Meet The Team
Servicing the greater Tararua region from our Dannevirke clinic, our staff of over 20 are kept extremely busy. We provide services to clients from Takapau in the North to Woodville in the South, and from the Ruahine Ranges in the west to the Pacific Ocean coastline in the east.
The practice offers a wide range of services for all animal species – dairy, beef, sheep, deer, horse’s, pigs, alpacas, working dogs and all companion animals. We are one of only 29 practices in New Zealand that is accredited to the New Zealand Veterinary Associations ‘Best Practice’ programme.
Simon Marshall
Production Animal Veterinarian, Practice Manager
Simon grew up on a sheep and beef farm in Waipukurau before deciding to pursue a career in veterinary science which led him to study at Massey University. After graduating he worked in Wairoa for 4 years before heading to the UK to locum and travel for 2 years.
Upon returning to NZ he started work in Dannevirke, that was 13 years ago. Since then, he has married and had a family which he enjoys spending time with doing lots of outdoor activities including diving, hunting and fishing.
Simon enjoys all aspects of veterinary practice but his passion is helping farmers achieve a productive, sustainable and profitable farm system.
Sophie-Leigh Anderson
Companion Animal Veterinarian Team Leader
Sophie first came to Vet Services Dannevirke as a graduate veterinarian in January 2019. She now has an amazing skill set, experience and knowledge in both companion and production animal practice.
Sophie enjoys the variety of work that is put in front of her and when she is not attending to animals you will find her creating something delicious in the kitchen. The team often get to trial her creations and let me tell you they are delicious!!
In their down time, Sophie and her partner Scotty, as well as their energetic pooch Sage quite often enjoy a weekend away at their Castlepoint family bach and enjoy soaking up the amazing surroundings.
Michelle greaves
Clinic Manager
Michelle joined the Vet Services team as our Clinic Manager in early 2025.
Michelle comes from a management background previously working for 16 yrs with DairyNZ based in the Manawatu and PGG Wrightsons as Store Manager in Hunterville.
Growing up on dairy farms and living on a sheep and beef station in Taihape, Michelle is passionate about rural NZ.
In her spare time Michelle enjoys trial bike riding with her partner, camping trips away to the beach or the high country and spending time with Milly the horse and Lockie the dog.
Courtney Matthews
Mixed Practice Veterinarian
Courtney joined our clinic in 2024, after graduating from Massey University. Growing up on her family’s lifestyle block in the Wairarapa, she developed a passion for animals from a young age.
Courtney enjoys the variety and challenge that working as a mixed animal vet brings, and she has a particular interest in equine practice. She is excited to grow her career with Vet Services Dannevirke.
In her free time, you’ll find her outdoors with her husband Theo and son Max – often on 4WD adventures, riding her horse, or getting lost in a book.
Kate Matthews
Companion Animal Veterinarian
Kate joined the Vet Services team in January 2011 and soon became our Companion Animal Vet Team Lead.
She enjoys all aspects of companion animal medicine – from complex orthopedic surgeries to a good stitch up, and is the go-to lady for any tricky companion animal cases.
Kate began her career as a veterinarian in Wairoa and developed a keen interest in working dogs. In recent years she has assisted in studies on hip dysplasia in NZ working dogs and found this to be very rewarding.
When she’s not at work Kate is a busy with family and her gorgeous Huntaway Nelly. You will often see then out walking – wind, rain or shine.
Johnny Atkins
Equine, Production Animal and Small Animal Orthopedics Veterinarian
Johnny has been working at Vet Services Dannevirke since January 2012, after completing his Veterinary Degree at Massey University in Palmerston North.
He originally hails from Wellington but thoroughly enjoys the ‘small town life’ that Dannevirke offers.
Johnny has a keen interest in Equine Veterinary Practice but enjoys treating the diverse range of species that mixed practice has to offer. He has undertaken a wide range of continuing education to further his knowledge and skills, especially Equine Dentistry, Medicine and Lameness.
While not at work you can often find him out running, but he enjoys a range of sports and making the most of all the awesome outdoor opportunities rural NZ has to offer!
Lucy brunton
Mixed Practice Veterinarian
After graduating in 2017, Lucy started her career in Taranaki and joined the Vet Services team after moving to Tararua in late 2019.
Originally from the city life, Lucy enjoys the challenges and variety of working in a mixed rural practice. She is particularly passionate about calvings and treating working dogs.
Outside of work, Lucy will be found helping on the family farm, running after her own dogs or walking in the Ruahines.
Naomi Barrett
Mixed Practice Veterinarian
Naomi originally hails from England and graduated from Cambridge University in 2010. Following her graduation, Naomi gained experience from working at two mixed practice clinics in the UK before deciding to come to New Zealand in 2014.
Once in New Zealand, Naomi worked in the South Island for a few years and then started with Vet Services in 2017.
Naomi loves working as a mixed practice veterinarian and that she can see five different species in one day. The life of a mixed practice vet in Dannevirke means no two days are the same!
Since being in NZ, Naomi has found a passion for the farming life as well as flying a few planes here and there and this is where you will find her in her down time.
Sarah Bird
Mixed Practice Veterinarian
Sarah joined Vet Services Dannevirke in August 2021 after spending over 8 years in a mixed practice located in Northland.
Sarah really enjoys the variety of rural practice, especially emergency medicine and mastitis in dairy cows, recently completing her Masters in Veterinary Medicine (with distinction) through Massey University.
In her spare time you might find Sarah making cakes for all those in the clinic with a sweet tooth.
Sarah Fannin
Mixed Practice Veterinarian
Sarah grew up on a sheep and beef farm in Taihape, where her passion for animals and rural life first took root. She joined the VSDVK team in February 2025 as a new graduate and has quickly become a valued member of the clinic.
Driven by a desire to work alongside farmers and a love for variety, Sarah was drawn to veterinary medicine as a career where no two days are the same. She enjoys the diverse caseload offered here in DVK — a truly mixed practice covering dairy, sheep and beef, equine, and working dogs.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys long walks, spending time in the garden, baking and cooking, and getting out and about on the farm with her partner, Connor.
tim Hogan
Production Animal Veterinarian
Tim believes he’s been “living the dream” since 2008 when he first joined the Vet Services team.
What he enjoys most about his job is working hard with our Production Animal clients in helping them achieve their goals and also has a special interest in animal Health issues.
When Tim is not working, he is found to be running from place to place with the kids making sure they keep up with their busy sporting lifestyle. He also enjoys hunting & fishing and has a few good stories to match.
Kendall O’Riley
Head Vet Nurse
Kendall first joined our Dannevirke team in 2017 while completing some work experience as part of her studies with EIT.
She made a great impression and took a permanent position as a Vet Nurse with us after finishing her Diploma in Vet Nursing.
When she is not at work Kendall loves heading to the beach for a surf cast, spending time with her animals or going bush.
Ash Borlase
Vet Nurse
Ash started working with Vet Services Dannevirke one day a week, while she was studying to become a veterinary nurse through Otago polytechnic in 2022.
Ash graduated with her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in 2022 and accepted a full time roll at Vet Services Dannevirke at the start of 2023.
Ash lived on a dairy farm growing up so has always been around and owned animals. In her spare time Ash really enjoys going to the gym and staying active (helps her recharge from such a fast paced workplace). Ash also enjoy caring for hospitalised patients and rehabilitation.
Annalise Barker
Vet Nurse
Annalise joined Vet Services Dannevirke in July 2025 after relocating from the South Island. She brings with her a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and enjoys all aspects of veterinary nursing, with a particular passion for surgery and general patient care.
Outside of work, Annalise loves spending time outdoors, especially running around the farm with her dog, Sadie.
Bex Watts
Vet Nurse
KAt Gunn
Vet Nurse
Kat moved from the UK to the Hawkes Bay region in 2024 to join her kiwi partner.
She holds a BSc. honours degree in Veterinary Nursing from the UK and graduated in 2017. She has a keen interest in nutrition and loves to chat to our clients on nurse consults.
When she is not at work she can be found on the farm with her dog Tim and off on a new adventure over the weekends to explore more of the beautiful New Zealand.
Skye Garman
Vet Nurse
Skye is originally from Littlehampton, England and moved to Whanganui when she was 10 yrs old.
After finishing High School, she moved to Wellington to study Makeup artistry before moving back to Whanganui in 2017 to study her Veterinary Nursing Assistant qualification.
She really enjoys patient care & monitoring, particularly surgical monitoring and also running blood samples.
In her spare time, she likes travelling, watching movies and cooking.
Renee Booth
Vet Technician
Renee grew up in Fordell on a small sheep and beef farm,
where she developed a passion for working with animals.
Renee completed my Certificate in Veterinary Technology in September 2023 and began her career working in Feilding. In August 2025, Renee joined the Dannevirke team as a Veterinary Technician.
Renee particularly enjoys the variety the role brings each day and the opportunity to support both farmers and their animals. Renee is looking forward to building strong relationships with clients and further developing her skills within the team. Outside of work, Renee enjoys running with Bailey her pointer and spending quality time with friends and family.
Tylar Johnston
Vet Nurse
Tylar first joined the Vet Services team in June 2023 after landing a job through placement, as part of her studies with UCOL. She later moved into a full-time nursing position in early 2024 after finishing her Diploma.
Tylar was born and raised in rural Dannevirke, spending her childhood between both Dairy and Sheep & Beef farms. Growing up amid all these animals. Tylar thinks this is where her interest in animal care first began.
She enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine but particularly enjoys inpatient care and post-op physiotherapy. Tylar enjoys caring for the variety of patients that walk through the doors, but most definitely has a soft spot for working dogs.
Vita Spurdle
Vet Nurse
Vita joined the Vet Services team in June 2024 and is currently studying toward her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, which she hopes to complete at the end of 2025.
She is enjoying the hands-on experience that comes with working in a busy mixed practice clinic as well as the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated and knowledgeable team.
Born on Waiheke Island and raised between there and Nelson, Vita moved to Central Hawke’s Bay in 2021, where she currently resides. When she’s not at work, you will find her spending time with her weimaraner, Astro, and 5 horses.
Grace Wright
Large Animal and Equine Reception
Grace joined the VSHB team three years ago, bringing with her a strong connection to the farming community and a genuine passion for the agricultural industry.
After her travels were cut short by COVID and a broken ankle brought her hands-on farming career to an early close, Grace found the next best thing — working in a vet clinic where she still gets to chat with farmers and stay involved in the industry she loves. Her role at VSHB allows her to connect with a wide variety of animals and people every day, which keeps things interesting and rewarding.
In her spare time, Grace enjoys heading out to the farm, taking the dogs to the beach, and planning her next travel adventure.
Grant Duff
Retail Manager
Grant has been with the Dannevirke Clinic for over 35 years and really enjoys working with farmers to achieve their production goals with the always evolving animal health and welfare products we stock in store.
One of his highlights during his career with the company was moving from the original Gordon Street clinic to the new purpose-built Vet Services High Street clinic in 2013. Grant looks forward to meeting new farmers moving to the area and ensuring they get the best animal health advice.
Hannah Percy
Companion Animal Retail & Reception
Hannah started here in October 2014 as a full-time receptionist, she previously studied Vet Nursing at Massey University and also has a background in hospitality. Hannah has a passion for customer service, animal care and has a love of the outdoors.
When she is not at work, she is hanging out with her variety of pets ranging from three naughty sheep, eight very active dogs, one nosey ginger cat and one very large cow named Leila. Most of these are a collection of animals adopted from the clinic and as you can imagine life is never dull!!
Jenny Morton
Clinic Co-ordinator and Large Animal Receptionist
Jenny grew up on a sheep and beef farm and has been working with farming and animal health for over 36 years.
Jenny joined Vet Services in 2014, in 2020 she changed roles to our Clinic Co-Ordinator. This is a varied role which includes diary management, health and safety and problem solving.
Outside of work Jenny is kept busy by her wonderful family, husband Jim and children Nicole & Braedyn. There is never a dull moment with lots of fishing, photography and exploring NZ in their campervan.
Mary Craine
Accounts, Equine Reception and Laboratory Assistant
Mary has farmed for many years and worked with Animal Health Services and LIC before joining Vet Services in 2008. Initially starting as a Vet Nurse, Mary’s role have evolved to include admin, equine and reception.
Mary enjoys mainly working with our great team at Vet Services as well as being involved in the farming community.
When not at work you will see her travelling to multiple destinations (including overseas) judging dressage and enjoying walking & tramping around our beautiful countryside!
Moana Paewai
Production Animal Retail & Reception
Moana joined the Vet Services team in 2020 after moving back to Dannevirke with her family. Moana comes to us with 5 years previous experience in the Production and Companion animal retail as well as on farm sheep and beef experience.
She enjoys the variety of work that the production animals require and seeing all the cats and dogs that come in to the clinic. If Moana is not busy at work she is normally busy on farm or with her 2 boys.
Natalie Smith
Companion Animal Retail & Reception
Natalie has a diploma in Vet Nursing and has been in the industry for over 10 years.
Loves meeting the clients and all their pets, falling in love with a new dog every day.
Always had a menagerie of animals but dogs have been an obsession forever, particularly working dogs.
In 2012 founded The Retired Working Dogs NZ Charitable Trust and is still very involved.
In her spare time, you’ll find Nat somewhere outside with her 2 boys and her dogs
Sandra Burton
Accounts & Administration
Sandra joined the Vet Services team as a receptionist in 2014, and not long after she took on accounts and administration duties. Sandra’s love for animals is evident in the many “fail” fosters.
Away from the clinic Sandra enjoys getting out in her garden, watching sports and catching up with family and friends. Sandra enjoys working alongside such a dedicated team of people.