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.

Cassie has recently moved to New Zealand from the United States to join the VetSouth team. She grew up in Placitas, New Mexico and graduated from Colorado State University in May 2011. She has worked as a vet in southern New Mexico and west Texas with mainly companion and zoo animals. Cassie enjoys many aspects of the veterinary field, but is especially interested in farm animal production medicine. She is keen to learn about New Zealand farming systems and to experience and explore this side of the world.

James joined us after finishing his studies at Massey in 2016. Originally from North Canterbury, James has moved south in search of greener pastures and is looking forward to getting stuck into all aspects of production animal work. When he’s not working James enjoys the outdoors, including surfing, skiing and tramping and is enjoying exploring Southland.

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.

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.

Lisa joined VetSouth Ltd in January 2011 after finishing her Vet degree at Massey in 2010. Her family is originally from the Otago and Southland area, but she was born in Wellington. Lisa especially enjoys working with production animals, with dairy, deer and sheep work of particular interest. She also spends some of her time in the small animal department. Outside of work Lisa enjoys hunting, shooting small game, running, biking and tramping.

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.

Having been a staff member of the Vet clinic since 1987 I have seen many changes. From early beginnings in the old clinic to the brand new clinic in 2002. From Gore Veterinary Supplies to VetSouth Limited. I have a very busy position as Account Administrator and one I enjoy very much. I enjoy working as part of the team at Vetsouth Ltd with all other staff. A great bunch to work with.

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.

 

 

Kayla spent her time growing up in Gore with her Mum & Step Dad, as well as in Te Anau with her Dad, Step Mum & brothers on the family’s sheep and beef farm. Kayla has always had a keen interest in both small and large animals which lead her onto studying Veterinary Nursing at SIT in Invercargill, while doing this she completed all her placement at VetSouth in Gore before graduating with her Diploma in 2016. She then went on to dairy farming for a while before starting as a Vet Nurse at Vet South in September 2017.

Outside of work Kayla enjoys following the rodeo circuit around New Zealand with her partner Dan who is a keen bull rider, as well as going outdoors mainly in Fiordland and spending time with her friends and family, especially her dog Jax!

Cameron has recently joined the retail sector, and has a background in hospitality. His spare time is spent outdoors, hunting with the Eastern Southland Hunt Club.