a director in 2001 by which time the practice had doubled in vet numbers and quadrupled in dairy farm numbers. In 2005 Winton and Gore vets joined to form VetSouth, in an attempt to create a well-resourced clinic environment with top clients that would attract and retain the best vets in the country.

In 2004 Mark gained his Masters in Epidemiology, and whilst still leading the dairy side of VetSouth, he now splits his time with heading the research group within VetSouth. His role is 50% clinical; 50% research; and 50% management…He is also an executive member of the Society of Dairy Cattle Vets in New Zealand; has a share in a 600 cow dairy farm; and at home runs 1800 sheep and 3 kids on 400 acres.

Creating VetSouth was all about elevating rural vet practice; the belief that just because we live a long way away from things farmers shouldn’t receive second rate veterinary services. To that end, VetSouth continues to develop and innovate and attempt to work with some of the best farmers in the country to add value.

He has climbed all over the world, including 4 expeditions to the Himalayas, and first ascents in South America and Antarctica. These trips formed a large part of his early travels and public presentations. Nowadays his travels are more concerned with presenting at conferences rather than climbing mountains.

Brendon was born and raised in Invercargill. He finished vet school in the mid 80’s and briefly worked in mixed practice in Invercargill before travelling overseas. After 3 years in the UK he travelled to the USA and completed a 3 year Equine Surgical Residency. After this he worked in horse practice in South Auckland and gained specialist registration with the Veterinary Council of NZ in Equine Surgery. He returned home to Southland in 1996 to become a partner in Southern Veterinary Centre along with Michael Brown. They built a purpose built horse hospital on the edge of the Invercargill Racecourse. A small animal side was soon added a year later and a substantial extension was completed in 2010. Southern Veterinary Centre became part of the VetSouth group in 2015.

The practice offers all manner of routine and specialist equine and dairy veterinary work and Brendon manages this side of the practice. Both his two daughters have safely flown the nest and his ideas of being able to do more hunting and fishing might come to fruition.

Bianca was raised on a sheep farm in Waimahaka (Southland). She attended Southland Girls High School, boarding at Enwood Hostel. Her love of animals and working outdoors led her to pursue a career as a veterinarian. After five years study in Palmerston North, where she met her now husband, she graduated in the top 5% of her class and returned to Southland to practice as a mixed animal veterinarian. She started with Gore Vets in January 2006.

Gore Vets then became VetSouth Ltd later in 2006 after the amalgamation with Central Southland Vets. With the continued expansion of the dairy sector in Southland her role has become predominantly dairy focused, but she still enjoys the odd small animal and sheep and beef call. She has a special interest in dairy herd reproduction and BVD management. Bianca became a shareholder at VetSouth Ltd in 2011.

Cecilia grew up on a sheep & beef farm in Waipara, North Canterbury before moving to Christchurch. She spent a few years overseas working as a physiotherapist before realising that veterinary science was where her true passion lay. She graduated from Massey in December 2016 and enjoys working with both production & companion animals. Outside of work Cece likes to get out into the hills for tramping, skiing, enjoying the Southland views and is very much enjoying getting back to her rural roots.

After leaving Massey in 2007 Claire worked as a mixed vet in southern Southland until joining the VetSouth production animal team in 2014. She hails from Te Anau and now calls Glenham home. When she’s not working she might be found on the hockey turf or being taken for a run by her dog

Hugh is a Massey University Veterinary Science graduate from 1979. At first he worked in North Canterbury for two years , did small animal work in the USA for one year and travelled for a year before moving to Gore in 1984 . Although starting in a mixed practice role he soon moved to solely small animal work. Hugh has a special interest in veterinary surgery , especially orthopaedics, in which field he continues to enjoy the demanding case load of companion animal pets and working dogs presented to the clinic. Hugh is a Director and the senior small animal veterinarian in VetSouth, he strives to ensure that the SA Department staff are well resourced, trained and equipped to develop the professional skills and diligence needed to provide a high standard of care to the companion animal patients.

Penny was raised in Victoria, Australia being involved in the family beef and cropping farm. After completing her studies at the University of Melbourne in December 2017, she has come to Southland to pursue her interest in farm animal production and small animal medicine. She enjoys ice skating and running and is looking forward to taking up tramping in the near future.

Maternity Leave

Sarah graduated from Massey University in 2011 and joined the VetSouth team based in Winton as a small animal veterinarian. After a few years she and her husband Dan spent 2 years travelling on their O.E., which included spending some time working for vet clinics in Yorkshire, the Scottish Central Lowlands and Fife. Despite enjoying the UK they decided to come back to the VetSouth family and are now living in Balclutha with Sarah working from the Gore clinic. She has always had a preference for small animal work, and loves the challenge and variety that a rural clinic offers. Outside of work she enjoys exploring the outdoors, tramping and photography and is excited to be starting a family in December 2017.

Mandy is originally from Central Otago and was brought up on a sheep and beef farm in Tarras. She has worked on a cattle station in Australia and on a dairy farm in Southland. Mandy started at VetSouth in March 2014.

When not working she loves getting outdoors and catching up with friends and family.

Cherise grew up on a farm West Otago, and always wanted to work with animals. She studied towards a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology at Massey University, graduating in 2013. She returned home and started at VetSouth as a Vet Technician in November 2013.

Jackie grew up on a sheep and beef farm in Southland. Before heading to Massey University and graduating in 2015 with a Bachelors of Veterinary Technology. Jackie worked at Remarkable Vets as a Vet Nurse after graduating before coming to work at VetSouth as a large animal Technician in May 2016 and also helping out as a small animal nurse when required.

Rebecca is originally from Oregon, USA. Moved over to NZ in 2003 and completed her certificate in Veterinary Nursing in Nelson. After working as a vet nurse in Takaka for five years, she decided to head south for a change. She then trained as a large animal technician and gained her RAT certificate with merits through Otago Polytechnic. Rebecca has joined the Vet South team originally working in different areas where required such as retail, reception, technician and nursing roles. She has been a full time technician at the Gore clinic since mid January 2014. In her spare time she rides motorbikes, shooting at the range and has been a volunteer fire fighter since 2007.

Tiarna is from Southland where she grew up around sheep and beef farms. She started work at VetSouth as a Vet Tech in January 2014 after completing her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing through SIT in 2013.

When not working Tiarna enjoys getting outdoors and spending time with friends and family.

Courtney qualified from SIT in 2008 gaining her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and joined the VetSouth team in 2009. As a Vet Nurse, Courtney takes care of the small animal patients from when they are admitted, during surgery, and afterwards until ready to be discharged, as well as a wide range of other duties.
Courtney also has a certificate in dog behaviour from Massey University and outside of work is a member of the Southland Sled dog Association where she races with her Mum’s huskies as well as her Boxer dog, Ollie. She also has five cats of her own, Oscar, Bear, Pixie and Maine Coons Mishka and Hades whom you may see at local cat shows.

Kim started at VetSouth in June 2014 after studying veterinary nursing at S.I.T. Kim enjoys nursing the hospital patients, and has a special interest in the farm dogs. Out of work Kim enjoys competing with her own heading dog, Fergie, in the obedience show ring.

Dale is originally from Tokonui, then Invercargill before finally moving to Gore. She is married with two teenagers and a few furry housemates. Dale started initially with VetSouth in the shop team and has recently moved into the small animal clinic while studying for her Vet Nursing Diploma at Otago Polytechnic. Dale also spends one day a week working from the Tapanui clinic.

(on maternity leave)

After moonlighting as a Tech over Dry Cow/Teatsealing time for a couple of years Donna has taken up a permanent position at VetSouth as the Customer Services Rep at the new Clydevale clinic. She lives on a large block in Owaka and in her spare time enjoys competing on the rodeo circuit barrel racing her horse Maverick.

Heather has taken up the Customer Service Representative role since September 2015, after been in the dairy industry in the Waikato and now in Southland for the last 15 years.

Now all the children are grown up and some married, with 4 grandchildren, it was time to change from calf rearing and start a new stage in life.

She lives near Wairio and in her spare time loves to go caravanning with her husband Kev and making soaps.

Judith is one of those valuable employees who can turn her hand to any job needed. She covers reception duties in the morning then without so much as a phone booth to change in she jumps into the VetSouth Ltd batmobile and drives to Tapanui with the supplies required for the efficient running of that branch. She covers the lunch break there and then returns to Gore where you can then find her working in the shop for the afternoon.

Katie grew up in the Otapiri Gorge on a sheep and beef farm. She then studied in Invercargill doing the Diploma of Veterinary Nursing, graduating in 2014. Katie enjoys working with both large and small animals, she loves the outdoors and getting together with her friends.

Sarah started working for VetSouth at the end of August 2012. She lives on a sheep/beef farm with her husband Kevin, not far from the Tapanui Clinic. She has two children, Dean who is an apprentice diesel mechanic in Mosgiel and Kaitlyn who is a student at Blue Mountain College.

Steph is originally from the Waikato but came down to Invercargill to study the Diploma of Veterinary Nursing and has been working at VetSouth since 2011. Steph enjoys running the Puppy Pre School programme and has several pets on the weight loss programme offered at VetSouth. In her spare time she relief milks cows and enjoys walking her dog.

Dave MacKenzie was brought up on a small lifestyle block and has always had a strong passion for animals and farming. He has worked on various farms in Southland and South Otago and completed a mustering season in the ‘Kimberlys’ in Western Australia. The last 2 ½ years David has worked for Advance Agriculture Ltd as their store man. His hobbies include fishing, duck shooting, fire brigade, young farmers, friends and family and of course a good ole BBQ and a few beers. David is looking forward to meeting new clients and catching up with the old ones.

 

On Farm Sales Rep

Jim has been with VetSouth for 23years, he is the all round handy man with a great knowledge of all products and clients. All ways there to lend a hand Jim enjoys spending time with his family and is religious golf player.

Corina is really enjoying being back in Gore where she was born and breed. She has spent the last 12 years living in Heriot, West Otago with her husband Jason and their son Reuben who is 12. Corina has been working on a casual basis mainly involving sheep and beef farming around Heriot. They have recently purchased their own 40 acres handy to Gore.

Casey originally from South Otago was brought up on a sheep & beef property in Clydevale. She has worked on a sheep/deer/beef property as well as a dairy farm during the calving season. She then moved to Wanaka where she completed her certificate in Rural Animal Technology via correspondence while working at Aspiring Vets. She enjoys working in the rural industry & in her spare time enjoys horse ridding & trips to Central for a bit of Water Skiing.

Julia graduated from Lincoln University in 2007 with a BSc (Hons) in Animal Science. She has spent the last 2 years working in the United Kingdom and has now settled in Southland. She is originally from a sheep and beef farm in Cave, South Canterbury.

Born in Scotland where she lived till the age of four, Joanne then grew up in South Africa and during that time spent 7 years working for the Department of Veterinary Services in KwaZulu Natal as an administrator, before immigrating to New Zealand in 2007. Since then she has worked in various roles including Recruitment, Contract administration and Office manager for a Drilling Company. Joanne has three teenage children and enjoys tramping, reading and spending time with family and friends.

John was brought up in the North of England and spent his early life climbing mountains and training to be an outdoor pursuits instructor. After realising that taking groups of delinquent kids into his beloved Lake District wasn’t really his thing, he joined the rest of the masses and moved to London where he developed a love for obscure indie music, and began his career in IT. He has been wrestling with technology in one form or another ever since. He met a kiwi girl and emigrated to New Zealand in 1999. Since then he has worked in, trained in and experienced a variety of IT roles and has developed a firm belief that simple, well applied technologies can benefit us all. He still listens to obscure Indie music but his travels tend to be based around family and fly fishing these days.

 

 

Michelle grew up locally on a sheep farm at Brydone and Waimumu. Michelle started with Gore Vets in 1996 and has been employed in a variety of roles within VetSouth including retail, customer services, vet nursing and more recently as the Operations Manager at VetSouth Gore. Outside of work Michelle is busy with her family, which includes two boys of 15 & 13 and a lifestyle block.

 

 

Born and bred in North Canterbury Rebecca has been with VetSouth since 2006, making the move south after completing a degree in agriculture from Massey University and marrying a Southland local. With previous jobs in veterinary nursing and research she started off life at VetSouth in Farm Services then moved into retail coordination and now inventory, data management and finance, Rebecca has worked across most areas of VetSouth’s business and has enjoyed immersing herself in a fast paced and ever evolving environment that is constantly challenging..

Now working part time after having her 3 children, when not at work Rebecca can be found spending time with her young family or in her kitchen trying out new recipes.