Part of the Veterinary Hospital Group since 2013, this clinic has been providing a dependable high-end service for pets for years. The Veterinary Team consists of Deborah Samson and Claire Harsent.
The nursing team of Jordan, Michelle and Nastassja are here for all of your questions and to give your pets the TLC they deserve.
Grant McCullough is the Managing Director and Owner of the Veterinary Hospital Group. Originally from Whangarei, Grant has worked in Equine and Dairy Practice in Northland, specialist Centres in the UK and for the last 25 years in Small Animal Practice in Auckland. Grant purchased Albany Veterinary Hospital in 1991 and has overseen the steady growth of the group since that time. Grant lives in Coatesville with his wife, 2 sons, 2 daughters, a dog, 3 horses and lots of sheep. In his spare time he enjoys family time especially if that includes yachts or snowy mountains
Penny is our recent addition to the Vet Hospital Group in the capacity of lead surgeon (orthopaedics and soft tissue) and imager. She will be working from several of the clinics but in particular at Albany. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge having studied for her post graduate qualifications in both surgery and radiology in New Zealand and then trained in ultrasound while in the UK. She has been working in referral practice in England prior to her return to NZ. She is always happy to take on complex surgery and 'hard to solve' problems and loves her ultrasound. When not at work she runs marathons, skis and sails (this includes sailing round the world with her husband and children)
Daniel grew up in the Hawkes Bay and following his graduation from vet school he worked in a predominantly farm animal practice in the King Country, until a desire to see the world led him to the UK for 5 years, where he worked in a variety of veterinary practices. Daniel is now a local in Coatesville where he lives with his partner Sidah, son Marcus and daughter Maia.
Gae works part time at Albany Veterinary Hospital (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). Gae has been with us since 1996. Gae lives in Taupaki with her husband Paul and occasionally their two sons Luke and Max (when they need some home cooked meals or washing done). In her spare time Gae loves to spend time with friends and bake delicious brownies that she shares with the staff at Albany.
Leo graduated from Massey University in 2015 and worked in Cairns, Australia for a year. Although he fell in love with diving at the Great Barrier Reef, his friends and family's home calling was too strong and he is now back on the North Shore, his home town. Leo is fluent in both English and Korean but prefers English if he had to choose. In his free time you are most likely to find him at the tennis courts or a beach on a sunny day.
Taryn gained her BVSc degree at Massey University 2011. She has a particular interest in avian medicine, small animal surgery and dentistry. Taryn has been with us since February 2015.
Rebecca joined the team at the Albany Veterinary Hospital in June 2017. She studied at Unitec where she received her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and has 10 years experience in the field. She grew up on a 10 acre block in Waitakere and has had a strong passion for providing the best possible care for animals big and small ever since.
Paula has been with Albany Veterinary Hospital since 1991. Paula is our head surgical nurse, which means she is always busy behind the scenes. Paula lives in Waimauku with her husband Bill, their dog Yoko and Jack the old clinic cat from Albany, plus a collection of horses and chickens. In her spare time Paula will be found either out riding her horse in the forest or riding her mountain bike anywhere she can.
Candice received her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing from Unitec and started working with the Veterinary Hospital Group in 2014. She lives on a 5 acre lifestyle block with a few sheep, a dog named Bogart and a cat named Hazel.
Jo joined the Albany clinic in 2016 after completing her Certificate in Veterinary Nursing with Vet Nurse Plus. She enjoys reading and hanging out with her cat Berry.
Michaela grew up locally with dogs, cats, mice, chickens and sheep. She has always had a love for animals. She completed her diploma in vet nursing at Unitec in 2017 and began working with us in December 2017. She is enjoying working in a mixed clinic. When Michaela isn't working she enjoys snowboarding, swimming and cooking.
Elise grew up locally and graduated from Massey University in 2011. Following this she spent some time volunteering with wild life in the Peruvian Amazon and travelling Europe before going on to work in a mixed practice in Western Australia for 2 years. She then completed an internship in equine surgery and anaesthesia at a large equine referral hospital in Victoria, followed by 3 years in equine ambulatory practice in England. Once the cold became too much she moved back to Western Australia to spend a further 2 years in first opinion equine practice before returning home to work at Dairy Flat Veterinary Clinic in June 2017. Elise is passionate about equine practice and has a particular interest in dentistry and internal medicine. Having moved around the world she has now settled back home on her farm in Kaipara Flats with her partner Mike where they look forward to hosting a full complement of horses, dogs, cats, cows, sheep, goats and any other animals that may come their way.
I graduated from Massey University in 2012 and worked in production/mixed animal practice in Te Aroha for the first few years of my career. I've been a locum with my husband in the UK over the past year working in Horsham, the Isle of Guernsey and Southport. During this time I also took the opportunity to travel into Europe and find different foods to try!
Originally from Utrecht, The Netherlands, Birthe came to New Zealand together with her partner in January 2016. After she enjoyed travelling around NZ, she decided this is the country she wants to stay in a bit longer. Birthe graduated in a Master of Equine in The Netherlands and since moving to NZ has also worked in a small animal practice in South Auckland before coming to work with us in April 2017. She is enjoying the mixture of small and large animals. Back home she was riding dressage in her free time and plans on starting again in the near future.
A Dairy Flat local, Freja attended Dairy Flat Primary and Orewa College before going to Massey to persue a career in veterinary science. She is very excited to return to Dairy Flat and the variety of animals this clinic sees. Freja is particularly interested in equine and production animal medicine and can't wait to get back into riding.
Angela is a vet who formed her love of animals and the outdoors when growing up on a farm in Leigh. After working as a new graduate in the Manawatu, she moved with her partner to the UK where they lived and worked for the last 17 years. Home has now beckoned and they are very excited to be building a house on a lifestyle block in Warkworth. Angela and family love everything outdoors from sports to gardening to travel and hiking. Having taken a career break to raise her 3 children and support her husband's career, Angela is now very excited to be back working in her primary passion of animal care. "I not only love nurturing the animals but find great fulfilment in educating and supporting the owners
Lee grew up on a farm in Auckland where her love of animals was apparent from a young age. She grew up with a range of different animals to care for from dogs and cats to horses. After finishing school she went to study at Unitec where she completed a Diploma in Vet Nursing. Since starting with us in June 2016 she has moved to the area and is loving it. Outside of work she enjoys running, yoga, getting outdoors and cooking.
Karyn is one of our longest standing members of staff, she is both nurse and office manager and terrifyingly efficient with it! Karyn's prowess at raising Ag day lambs and calves is legendary, and in what little free time is left she is usually found at horse events up and down the country supporting her daughter.
Ruth lives in Coatesville and has a passion for horses. She joined the Veterinary Hospital Group at Dairy Flat in November 2017 and is half way through completing her studies in a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. Outside of work her main hobby is horse riding and competing in Horse Trials.
Robin is one of the most recognised members of our nursing team, having lived and worked locally for a long time. Living on her own lifestyle block with her family, Robin has kept and/or bred most of the different farm animal species and so is a good source of knowledge for management and general care tips. An ardent supporter of Orewa Surf Life Saving she is kept very busy between her work at the clinic, her boys and her animals - we don't know how she does it!
Nick came from the UK in 2006 and started working at Silverdale Vets at Animates then moved to the Hibiscus Coast Veterinary Hospital when it opened in March 2014. He was senior Partner of a 6 Vet Mixed Practice in Devon, England that he had set up in 1985. Nick enjoys all the challenges of small animal Veterinary work, keeping up to date with the latest techniques and treatments as well as using alternative treatments when indicated. In his spare time Nick is a keen Club photographer and in March 2017 had 2 images accepted by the National Exhibition Salon in New Zealand, a salon that has over 2000 entries.
Liz joined the Veterinary Hospital Group in 2016. You will see her at a few different clinics within our group. She and her sidekick Lorax are enjoying the Hibiscus Coast beaches. Lorax has been busy trying to add to his tennis ball collection (apologies to any clients who may have lost balls on the beach).
Debra started working with the Veterinary Hospital Group in 2008 after gaining her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing from Unitec. Debra moved from Vets at Animates Silverdale in March 2014 to become Hibiscus Coast Veterinary Hospital clinic manager. Debra enjoys cake decorating and photography.
Amber works here as well as Peninsula Bay and Parkhill. She has 2 dogs, 2 cats, 14 cockatiels and an Alexandrine Parrot! In her spare time Amber enjoys taking her dogs to the beach.
Rochelle gained a Certificate in Veterinary Nursing in 2008 and has worked at various clinics. She took some time out to start a family before joining the Veterinary Hospital Group in July 2017. You may see her at a few of the different clinics within our group, however she has recently started assisting Nick and Debra on Thursdays and Fridays at our Hibiscus Coast clinic. Rochelle has two cats – Oscar (in photo) and Nico (who is a diabetic); one dog – George; three kunekune pigs – Sausage, Lulu & Coco, two sheep – Wolf and Flossie and a dozen hens and one rescued rooster (much to her husband’s irritation). Rochelle lives with her husband James and young daughter Alice on their 3 acre lifestyle block in Makarau.
Deborah returned to Hobsonville Vet Clinic in January 2010. She lives locally in West Harbour with her husband Stephen, son Christopher and daughter Nicola. She has a Curly Coated Retriever named Fern and two cats Tait and Piper. Deborah can be found at the gym on opening at 5am every morning before work.
Claire graduated from Massey University, Palmerston North in 2017. Having grown up on the Hibiscus Coast she is looking forward to settling back in Auckland. In her spare time you’ll find her at the beach, hanging out with friends or relaxing with a good book
Leo graduated from Massey University in 2015 and worked in Cairns, Australia for a year. Although he fell in love with diving at the Great Barrier Reef, his friends and family's home calling was too strong and he is now back on the North Shore, his home town. Leo is fluent in both English and Korean but prefers English if he had to choose. In his free time you are most likely to find him at the tennis courts or a beach on a sunny day.
Nastassja has a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and a Certificate in Animal Management. With 3 years nursing and 5 years retail experience Nastassja will be happy to discuss your pet's needs. She enjoys spending time with her husband Andrew. They have a busy household with 2 cats named Batman and Tabatha as well as 2 dogs Spike and a crazy Shih Tzu named Nitro.
Many of our clients will remember Michelle who, after several years absence, has returned to join us at the clinic recently. She enjoys spending quality time with her young granddaughter Piper and has such a passion for Ballroom and New Vogue dancing that she can often be seen on the competition dance floor with her husband and dance partner Warren.
Jordan graduated from Unitec with a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in 2017 but has been a part of our team here at Hobsonville since August 2016 carrying out work experience. He has a dog named Ollie, a Maltese terrier cross who takes up most of the bed. Jordan is passionate, dedicated and shows special interests in medicine and intensive care of compromised patients.
Andrea lives on the North Shore with her husband and three teenagers, along with their two cats and guinea pigs. Her interests are running, gardening and going walking with friends.
Liz joined the Veterinary Hospital Group in 2016. You will see her at a few different clinics within our group. She and her sidekick Lorax are enjoying the Hibiscus Coast beaches. Lorax has been busy trying to add to his tennis ball collection (apologies to any clients who may have lost balls on the beach).
Penny is our recent addition to the Vet Hospital Group in the capacity of lead surgeon (orthopaedics and soft tissue) and imager. She will be working from several of the clinics but in particular at Albany. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge having studied for her post graduate qualifications in both surgery and radiology in New Zealand and then trained in ultrasound while in the UK. She has been working in referral practice in England prior to her return to NZ. She is always happy to take on complex surgery and 'hard to solve' problems and loves her ultrasound. When not at work she runs marathons, skis and sails (this includes sailing round the world with her husband and children)
Jocelyn is the clinic manager at Massey Heights Veterinary Hospital. She started with us in June 2009. Jocelyn lives in Kaukapakapa with her many horses, goats, dogs and cats.
Claire graduated from Massey University, Palmerston North in 2017. Having grown up on the Hibiscus Coast she is looking forward to settling back in Auckland. In her spare time you’ll find her at the beach, hanging out with friends or relaxing with a good book
Lisa joined us at Massey in 2016 as a new graduate vet nurse from vet nurse plus. Lisa has one dog named Zena who is a border collie x. In her spare time Lisa likes to paint, walk her dog and go on her computer.
Megan is a 2006 Massey graduate with keen interests in dermatology (skin), ophthalmology (eyes) and clinical pathology. She joined our group in early 2016 and is working part time across several of the Vet hospital clinics. Megan lives with her husband Dave and two young children Caitlin and Connor in West Harbour. She enjoys getting out and about with her family and experimenting in the kitchen with good food and wine.
Nathan grew up in South Auckland but is now getting to experience life on the North Shore now that he has finished vet school. Nathan also has a twin brother who is also a veterinarian but in large animal practice down in Ashburton. In his spare time, Nathan loves all types of sports from tennis and cricket to boxing and brazilian jiu jitsu.
Sarah graduated from UCOL in Palmerston North with a diploma in veterinary nursing in 2011. Her vet nursing career started at the Auckland SPCA before moving into a small animal vet clinic. In her spare time she enjoys going to the beach with friends, going to the gym and photography. She has two handsome cats, Dartanyan and Loki.
Simone graduated from Massey University in Palmerston North and has been with our practice since the start of 2017. She loves to travel and spent her first year in NZ backpacking around the South Island. She's new to Auckland, and spends majority of her spare time painting, at the gym, boxing, or outdoors! She is very close with her family, who have her handsome old rescue dog Ziggy, who she misses dearly.
Amber works here as well as Peninsula Bay and Parkhill. She has 2 dogs, 2 cats, 14 cockatiels and an Alexandrine Parrot! In her spare time Amber enjoys taking her dogs to the beach.
Courtney grew up in a small rural farming town. When she graduated from her diploma she worked as a large animal technician for almost a year. Then she moved to the big smoke and landed an emergency nursing role. She enjoys being outdoors in nature and exploring Auckland
Mishaela graduated with her Vet Nursing Diploma and has one naughty tortie named Minnie who enjoys hunting crickets in the summer and worms in the winter (both of which get brought inside the house). In her spare time Mishaela enjoys hanging out with her friends and family.
Taryn gained her BVSc degree at Massey University 2011. She has a particular interest in avian medicine, small animal surgery and dentistry. Taryn has been with us since February 2015.
Chelsea holds her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing from Unitec and is the Clinic Manager at the Peninsula Bay Hospital. In her spare time she enjoys fostering cats (particularly taming up the challenging ones!), going out for a meal and socialising with friends. She has a Border Collie x named Shadow and a Maltese x named Buddy who love going for walks on the beach.
Originally from South Wales in the UK, Cori studied at the University of Nottingham. She then travelled to New Zealand and went to Palmerston North to complete a year long internship at Massey Equine Hospital. After that she moved up to Auckland and has been with Dairy Flat Vets ever since. She loves the variety of animals we treat here and enjoys being out in the countryside. Outside of work she likes to explore New Zealand and spend time with friends.
Lisa has many years experience and has worked as a veterinary nurse at University Referral Clinic in London, UK. She has a special interest in surgical nursing. Lisa has a cat called Nahla and 2 Guinea Pigs
Amber works here as well as Peninsula Bay and Parkhill. She has 2 dogs, 2 cats, 14 cockatiels and an Alexandrine Parrot! In her spare time Amber enjoys taking her dogs to the beach.
I am a companion animal veterinary surgeon with over 20 years experience working in small animal clinics, including working in England for 4 years and 7 years of experience working in A & E clinics.I have a passion for delivering veterinary medicine and surgery to the highest standard I possibly can with a real emphasis on communication and relationship building with clients in order to better the quality of our precious furry family members lives. Professionally I have special interests in small animal medicine, soft tissue surgery and dentistry. Outside of work furry and other family members occupy my time but I have been commonly known to garden and exercise.
Hello I'm Mark Clasper. It was always my dream to work as a veterinarian from a very young age and my parents patiently suffered a stream of pets from lizards, fish and frogs to dog and cats. After graduation l practiced overseas for 7 years before working in small animal practices in Auckland then starting Remuera Vets. My expectations for pet and client care at the practice are high and we aim to fulfill your expectations every day. It gives me a real kick to see the kids of our original clients coming back with their pets now.
Hello, I'm Johanna Tyndel. I am a companion animal veterinarian with over 10 years experience. I graduated from Massey University in 2006 and have since worked in Hamilton, Auckland and the UK. I am currently working part time at Remuera Veterinary Hospital balancing work with my family (the husband, 2 children and 2 cats). I enjoy being an small animal GP and look forward to meeting you and your family.
Rachel is the newly appointed Veterinary Clinical Director for the Veterinary Hospital Group and will be working part time at the Remuera clinic. Since graduating she has worked in many small animal clinics around the North Island and has completed additional training in small animal medicine. She is passionate about the part pets play in our lives and loves the privileged insight that being a vet gives into the human-animal bond. Outside of work you'll likely find her relaxing at home in Massey with a book or her latest cross stitch project. She is married to Ryan, also a veterinarian, and together they have a very pampered cat called Indie.
Penny is our recent addition to the Vet Hospital Group in the capacity of lead surgeon (orthopaedics and soft tissue) and imager. She will be working from several of the clinics but in particular at Albany. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge having studied for her post graduate qualifications in both surgery and radiology in New Zealand and then trained in ultrasound while in the UK. She has been working in referral practice in England prior to her return to NZ. She is always happy to take on complex surgery and 'hard to solve' problems and loves her ultrasound. When not at work she runs marathons, skis and sails (this includes sailing round the world with her husband and children)
Claire graduated from Massey University, Palmerston North in 2017. Having grown up on the Hibiscus Coast she is looking forward to settling back in Auckland. In her spare time you’ll find her at the beach, hanging out with friends or relaxing with a good book
Hi my name is Emily, I've recently returned home to Auckland from the UK working in London as a vet nurse where I obtained my UK veterinary nurse registration and travelling Europe for 2 years. Previous to that I was vet nursing for 5 years in west Auckland. Look forward to meeting you and your fur babies!
Amba graduated from Unitec with Diploma of Veterinary Nursing 2015. In her spare time she likes reading, Canine behaviour training with her pets and taking her dog for long bush walks. At home Amba has a husky mix, two cats and a blue Quaker parrot who says hello and meows.
Hi, I'm Helen the receptionist and friendly face who greets you when you walk in the door. I spent 24 years working as a Medical Laboratory Scientist but have now swapped human health for animal health and combined my passion for science with my love of animals. I have two boys who keep me busy, so working part-time allows me to spend quality time with my family.
Recently graduated from Vet Nurse Plus in 2018 and started with us straight after her exams in December. In her spare time you will find her cooking, socialising with friends and the odd bit of exercise too. She has 1 sassy cat, a turtle and 2 adorable rats at home.
I graduated in South Africa 18 years ago. I moved to New Zealand with my husband, son and step son 10 years ago. We have been living on the North Shore. We brought our cat Squeeky with us and have since acquired 2 more cats (Twiggy and Baxter), 2 dogs (Pepsi and Phoebe) and 2 Horses (Queenie and Piper). I really enjoy small animal medicine/surgery and am passionate about animal behaviour.
Raewyn joined us in 2008 and works part-time which allows her to balance her love of animals with caring for her family of 4 teenagers, a Jack Russell called Tilly and her two Tonkinese cats, Hattie and Ruby Roo. For relaxation she loves walking at the beach, boating and hanging out with friends. You may see her paddle-boarding with Tilly riding on the bow!
Penny is our recent addition to the Vet Hospital Group in the capacity of lead surgeon (orthopaedics and soft tissue) and imager. She will be working from several of the clinics but in particular at Albany. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge having studied for her post graduate qualifications in both surgery and radiology in New Zealand and then trained in ultrasound while in the UK. She has been working in referral practice in England prior to her return to NZ. She is always happy to take on complex surgery and 'hard to solve' problems and loves her ultrasound. When not at work she runs marathons, skis and sails (this includes sailing round the world with her husband and children)
Simone graduated from Massey University in Palmerston North and has been with our practice since the start of 2017. She loves to travel and spent her first year in NZ backpacking around the South Island. She's new to Auckland, and spends majority of her spare time painting, at the gym, boxing, or outdoors! She is very close with her family, who have her handsome old rescue dog Ziggy, who she misses dearly.
Claire graduated from Massey University, Palmerston North in 2017. Having grown up on the Hibiscus Coast she is looking forward to settling back in Auckland. In her spare time you’ll find her at the beach, hanging out with friends or relaxing with a good book
Lauren a Massey University graduate, started practicing at Silverdale Vets in 2014 and loves working with companion animals everyday. Lauren lives on the Coast with her husband Brad and their new baby Lucas. She enjoys surfing, going to the gym and lazing on the beach with a good book.
Angela is a vet who formed her love of animals and the outdoors when growing up on a farm in Leigh. After working as a new graduate in the Manawatu, she moved with her partner to the UK where they lived and worked for the last 17 years. Home has now beckoned and they are very excited to be building a house on a lifestyle block in Warkworth. Angela and family love everything outdoors from sports to gardening to travel and hiking. Having taken a career break to raise her 3 children and support her husband's career, Angela is now very excited to be back working in her primary passion of animal care. "I not only love nurturing the animals but find great fulfilment in educating and supporting the owners
Nicole qualified at Vet Nurse Plus as a surgical nurse and is now Practice Manager at Siverdale Vets @ Animates. Originally from South Africa she now lives in Silverdale. She has two dogs Malachi, an Australian terrier and his younger brother Oscar, a bit of a mystery breed from the SPCA. In her spare time she likes to read mystery novels and walk her dogs.
Chelsea holds her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing from Unitec. In her spare time she enjoys fostering cats (particularly taming up the challenging ones!), going out for a meal and socialising with friends. She has a Border Collie x named Shadow and a Maltese x named Buddy who love going for walks on the beach.
Tracey obtained her certificate in Vet Nursing from AUT in 1995 and worked in various clinics before having her 3 children. She lives in Snells Beach and shares her house with 2 dogs, 3 cats and numerous tropical fish. In her spare time she enjoys camping with her partner and children and walking the dogs on the beach.
Annie has recently changed careers from being a swim instructor to Vet nursing. She has a very unusual pet named Onyxia and he is a bearded dragon. Onyxia loves to eat vegetables and worms. In her down time Annie likes to visit family in the bay of islands and also enjoys swimming.
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