About Us

Veterinarians

Russell Liddell BVSc I graduated from Massey University in 1988. I have focused on small animal practice since then with extensive experience in normal day practice and also emergency medicine based both here in New Zealand and in the UK. I have very high standards which are reflected throughout our practice. I am passionate about what I do and also how I do it. I am also lucky enough to be able to say that I have a "job" that I do actually enjoy more and more the longer I do it. I can think of no career that is more diverse and able to provide constant day to day challenge than veterinary medicine. I am constantly thankful for my wonderful clients and also that I ended up doing what I do. Apart from work I enjoy immensely my family - Raewyn my wife and our busy children - Finn, Jack, Jorja and Lucy. Do we have any animals? Ruby and Olive two Jack Russell Terriers, Maisey a Persian cross, Buzz and Woody two part Cornish Rex cats and Baby a domestic medium hair; plus two guinea pigs and, as lots of families with young children, a constantly varying number of mice. We also have an outdoor aviary with some canaries and budgies. I also try to fit into my life my push bike, motor bike, using my camera, going to the gym and last but not least getting some sleep!
Anita Steinemann BVSc After growing up in Auckland, Anita graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from Massey in 2004. She joined a small animal practice in Pukekohe for 2 years, before embarking on an overseas adventure with her partner, David. She worked in various small animal practices in the UK, in between seeing family in Switzerland and travelling throughout Europe and Africa. They returned home at the end of September 2009 and Anita thinks she's pretty lucky to have found such a nice practice to settle into. Now, apart from work, Anita is enjoying being back home and catching up with family and friends. In her spare time she enjoys tending to her veggie garden, reading and cooking (especially products from the veggie garden). She loves the outdoors and on her weekends off can often be found tramping in the bush, swimming in the sea or skiing down a mountain.	Photo to come
Marieke Wijnen BVSc Marieke graduated in 2002 from Utrecht University in The Netherlands and started working in Arnhem as a small animal veterinarian. She has done a lot of travelling and used to do voluntary work with seal pups in several different countries. The ultimate travel was to move to the other side of the world and she has been a resident in New Zealand for almost six years now. She is a vibrant and compassionate individual with a strong drive to really do what is best for your companion. She is currently strongly focused on personal fitness - running, bike riding and swimming. She has recently completed an eleven kilometre ocean swim and is in training now for the half ironman later in the year.

Veterinary Nurses

Bernadene Pickett VN Bernadene began veterinary nursing in 1987 and graduated in 1989 with the NZVA ANTECH Veterinary Nursing Certificate; she started with us in October 2003 after 16½ years in another local clinic. Her main interests are her cats, reading, tramping, travel and has  completed a proofreading course by correspondence.
Rachel Stone VN Rachel has a Vet Nursing Certificate from Unitec where she graduated from in 1997. She started her career nursing in a clinic for four years before leaving to experience other areas of the animal industry. These included kennel work, sales, and voluntary dog training for epilepsy assist dogs. Finally returning to vet nursing, Rachel joined us in April 2007. She enjoys spending her time with friends and family, and of course her "fur babies". These include Austin & Nemo both domestic short hairs, Dudley the Flemish Giant rabbit and her number one, Starla a senior citizen and slightly senile crossbreed!
Kate Gordon Kate has completed the Otago Polytechnic Certificate in Veterinary Nursing through 2007/2008, while gaining her experience in clinic.  She has been with us since March 2005. Kate is recently married and is enjoying settling into the routine of married life, with her two boys Charlie the three legged domestic long hair and Chesteroonie a domestic short hair. She enjoys cooking, reading and making baby clothes for Raewyn and Angela's new babies.
Angela Fletcher VN Angela has a national certificate in veterinary nursing and qualified from AUT in 2000; she joined us in June 2002. Angela has an 8 year old male boxer dog called Hazard. She runs some of our puppy training and socialisation classes here at the clinic and has a keen interest in animal behaviour and training as well as anaesthetics and surgery. Angela has left us to start her family with her baby, Maya. However, we continue to have Angela's expertise at our Puppy Pre School classes.

Cattery Staff

Cattery Staff are Carrie, Praneeta, Briar, Ari and Sam. They all work in the evenings and weekends helping us to run our cattery.

They are all young and enthusiastic and passionate about taking good care of your cat while boarding with us.