About
Our Vision
Enhanced Animal-Human Relationships
Our Mission
To be the most trusted & customer focused provider of animal health & welfare services in the Hawke’s Bay.
Professionalism – Excellence with Integrity
Advocacy – A Voice For Others
Communication – Caring and Timely
Teamwork – Better Together
VetsOne is committed to excellence in care as well as the best experience for both you and your animals. We are the only clinic in Hawke's Bay to attain the Gold Level Cat Friendly Clinic Status as well as having nurses trained in low stress handling.
Meet our Team
The Team at VetsOne are an amazing mix of experience, knowledge, skill and compassion with a common goal of working together for the betterment of animals and their owners.
If you see us in the clinic, come and say hi!
Mr Dennis Pumpernickel
Clinic Cat – all roles
Hello,
My name is Mr Dennis Pumpernickel. I’m the most important member of VetsOne. Being in charge of everyone’s mental wellbeing, makes me a VIP (Very Important Puss).
My hobbies include: sun lazing, surprise attacks on staff to ensure they stay fully awake, catching sky raisins, running races with a good game of catch me if you can, and watching my humans eat just to make sure they don’t need some assistance.
My favourite quote is “time spent with a cat is never wasted”.
Meet the Directors
Jason
BSc BVSc (Dist, Massey Scholar)
Jason grew up on a dairy farm in the King Country before completing an Agricultural Science degree at Massey University. This was followed by industry roles at Ambreed and Livestock Improvement, before heading off for a 5 year OE based in the UK. On returning, he completed his Veterinary Science degree at Massey and started mixed-animal practice with Vet Associates in 2008. Since then he has further developed his interests in companion animal orthopaedics and production/equine preventative animal health programmes. He is a Director of the practice.
Jason has a busy family life bringing up four children, and when not helping with homework or watching sport, he can often be found running or biking around the hills of Taradale.
Mike
BVSc (Massey)
Mike has been with the business for over 20 years and is a Production Animal and Equine Vet as well as a Director of the practice. He was brought up on a sheep and beef farm and has strong family roots in the Hawkes Bay.
He is passionate about forming strong personal relationships with clients in order to add value to their businesses. He also enjoys working with all the staff which give a great deal of their time to VetsOne. With the team expanding over the years it has been great developing life-long working relationships.
Outside work Mike is an avid cyclist and enjoys mountain biking to get out into the wilderness. He also enjoys fishing and relaxing with family and friends.
Sharon
BSc BVSc (Dist, Massey Scholar)
Sharon has been with VetsOne for longer than she will admit to, starting initially as an employee, then becoming an owner in 2008. Sharon is passionate about the role of vets in advocating for pets so that they can enjoy the best life possible, giving their owners great joy into the bargain. She particularly enjoys complicated soft tissue surgery (skin, eyes, ears etc) and the work she has done with the local branch of the SPCA over the past 20 years. Sharon also spends a large part of her time in a management role, working on our practice vision of becoming the Best Animal Health Care provider in Hawkes Bay.
On a personal note Sharon has a husband and two grown sons, two cats, and an aquarium.
Meet our Companion Animal Veterinarians
Anna
MVB (Hons)
Anna is a new graduate Vet from Dublin, Ireland and is really excited, as we are, to be joining the team in Hastings! Anna’s main areas of interest are in small animal medicine, emergency care and nutrition.
Outside of work she enjoys swimming, gyming and keeping active. Anna loves being outdoors and can’t wait to hike the beautiful trails around the bay!
Camille
BVSc (Massey)
Camille graduated from Massey in 2014 and started as a mixed animal vet in Dargaville, and then spent the next few years in the Wairarapa also as a mixed animal vet. Then in 2020 she relocated to Napier where she took on a part-time small animal role.
Outside of work Camille is running around after her two children and her chihuahua and two cats. When she has time she also enjoys a spot of baking.
Mia
BSc, BVSc (Massey), Cert. Herbal Meds
Originally from Blenheim, Mia graduated from Massey University with a BVSc and BSc (Animal Science).
Mia has a special interest in integrative and holistic animal health, completing a certificate in Veterinary Wester Herbal Medicine from CIVT (College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies).
Outside of work Mia enjoys spending time with her fiancée Ben, stepson Ryan, two needy dogs and one slightly elusive fluffy cat.
Meet our Production Animal, Equine & Mixed Animal Team
Andrea
BVSc (Massey)
Andrea is part of our Production Animal and Equine Team. She enjoys large animal practice and has a special focus on Equine lameness and medicine.
Andrea is married to Hamish and has a daughter and son at university. She enjoys living on a lifestyle block running horses, cattle and sheep. Labrador Bruce, Border terrier Lottie and two cats complete the team.
Cole
BSC (Massey)
Cole finished his degree in Veterinary Science in 2017 and joined the VetsOne team in late 2019 after a stint working in Wairoa. Don’t let his accent fool you – he is Auckland born. After living there most of his life, he is eager to stay away from the hustle and bustle of big city life.
He is an adept surgeon, looking forward to developing his orthopaedic skills and he is currently undergoing extra studies in surgery. He also has a passion for reptiles, birds and other exotics animals and would like to specialise in exotic medicine over time.
Cole and his wife have recently become first time parents. He enjoys; reading, art and construction, baking and candy making, computer repairs and camping. In a previous life he was also a “circus, fire and flow arts” instructor.
Joao
BSC (Massey)
Originally from Brazil, Joao came to NZ in 1987, with his partner Anne, a kiwi, born and bred in Hawkes Bay. Joao trained as a vet at Massey and worked in the Manawatu and Tararua region. Dairy has been the bulk of his work, but he has plenty of horse, deer, sheep and beef experience.
To keep the rust away Joao enjoys doing a bit of walking, a little biking, and paddle with WakaAma mates in Clive on free Saturdays.
Angela
Cert.VN
Ange has been in the animal health industry for over 25 years in various roles. She started as a vet nurse then became a rural animal technician, followed by a sales territory manager role for an animal health company, then dairy farming in Tasmania. She returned to clinic life when she moved back to the Hawkes Bay and joined the team at Vetsone in 2018.
Ange says’ “During my time with Vetsone its been incredible to be involved in the growth of such an inspiring business. The people are what makes us so successful and I feel privileged to work with such a fabulous team. In the past you will have mainly seen me in reception, and the retail area. My primary role now is looking after the farm retail side of the business, ensuring all our farmers are getting the best service possible.”
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family or friends and her two grand babies born in 2021. She can also be found in any mosh pit available when there’s music playing, or just relaxing at home (usually with a nice glass of wine). She has two cats, both SPCA rescues. She also loves to get out and about freedom camping with her husband, or hitting the road on their motorbike.
Meet our Nursing Team
Donna
Dip. RVN
Donna graduated from Massey University in 1997 with a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and started her career with VetsOne. Then, her career took her overseas where she fine-tuned her skills as a locum nurse throughout the UK and Northern Ireland before landing a head nurse role in a clinic in Edinburgh.
On her return to Hawkes Bay she re-joined us as Head Nurse and in 2007 she was nominated for, and received, the award of NZ Veterinary Nurse of the Year. Donna then took another break whilst she concentrated on having a family, before re-joining us again in 2016.
Donna and her husband own and work a Hawkes Bay sheep-beef farm and she says that “a rural lifestyle and understanding of farming practices has developed her interest in the health and wellbeing of working dogs with a special interest in orthopaedic care”. Equine medicine is fast becoming another interest area for Donna and she jumps at any chance to become involved in this area.
Within the practice Donna works alongside the management team, leading and supporting our nursing team while they provide best practice care to our patients.
Karen
Dip. RVN
Karen is a diploma qualified senior nurse at Vetsone. She started her vet nursing career with us in 2008 when we were originally Vet Associates. Karen moved to Tauranga for 5 years where she worked as head nurse at Holistic Vets and helped with their ARRC wildlife trust, alongside DOC, nursing orphaned or injured wildlife.
Outside of clinic life Karen enjoys spending time with her family, especially her four children and granddaughter Mila. Her animal family has downsized considerably and she now has 2 dogs, a cat and a tropical fish tank.
Nadine
Cert Animal Tech, Fear-Free Cert
Nadine started working for VetsOne as a Weekend Receptionist and Junior Nurse in 2006 and over the years has built up her knowledge and skills set. Currently Nadine’s role at VetsOne is as an anaesthesia and surgical nurse which is a great challenge for her.
She studied via distance at Otago School of Veterinary Nursing and has done a few continued education courses on interests such; as dentistry, puppy pre-schools, fear free handling, advanced life support, avian and recently euthanasia. She also has special interest in palliative care, exotic animals (Birds, reptiles and small mammals), puppy pre-school training and education.
Nadine prides herself on her strong patient advocacy and minimising stress and uses this as a basis for everything she does in her nursing. She is our ISFM appointed Feline advocate helping us maintain our Gold Level Accreditation.
“In the future I hope to get out and do some community vet nursing based projects for animal health and welfare”, Nadine says.
Megan
Dip. RVN
Megan has been working as a vet nurse for the past 15yrs, gaining her diploma in vet nursing in 2008. During this time she has worked with a variety of animals ranging from dolphins to kiwis. She especially enjoys large animal / equine work.
At the clinic you will find her working closely with clients to enhance wellness, and building stronger relationships with their pets.
In her spare time she works alongside her husband on a farm with a large range of animals and being a mum to 2 young daughters.
Abirame
BVT
Abi grew up in a city in Malaysia with 2 Rottweilers and since the age of 4 she always dreamed of working in the veterinary field.
After high school, Abi spent her free time volunteering at a horse stable and a small animal veterinary clinic for 6 months to gain some experience working with animals.
At the age of 18, Abi made the big decision to move her life over to New Zealand as she fell in love with the countryside. Abi graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology in 2022 from Massey University. Throughout her studies, she enjoyed working with both small and large animals.
During my free time, you can find Abi at the gym or exploring the great outdoors on a good day. She has always loved the idea of caring for animals as a job. It brings her joy being able to provide love and care for your fur babies.
Abi also speak Tamil and Malay.
Kylie
Cert. VN
Growing up on a farm, Kylie has always had a love for animals. From a young age she knew that she wanted to be a vet nurse. Kylie completed her Certificate in Veterinary Nursing at EIT in 2015 and has been working as a companion animal veterinary nurse in clinics within the Hawkes Bay ever since.
Anaesthesia and surgical nursing is Kylie’s passion areas and she’s looking forward to bringing this to the team at VetsOne.
Dana
Dip. RVN
Dana graduated at Otago Polytechnic March 2020 with a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. She is originally from Southland but grew up in Central Otago where she spent most of her life and where she recently worked as a Vet Nurse.
I have a soft spot and love for working dogs/farm dogs e.g. Huntaway’s and Heading Dogs. Hospital, ICU/Recovery and Surgery/Anaesthesia are my passion areas.
I am very excited to explore the Hawkes Bay area and am loving it so far.
Brooke
Dip. RVN
Growing up, Brooke always had a love for animals. As a young girl, she knew she wanted to be in the animal welfare profession. After leaving high school, she started studying Veterinary Nursing at EIT. She was lucky enough to secure a job in the industry whilst studying in 2021 and has since graduated with her Diploma at the end of 2023.
One aspect of the job Brooke is passionate about, is hospital care and looking after your furbabies whilst they are feeling under the weather. You will likely find Brooke spending her tea breaks with a patient, comforting them if they are upset, scared, or if they just need a pat in general. ‘I love being able to see our patients go home to their whānau, knowing that I was part of their care and reason to getting better.’
Brooke is always eager to furthering her education and making sure the clients pets get the best treatment possible. In the near future, Brooke is considering obtaining her Level 7 Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing.
During her spare time, you will find Brooke spending time with her partner and friends, playing football, needle felting, or lazily hanging about with her furbaby Leia.
Meet our Customer Care Team
At VetsOne, we don’t see our customer facing staff as simple receptionists – instead they are all about customer care. These are the friendly faces that are answering your phone calls and being your first point of contact when you enter into the clinic. As a team, their focus is meeting your needs.
Hayley
Haley joined VetsOne as part of the Customer Care team in August 2022. Her mother has worked in the industry for over a decade, so while she is new in her position she comes into it understanding the ins and outs of a Vet Clinic. Haley feels that with the help and support of the VetsOne team the learning curve hasn’t felt as steep as it could have been. She relishes the opportunity to learn all she can and apply that knowledge for the best possible outcomes for the health of any animals that come into our clinic.
Haley was born and bred in Napier, but spent a few years in Tauranga before returning to the Hawkes Bay. At home she has her brother’s over-enthusiastic dog and a cat that has recently gained the nickname ‘Potato’ to keep her occupied.
Aydah
Aydah grew up in Northland surrounded by a large variety of animals. From the young age of 3 she got her first pony which started a lifelong bug. Once she finished high school Aydah went full time dairy farming for a few years with her heading dog, Grace, and loved it.
When her partner moved to Hawkes Bay to play rugby Aydah decided to make the move also. She wanted to try something new but still involving her love and passion for animals which lead her to VetsOne.
Piper
Piper grew up in Hawkes Bay and has been surrounded by animals her whole life.
She joined the VetsOne team in April 2024, and so far, has loved meeting a variety of animals and being able to play apart in getting the care they need.
In her spare time Piper loves spending time with her 2 dogs, Bambi and Lola and her cat, Tobacco.
Juanita
Juanita graduated as a Vet Nurse in 2014, and has worked in rescue and vet clinics in the Wellington region for most of her adult life.
Juanita recently moved to a lifestyle block in CHB where she lives with her 2 dogs, 2 cats, 3 ducks and 7 chickens.
Catherine
Catherine (or Cat) has a long background of working in animal health. Most recently she was working at The Hydrotherapy Clinic where she was a small animal hydro-therapist. She mostly worked rehabilitating canines, but also had the odd brave cat come through the clinic doors. Prior to Hydrotherapy she worked as a veterinary nurse for a number of years. Cat has also recently gained a qualification in Canine Remedial Massage.
During her free time Cat tends to a lifestyle block with all her animals. The most recent stock-take being; 2 cats, 3 dogs, 2 pigs, 4 chickens, 3 ducks, 12 cows and 16 bobby calves. It’s safe to say she has a lot of animal experience.
Meet our Administrative Team
Amanda
Amanda is born and raised in Hawke’s Bay and has been an employee of VetsOne for 34 years, since leaving school at 17 years old (all the way back to the Callaghan and McCormick days). She started with the clinic as a Vet Nurse moving to Customer Care and now Administration, and is currently our Operations and Administration Manager.
Amanda has adopted several pets over the years through the clinic and currently has 1 cat, Ginger, and 4 dogs, Jed, Nacho, Tilly and Major, who are all rescues.
‘I absolutely love working in the animal health industry, as much now as I did when I started 34 years ago. I am grateful to be a part of the VetsOne family and are fortunate to have amazing employers and a dedicated close knit team to work with every day.’
Eden
Eden joined the VetsOne team in January 2022. Getting to meet all the wonderful animals and companions that come through the doors each day has made her realise that this is the job for her. She believes animal care is so very important and it is her main priority to ensure everyone is leaving our clinic happy.
Eden is very grateful for all the amazing staff that have welcomed her into the VetsOne family. She is very excited for all the new things she hopes to learn and becoming the best customer care member she can be.
In her spare time she enjoys exploring the Hawkes Bay with her beautiful dog Luna.
Diane
Diane, born and bred in Hawke’s Bay, started working for VetsOne in 2006, when it was Vet Associates Hastings, in Francis Hicks Ave.
After being on reception for 14yrs, Diane and her husband, in 2020, took in a young foster boy which became her main focus. Now that he is settled into home and school, it has allowed her to come back to work for a few hours a week.
Diane’s role is Administration Assistant to the Directors, mainly Sharon, doing the newsletters, putting articles on and updating the website, brochures and any other bits and bobs that are up her sleeve.
Diane has a 16yr old cat, Zak, who was born under the Pakowhai store, along with his late sister.