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.

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.

Rosie graduated from Massey in December 2013 and joined VetSouth a month later. She grew up in Jaffa-land but welcomed the big move down to Southland. Rosie has a keen interest in all aspects of the production animal field.

Louise joined VetSouth after graduating from Massey University, leaving her North Island roots behind to seek the best tramping, fishing, skiing and sightseeing spots of Southland. She is doing this with husband Joel and puppy Tika in toe.

She is interested in all aspects of vet work including sheep, beef cattle, dairy, and companion animals.

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.

From the sun-kissed beaches of South Australia, Alicia graduated from Perth in 2016 (BSc, BVMS) before joining VetSouth in 2017. It’s team environment that keep her here, along with the variation of work between small and large animals. Downtime is spent tramping, travelling and playing netball. Home is shared with her partner, dog and cat.

Teach a man to fish...and he’ll go fishing. Which is what Joel likes to do when not working hard as a Veterinarian at our Gore clinic. From the mighty Whakatane and educated first at Waikato University (2006 BSc) and then Massey in Palmerston North (2011 BVSc), It’s the people, region and work with sheep and deer that keep Joel happy. As do his partner, Louise and their children Olivia and Georgia. Plus Matilda the cat and Tika the dog. Ambitions for the future? Well, maybe a spot more fishing and some moonlighting as a fishing guide.

A graduate of Massey University (Bachelor of Veterinary Science 2010), originally Wellington born. Working as a mixed Veterinarian but with a special focus on deer, sheep and beef, it’s the relationships you get to build with clients that make it a special place to work for Lisa. At home there are two young children, Lachie and Angus, to keep her busy. Then, when time permits, travelling and exploring is a special love.

Olly graduated from Glasgow University, Scotland in 1991. After a couple of years working in mixed practice he moved to Hong Kong to set up a companion animal clinical. The following years saw Olly working in Australia, Singapore and the United Kingdom. In 1997 he immigrated to New Zealand with his kiwi wife and shortly afterwards set up a Companion Animal practice in Ponsonby, Auckland. He sat his examination for Membership of the Australian Veterinary Scientists in Emergency and Critical Care in 2001. In 2006 he moved to Central Otago with his two young children for the lifestyle and shortly after started work at Vetsouth in Gore.

In 2017 Olly took on the role of Small Animal Clinical Leader at Vetsouth. A role that provides an overview of all the companion animal services at Vetsouth. He is interested in all aspects of clinical work and strives to ensure that all the staff and clinics are well resourced with equipment, continuing education and resources to ensure that our clients and patients have the best possible care.

Born and bred in Invercargill, Nikaitla graduated with merit from Telford in 2017 with a Diploma of Rural Veterinary Technician. Nikaitla has been with VetSouth, working as a Vet Tech, since April 2018.

Gemma joined VetSouth in 2012 and has worked in various HR related roles since 2005. Born in Christchurch, but having spent her last years of high school at Northern Southland College, she is happy to be back in the area, and considers Southland home. Outside of work interests include camping trips, theatre and waterskiing in the summer holidays!

 

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.

 

 

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.

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