Hastings Team
The Vet Services clinic in Hastings has a comprehensive team of companion animal, production animal and equine vets. The practice offers a wide range of services for all animal species including dog breeding AI services. Open 7 days a week, we are conveniently located on Heretaunga Street West. The clinic offers a 24/7 after hours service.
Management Team
Clare Ryan
Practice Manager
Clare has worked for Vet Services Hastings since 2001 as a Production Animal Vet Team Leader and is now our Hastings Practice Manager.
She enjoys all aspects of production animal work but has a special interest in dairy production. Clare has recently been involved with equine, cattle and sheep embryo transfer.
In her spare time Clare is busy with her family, their horticultural business and spending time at the beach.
Marit De Jong
Companion Animal Clinic Manager
Marit joined Vet Services as our Companion Animal Clinic Manager in early 2023.
Originally from the Netherlands, Marit moved to Napier in the early ‘90s. She spent her high school years working towards her goal of becoming a veterinarian and graduated from Massey University in 2005.
Marit’s career began in a rural practice located in Southern Taranaki and spent stints working as a mixed practice veterinarian in Raetihi and Matamata before moving back to Hawkes Bay to be closer to family.
In recent years, Marit decided to focus on companion animal medicine. She really enjoys the challenge of doing clinical work and leading her team of vets and nurses.
Outside of work, Marit is a busy mum of two children aged 10
and 12, a Thai Ridgeback and two SPCA cats who hare causing her hair to go grey
(just joking – that is her husband’s fault). She loves baking and keeping
active at the gym and running in her spare time.
Natalie Murtagh
Clinic Manager
Nat is focussed to develop the team in their professional growth and to build a culture that complements the business, and the community in what we do and provide. Great customer service is of the utmost importance when it comes to running and growing a business and Nat is excited about being able to deliver this to our existing and ever growing client base and getting to know them all.
Nat and her partner Jase, Coco the Löwchen and Casper the Lhasa Apso dogs enjoy a more relaxed life now that their adult children are off exploring the world and can often be found tramping the rivers and fishing for trout when their busy schedules allow.
Veterinary Team
Anyika Scotland
Production Animal Veterinarian
Anyika is a Hawke’s Bay local who grew up on a Sheep and Beef property in Patoka. As a farmer’s daughter she was always passionate about the outdoors and creating the best possible outcomes for farm production.
After graduating from Massey University, Anyika spent some time working as a mixed practice veterinarian, caring for both pets and livestock but soon decided she would prefer to focus solely on production animals. She spent a number of years working in our Waipukurau Clinic is now based in Hastings so that she can be closer to home and her young family.
Outside of her veterinary work, Anyika loves to keep active and competes in a variety of multisport and adventure races across New Zealand – always cheered on by her children and husband Duncan.
Celia van Kampen
Mixed Practice Veterinarian
Caterina Poletti
Mixed Practice Veterinarian
Caterina joined the Vet Services team in January 2024 after completing her studies at Massey University.
Outside of work Cat likes to keep busy. She plays for the Hawkes Bay Tui’s and when not on the rugby field you will find her at a local beach surfing.
Cat grew up on a hill country farm in Taranaki – she enjoys the variety of mixed practice work and loves learning and working alongside her colleagues.
Dave Warburton
Production Animal Veterinarian
Dave graduated from Massey University in 2002 and has worked as a production animal veterinarian ever since.
He began his career in Rotorua and Hunterville and now Hastings
Also spent time on a very large stud cattle ranch in Montana USA and managed a large sheep stud in Southland.
When he is not at work Dave is busy on his Angus and Hereford cattle studs, playing a bit of hockey and have a young family to occupy more spare time.
Emmie Mulinder
Mixed Practice Veterinarian
Emmie is a Hawkes Bay local. After completing her studies at Massey, Emmie returned to Hastings to join our veterinary team as a mixed practice veterinarian.
Emmie is enjoying the variety of mixed practice and equine work – as you never know what the day will bring!
When she is not at work, you’ll find Emmie show jumping her horses and on adventures with her partner Josh and their little dog Mabel.
Gabriel Hernandez
Mixed Practice Veterinarian
Originally from Argentina, Gabriel’s career has taken him across the globe. He worked as a veterinarian in Argentina, Brazil and Australia before moving to New Zealand.
Gabriel spent his first two years in New Zealand farming (Dairy and Deer) in the South Island. He joined Vet Services Hastings in August 2024.
Gabriel enjoys all aspects of mixed practice surgery and medicine with a special interest in canine and horses.
Outside of work Gabriel likes to get outdoors fishing and tramping and keeps fit with the gym and BJJ (Brazilian jiu jitsu).
Helen Crawford
Companion Animal Veterinarian
Helen works in the companion side of our business and divides her time between the Napier and Hastings clinics.
After graduating from Massey in 2002 she worked mainly in central Auckland before moving to the Hawke’s Bay in 2012. She enjoys all aspects of small animal surgery and medicine but has a special interest in feline medicine.
She recently attended a course in feline behaviour and small animal dentistry.
Henry Yule
Production Animal Veterinarian
Henry Yule’s passion for animals started from an early age while growing up on a sheep and beef farm in Hawke’s Bay.
After graduating from Massey, Henry moved to South Auckland and spend a number of years working as a mixed practice veterinarian at Franklin Vets.
In late 2020, Henry returned to Hawke’s Bay with a focus on production animals and equines. He enjoys the variety of interesting cases and helping clients achieve their performance goals.
In his spare time Henry likes to keep active with his partner and their dog Ruby.
Mitchell Lowe
Companion Animal Veterinarian
Mitch joined the Vet Services team as a new graduate in 2021.
Neil Stuttle
Companion Animal Veterinarian
Neil graduated from Massey University in 2001. He spent two and a half years in a mixed practice followed by five years in companion animal and equine practice in the UK.
Neil joined Vet Services in 2008 as a full time companion animal veterinarian and became a company director in 2016. His interests are in feline and canina medicine and surgery and is certified in the Penn Hip scheme in the screening for hip dysplasia.
Outside of work Neil loves spending time with his family and trying to keep up with three active kids.
Reshika Fonseka
Mixed Practice Veterinarian
Richard McKenzie
Equine & Production Animal Veterinarian
Richard originally joined the Vet Services Team in 1989 arriving for a three-month locum and staying for three years.
He spent four years abroad working in mixed bred and equine practices across the UK returning to our Hastings Clinic with a cemented interest in Equine work. 90% of Richards day is now involved with horses of all sizes and disciplines. He has interests in performance horses, equine lameness, radiography and reproduction.
Outside of work his kids, partner and thoroughbred horses take up most of his time but enjoys swimming, fishing, and a bit of armchair critiquing for rugby and racing when he gets the chance.
Vet Nurse & Technician Team
Brodie Hellyer
Animal Care Assistants
Brenna McCutcheon
Vet Nurse
Brenna joined the Vet Services team after moving from Dannevirke to Hawkes Bay in 2019 to study a Diploma of Veterinary Nursing at EIT.
She enjoys working with a variety of animal patients (but has a soft spot for working dogs) and loves being a part of their recovery.
There is never a dull day for Brenna working amongst the ‘smallies team’ and she looks forward to developing her career surrounded by supportive, passionate people.
CELINA LOVEJOY
Vet Nurse
Celina is a passionate and friendly nurse who joined our Vet Services Team in March 2018. She enjoys assisting with orthopaedic surgeries, and helping pets and their owners overcome challenges, particularly with rehab work and nutrition. As part of this nutrition work Celina helps Yvonne run a Porky Pets Programme, educating pet owners about keeping their pets fit, and at a healthy weight.
When she is not at work, you may find Celina competing in agility with her Australian Working Kelpies (Riot & Villian), or in the bush 4x4ing with her partner and family.
Cheyenne Caples
Animal Care Assistant
Emmy Cook
Vet Nurse
Emmy joined the Vet Services nursing team in October 2023.
With over 5 years experience in veterinary nursing, Emmy is a trove of information for our Animal Care Assistants. She really enjoys assisting with surgeries, dental work, and helping pets and their owners in emergencies.
Outside of work this Hawkes Bay local likes to keep active at the gym, spend time with family and to look after her pets (an adorable dog, cat and guinea pig).
Jorja Slade
Vet Nurse
Morag Robinson
Equine Technician
Morag is a bright and bubbly member of our Production Animal Customer Service and Equine Team.
She joined Vet Services in 2017 as a Production Animal Receptionist fielding farm and equine enquiries, bookings and charges. Morag recently made the move to a new Equine Technician role and is very excited as this is an area she has a great interest in.
When she’s not at work you’ll find Morag spending time with her husband Wayne and two children Harry and Lucy on their lifestyle block at Ocean Beach, or enjoying some equestrian activities.
Nicola Sutherland
Equine Technician
Nicola joined the Vet Services Team in 2003 and is a key member of our Hastings Companion Animal and Equine Team.
She has been a mother hen to our Hastings nurses making sure things run smoothly in all areas of the small animal department.
Nic recently accepted a new role as one of our Equine Technicians, and is looking forward to spending more time with horses. Outside of work her two boys, hubby Callum, horses and farm keep her busy.
Portia Wright
Vet Nurse & Equine Technician
Born and bred in the Hawke’s Bay, Portia started riding horses from a young age and started competing at 13.
Portia has a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing from EIT and has worked in both our Waipukurau and Hastings Clinics. .
Portia currently shares her time between VS Equine and the Napier clinic. She is passionate about all animals and is excited to see where this career path leads.
In her spare time you’ll find Portia riding, playing hockey, or on her family farm in Crownthorpe.
Rebecca Dawson
Vet Nurse
Born and raised in sunny Hawkes Bay, Rebecca has always had a passion for animals.
After graduating from EIT with a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing Rebecca began her career with Vet Services Napier. She spent a number of years out of region before returning home to Hawkes Bay and joining Vet Services Hastings.
In 2023, Rebecca undertook further studies completing a Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing.
Rebecca takes pride in her care and enjoys working on the wide variety of cases that we see in Hastings. She has valuable experience in After Hours and Emergency care.
In her spare time, Rebecca will be found riding her horse, playing netball or in the hills hunting with friends.
Sammy Woon
Vet Nurse Team Leader
Sam started at Vet Services as a Nurse Assistant in 2018, while completing her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing at EIT. After graduating we were happy to have Sam join the team full time.
For Sam, seeing a pet make a full recovery is the most rewarding part of the job!
In her spare time Sam enjoys keeping active, walking her 2 dogs, Nala and Kenny and spending time with her young family.
Summa Maybury
Vet Technician
Summa joined Vet Services in 2016 and has been a member of our nursing team ever since. She has always been passionate about the outdoors, farming and working with animals. One of her favourite parts of the job is reuniting happy, healthy animals back with their owners.
In 2020 Summa helped the Vet Services team with pregnancy scanning and looks forward to working with sheep and large animals more in the coming seasons.
When she’s not at work you will find Summa in the vege garden, with her dogs, or working on her lifestyle block where there is always plenty to do.
yvonne Haren
Nurse Coordinator
Yvonne qualified with a Certificate in Veterinary nursing in 2008, and began her career in a Veterinary Clinic in Napier before joining Vet Service Hastings in 2015 as their Nurse Receptionist.
Yvonne brings loads of energy and enthusiasm to her role of helping and assisting both our Hastings team and their clients in providing an extra arm of care, service and problem solving. Puppy preschool and Porky Pets are among her ‘pet’ projects, educating pet owners so that their furry friends get the best possible life.
Outside of work, Yvonne is an avid reader, she like nothing more than getting away with her husband and 2 dogs in their campervan.
Kayla Knibb
Veterinary Nurse
Kayla graduated with a Diploma of Veterinary Nursing 2017 and joined the Vet Services team in 2024.
Kayla knew Veterinary Nursing was going to be her career path straight out of high-school. She is passionate about providing exceptional animal care and really enjoys surgical and hospital nursing.
This Hawkes Bay local who is here to stay, with a dog, cat, fish and toddler in tow. In her spare time, Kayla enjoys getting outside, crafting and spending time with her family.
Zoe Pascoe
Animal Care Assistant
Zoe is originally from Whakatane. She has a strong passion for animals and decided veterinary nursing would be her ideal career.
Zoe moved to Hawkes Bay at the beginning of 2023 to begin her studies at EIT. After a short break due to the Cyclone Zoe moved back to Hawkes Bay and joined the Vet Services team as an Animal Care Assistant while she is studying.
Zoe loves working with animals and providing exceptional care.
In her spare time, Zoe loves to get outdoors and exploring the beautiful Hawkes Bay region.
Companion Animal and Production Animal Support Teams
Georgia Linton
Marketing, Social Media & Equine Receptionist
Georgia joined the Vet Services team in August 2022. Georgia’s role has evolved over time and she now splits her time between equine administration and marketing. She really enjoys the variety of her dual role!
Outside of work, Georgia is currently completing a Degree in Business and Psychology.
In her spare time Georgia will be found with her dogs and horses, or renovating with her partner Louie.
Hamish Grant
Production Animal Retail Manager & CHB Farmers Vet Club Secretary
Hamish joined the Vet Services in 2020 bringing plenty of practical farming and product knowledge to the retail team.
Hamish was predominantly based in Waipukurau and transferred to Hastings in February 2024. He 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.
Jo D'ath
Production Animal Administration
Jo joined our Hastings Clinic after completing a Bachelor of Business Studies to be part of the Companion Animal reception team, many moons ago! Whilst working on reception she also completed a Certificate in Veterinary Nursing by correspondence with Otago Polytechnic.
In her early 20s Jo did her big OE in the UK working with polo ponies based in Ascot. While horsing around over there Jo stumbled upon carriage driving and even competed at England’s Horse of the Year Show with Gary Docking.
Currently spending most of her time on our Production Animal desk, Jo is definitely our go to girl for tech assistance.
A busy mum of 3, she somehow finds time to coach her youngest sons football team, in between ferrying her other two youngsters to their sporting activities.
Belinda Morrison
Customer Service & Production Animal Receptionist
Belinda joined the Hastings team in early 2024 after moving from the Wairarapa to manage a farm in Hawkes Bay with her husband.
Belinda has worked in veterinary clinics for some time, first as a vet nurse before moving into administration. She really enjoys getting to meet a variety of people and problem solving to help clients and their animals.
When she is not at work, you’ll find Belinda on farm or curled up with a good book.
Chloe McGhie
Customer Service & Companion Animal Receptionist
Chloe joined the Vet Services team in June 2024.
Having previously worked as an AI Technician, on farm and with the Haumoana Zoo, Chloe brings a wealth of knowledge to her role.
Outside of work, Chloe is currently studying a Diploma in Rural Animal Technology. In her spare time she is busy with home renovations and keep her 2 dogs and 3 horses active.
Hannah Smith
Customer Service & Companion Animal Receptionist
Hannah has been part of the Vet Services team since December 2022.
Having previously worked for an arts department, Hannah has really enjoyed learning all about the veterinary industry while on the job. Her favourite parts of the job are the puppy cuddles and getting to meet lots of people.
When she’s not at work, Hannah loves making the most of the Hawkes Bay sunshine and spending time with her friends and cat Jimmy.
Megan Atkinson
Customer Service & Companion Animal Receptionist
Nadia Edmonds
Companion Animal Reception Team Leader
Nadia joined the reception team at Vet Services Hastings in 2021 after completing her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing through EIT.
She enjoys seeing all the fluffy’s walk through the door as they sure do brighten up a day. She looks forward to providing a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Sapphire Johnson
Customer Service & Companion Animal Receptionist
Sapphire joined the reception team at Vet Services in 2023. Before joining the team, she worked at as a medical receptionist. She enjoys the variety of the veterinary industry.
When she is not at work, Sapphire can be found out and about with her children and partner Sam. She enjoys keeping active at the gym