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.

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 VN 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 domestic short hair Chesteroonie who has recently become the sole cat of the household. She enjoys cooking, reading and knitting.

Receptionist
Charwin Richards Charwin is our receptionist and officially began working for us in November 2009. She has studied cat behaviour and animal comunications and has a good knowledge of the products we sell. She is absolutely passionate about all types of animals and people which is why she is so pleased to be working with a fantastic veterinary team. Charwin moved from half-way across the world last year with her husband, Heath and 4 cats; Schumi a blue point Siamese, Tiramisu a chocolate lynx point Siamese, Pepsi a chocolate Oriental and Enzo Ferrari a red point Siamese. Her cats had to be in quarantine for 4 months and she is glad to have them settling into their new home. As you can see by some of her cats' names, she is also a keen Grand Prix supporter. In her spare time, Charwin enjoys the outdoors & beaches; spending time with her family and their crazy farm animals; reading about cats and finding new and interesting places that New Zealand has to offer.

 

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.