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.
Ali McANulty
Clinic Manager
Ali joined the Vet Services team in early December 2022 as our Clinic Manager.
Ali loves her role as Clinic Manager as she gets to help in all areas of the business and gets to know many people within our wonderful community. She is particularly passionate about ensuring that you, our valued clients are receiving the best possible customer experience with Vet Services Dannevirke.
When she’s not at work, Ali and her husband will be exploring the beautiful region and beaches, out fishing or spending time with their children and grandchildren living around the central and lower North Island.
Kate Matthews
Companion Animal Vet Team Leader
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sophie-Leigh Anderson
Mixed Practice Veterinarian
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 Castle point family batch and enjoy soaking up the amazing surroundings.
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!
Sarah Bird
Mixed Practice Veterinarian
Sarah joined Vet Services Dannevirke in August 2021 after spending over eight years in a mixed practice located in Northland.
Sarah really enjoys the variety of mixed rural practice and is currently studying towards a Masters in Veterinary Medicine through Massey University.
Kendall O’Riley
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.
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 like’s travelling, watching movies and cooking.
Jackie Tapp
Vet Nurse
Jackie joined our team in 2019 after moving to Dannevirke for love! Before the move she had worked as a shepherd in a back block of Taihape and spent a couple of years on the ski fields in Canada (something she would highly recommend!).
She is passionate about all things animals and will make sure yours feel right at home when they come to visit us.
Sherie Wynyard
Vet Nurse & Rural Technician
Sherie first joined the Vet Services team as a casual technician assisting our ewe pregnancy scanners out in the field.
5 years on, Sherie is a key part of our nursing team splitting her time between the companion animal clinic and on farm with large animals.
She really enjoys the variety of mixed animal veterinary care as she gets to spend time with all breeds of animals and can follow multiple passions.
When she’s not at work, Sherie will be found on farm with her team of dogs.
Kokila Adger
Mixed-animal Veterinary Technologist
Kokila first joined Vet Services Dannevirke in June 2022 as a mixed-animal veterinary technologist.
Originating from Manawatu, Kokila graduated from Massey University in 2020 with a Bachelors in Veterinary Technology. Following graduation, Kokila learnt the ropes in a mixed animal practice in Palmerston North but decided to take the plunge and move to this side of the hill. Kokila’s passion lies in dairy herd health management & equine medicine but thoroughly enjoys the challenges of working with a variety of species. Kokila is excited to get amongst it, learn what she can and get to know the locals.
When she’s not working, you’ll find her somewhere in the outdoors or out milking cows.
Ash Borlase
Vet Nurse
Bex Watts
Vet Nurse
Tylar Johnson
Vet Nurse
K
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!!
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.
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!
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.
Paige Kennedy
Companion Animal Reception
Paige joined the Dannevirke customer services team in May 2023.
Paige loves the team environment at Vet Services and assisting clients with a variety of calls.
Paige has completed her first year of Veterinary Nursing studies at UCOL in Palmerston North and looks forward to completing her diploma with EIT.
In her spare time, Paige spends most of her time on farm, relief milking and keeping her working dogs busy.
