The Vets

Andrew Conway BVSc

Andrew graduated from Massey University in 1975 after growing up on a sheep and cattle farm in Canterbury.  Andrew is a true mixed practice vet, enjoying a combination of farm animal work and small animal orthopaedics, advanced dental work and acupuncture.  Andrew and his wife Jacqui own the business, having now lived in Nelson for over 22 years after working in England for several years.  They live just south of Wakefield on about 120 acres where they farm deer and provide a home to a collection of Jack Russells and ducks. Outside of work, Andrew coaches a local rowing team for Nelson College for Boys and has interests in photography.

 

John Mace BVSc

John grew up on a dairy farm in the Waikato, and graduated from Massey in 1988.  John, with his wife, Vicky, and three children live on a lifestyle farm in the Moutere.

Johns particular interest is in all large animals particularly in dairy medicine, horses and alpacas, for which he has attended conferences to keep him up to date with medical advances.

Most recently, John has become qualified as an InCalf Advisor as part of DairyNZ's efforts to address the nationally recognised poor fertility in Dairy Cows. For information on InCalf please click here.

 

 

Kelly Phillips BVetMedHons, BScHons M.R.C.V.S.

Kelly was born in the South of England, and graduated from The Royal Veterinary College in London with Honours in 2002.  She worked in a mixed practice in the UK for a year, then took the plunge and moved to Nelson to work with us.  Kelly's main veterinary interests are animal acupuncture for which has undertaken a year long diploma course, and diagnostic imaging for which she completed a postgraduate distance education course in 2006.  Kelly also has a keen interest in treating injured wildlife, particularly birds of prey, and is often found vetting at equine endurance events. Outside work, Kelly enjoys spending time with her husband Neville, children Jasmine and Josh, and walking their German Shepherd dog Zak. 

 

Hannahbess Thomson-Laing

Hannahbess has been with us now for just over a year and is a fabulous asset to our team! Growing up in Nelson on a hobby farm, Hannahbess has a keen interest in mixed practice, be it a cat or a cow, and is always set for a new challenge. Hannahbess graduated from Massey University in 2009 and is an enthusiastic rock climber and salsa dancer. In her down time she likes to spend time with friends and family and her 3 legged cat 'Pods' a rescue cat from the clinic.

 

 

Rachel Colpus

Rachel has recently joined us part time and currently lives in Murchison with her husband and two dogs. Rachel graduated from Liverpool University in the UK in 1998 and worked in a mixed practice until she moved to New Zealand in 2000 locuming her way around until she settled in Murchison. Rachel is an active member of Search and Rescue and enjoys spending her spare time pig hunting, tramping and just enjoying the New Zealand countryside.

The Veterinary Nurses

 

Kay 

Kay gained her Veterinary Nursing Certificate in 1998 achieving the Merial Meritorious Award for Excellence.   Kay joined our clinic full time in 2000, and has a strong interest in animal behaviour and wildlife rehabilitation. She enjoys training vet nursing and animal care students that are with us regularly.  Outside of work Kay enjoys CeRoc dancing and spending time with her family and cat Russian.

 

 

Jennifer

Jennifer gained her Veterinary Nursing Certificate in 2008, achieving the Shoof award for Excellence in Anaesthesia.  She has been working for us full time since graduating.  Jen quickly became involved with the running of our Puppy Classes, and is always happy to help owners and puppies develop great relationships.  She loves studying and has completed courses in reception skills and dogs and is looking for courses to keep her challenged!  Outside work she is an active member of the Civil Defence Urban Search and rescue team, and enjoys playing football and netball.  Jennifer recently rescued a Collie x pup now named Penny that was going to be euthanased due to a broken leg, Penny is now a wonderful dog and helps Jen teach the dog behaviour component in her puppy classes along with Kelly's German shepherd Zak.

The Administrative Team

 

Trudi

Trudi has been employed at The Vet Centre since 2003, when she graduated from NMIT with her Vet Nursing Certificate and Merial Meritorious award for Excellence.  She has continued with ongoing training, including online VetScholar courses in Anaesthetics, Wound Management and Bandaging, and Fluid Therapy.  Trudi has also completed a Certificate in Companion Animal Service and Retail, specialising in felines. In 2008 she took on the role of Office Manager, and has enjoyed the new challenges the position brings. She is responsible for accounts, creditors, ordering supplies, and much more!

 

 

Diana

Diana has been working with us for the past years on the reception desk greeting clients with a friendly smile.   She has extensive product knowledge particularly in the equine field and enjoys helping people with their needs.  Recent additions to her family include a Border Collie called Kite and feline furball Flya. 

 

 

Nicky

Nicky started working for us in 1992, and gained her certificate in Veterinary Nursing in 1994.  She job shares with Diana in reception, working two days a week, and ensures our customers are well looked after.  Outside of work Nicky enjoys spending time with her husband, three children and menagerie of pets including another rescue pup from our clinic called Jade. Nicky loves horse riding, although her Standard bred horse Annabelle is now 34 and is happily retired from work. 

 

Katie Halliday

Katie has been with us for a year now and has over 3 years previous experience in the Wadestown clinic in Wellington as a receptionist and assistant. Katie has a lovely, bright personality and fits in with The Vet Centre team well. Katie has a degree in biology from Victoria University and has a special interest in marine life and turtles, so much so she and her partner has a beloved pair of turtles who are spoilt rotten!

Tim Varley

Tim has worked for many years in retail with a strong background in the stock companies. Tim lives in Richmond and usually found out on the road servicing his clients and those of The Vet Centre. 

Tim's sells other products for Tasman Crop alongside the animal health products from The Vet Centre.

Tim can be contacted directly by phoning

027 430 8893 or Contact The Vet Centre

 

 If you have questions that you want to ask, please contact us