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, Claire Harsent and Birthe Wolsink.
The nursing team of Jordan, Michelle, Nastassja and Raylene 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.
Originally from Rotorua, Karyn graduated from Massey Univerity in 2013. She has just returned home from the UK where she has been travelling and working as a locum for the past two years. She is very excited to be back home and living in Auckland for the first time. In her spare time she loves hiking, travelling and spending time with family and friends.
Emily started working for Vet Hospital Group in 2019. She has interests in oncology and dermatology. She was originally raised in Hong Kong but moved over here with her brother in 2010. She enjoys walking on the beach with her dog Jasper and hiking.
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.
Anna has been with Albany Veterinary Hospital since 2007. After taking a break to start her family, she has returned to Albany part time. Anna lives in Kaukapakapa with her husband, 2 kids, 2 dogs, Alexandrine parrots, alpacas and chickens.
Karen has recently returned to the Albany vet hospital after a few years away. Karen has worked in the animal industry for over 12 years. Karen lives locally with her young daughter and 2 cats.
Bronwyn is an experienced nurse with a love for anaesthesia and critical care. She grew up in Zimbabwe until the age of 11 where she moved to the UK with her family. Bronwyn graduated in 1999 from the Royal Veterinary College in London and then worked in general practice for several years. She went on to work for the Blue Cross Veterinary Hospital in London which is a large charity supporting the homeless and people on benefits providing top quality care for their pets until 2007 which she absolutely loved. Bronwyn then joined the Royal Veterinary College the Queen Mother Animal Hospital and worked in their critical care unit until 2010 where she immigrated to NZ where she took a break to grow her family. In Oct 2018 she joined Albany team. Bronwyn's family includes her 4 children (Chloe, Ophelia, Violet and Mac), her lovely husband, her 2 dogs (Mollie and Poppy), 3 cats (Elliot, Eddy, Emily) and her 8 chickes! (Viola, Esnat, Dorkas, Rosmarry, Penpen, Nagoia, Woppie and Agnus!) and a horse called Charlie Bucket!!
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
Alice is originally from the UK and moved to New Zealand after Graduating from University in London. Back in the UK she has a cat called Nala. In her spare time Alice enjoys going for walks on the beach and paddleboarding or surfing.
Goran graduated in 1991 at Belgrade University (Serbia). After 2 years in a mixed practice, he immigrated to New Zealand in 1994 with the idea to stay here for 2-3 years and have a look around before returning home to Serbia, 25 years later he is still looking around with no intention to go back home! He spent 11 years with MPI in a regulatory environment, then 11 years as a large animal veterinarian before joining the Dairy Flat Veterinary Team in December 2018. Goran hopes to stay up here for a very long time providing veterinary services to all of your animals.
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.
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.
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 Rothesay Bay and has a passion for horses and cats. She joined the Dairy Flat veterinary clinic team in November 2017 and completed her diploma in Veterinary Nursing in 2018. Outside of work you will find her out riding horses and enjoying the many outdoor activities New Zealand has to offer!
Georgia is a final year Veterinary Nursing Student. Born and raised in England she has brought he passion for caring for animals across the seas with her. Georgia has an interest in all animals, especially equine. After graduation she hopes to spend as much time broadening her knowledge and experience for Nursing both large and small animals. In her spare time you will find Georgia spending time with her two labradors Nellie and Oscar or riding horses."
Monica graduated from Vet Nurse Plus in 2014 and has been working in small animal practices until 2018 when she joined the Dairy Flat Veterinary team. She has a special interest in behaviour, client education, and exotics (rabbits,guinea pigs etc), she also loves to teach the students and new grad nursing staff all the little tricks she has learnt over the years to make life easier! In her spare time she can be found in the garden tackling the weeds, baking or being creative. She and her partner live locally in Kaukapakapa with a cat called Layer and a very large dog called Frankie who is a blood donor!
Gretchen graduated from Unitec in 2018 with a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. After a career in the thoroughbred breeding industry, Gretchen decided to study vet nursing later in life. She has a special interest in medicine and is excited to continue to build her knowledge in the nursing care of all animals small and large. In her spare time, you will find Gretchen swimming, diving and reading. She has two cats called Edward and Bertie.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Raylene has been a regular fixture at our Massey Heights clinic since 2016 doing work experience and then as a part-time nurse. She is now also a regular at our Hobsonville clinic. Since qualifying with the Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, Raylene is continuing her education by working towards the new Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing degree, with a special focus in companion animal behaviour. Home life is busy with husband Toby, 3 teenage girls, 2 dogs - Evie the westie, Vedder the miniature schnauzer cross; 3 cats - Nala, Zephyr and Pumpernickle, and any number of foster cats & kittens too.
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.
Originally from New Plymouth, Rachel moved to Auckland for work after completing her veterinary degree at Massey University in 2018. She is enjoying exploring her new home and getting to know her clients and their animals. Outside of work Rachel likes to keep fit, whether at the gym or swimming, and balances this with exploring all the culinary options Auckland has to offer
Eleanor graduated from Massey University and worked in Auckland and Christchurch, before heading off to the UK for her 2 year working OE. While her time overseas was both very rewarding and educational, Auckland (and her demanding but much loved burmese cat, Louis) called her home. Eleanor is about to start some veterinary post graduate papers, and enjoys providing high quality care to pets and clients alike.
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.
Lisa joined us at Massey in 2016 as a new graduate vet nurse from vet nurse plus. Lisa has two dogs named Zena and Duke. She also has a cat named Fergie. In her spare time Lisa likes to walk her dogs and do yoga.
Raylene has been a regular fixture at our Massey Heights clinic since 2016 doing work experience and then as a part-time nurse. She is now also a regular at our Hobsonville clinic. Since qualifying with the Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, Raylene is continuing her education by working towards the new Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing degree, with a special focus in companion animal behaviour. Home life is busy with husband Toby, 3 teenage girls, 2 dogs - Evie the westie, Vedder the miniature schnauzer cross; 3 cats - Nala, Zephyr and Pumpernickle, and any number of foster cats & kittens too.
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.
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.
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
My name is Paige and I am a second year vet nurse plus student. I love meeting all of the different animals that come into clinic and I have a cat called Riley and a Staffie called Rocco.
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.
Eleanor graduated from Massey University and worked in Auckland and Christchurch, before heading off to the UK for her 2 year working OE. While her time overseas was both very rewarding and educational, Auckland (and her demanding but much loved burmese cat, Louis) called her home. Eleanor is about to start some veterinary post graduate papers, and enjoys providing high quality care to pets and clients alike.
Originally from New Plymouth, Rachel moved to Auckland for work after completing her veterinary degree at Massey University in 2018. She is enjoying exploring her new home and getting to know her clients and their animals. Outside of work Rachel likes to keep fit, whether at the gym or swimming, and balances this with exploring all the culinary options Auckland has to offer
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.
Tracey graduated from Vet Nurse Plus in 2009. She has two cats called Lynx and Rex. In her spare time she likes going to the beach, fishing and running.
Sefora is a recent graduate, finishing her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in 2018. She loves all animals and currently has a cat named Thomas. In her spare time she likes to relax as well as go out to catch up with her friends.
Amanda is a Diploma nurse and has been nursing for 12 years. She has done specialist work as well as working in general practice over this time. She has a cat, a dog and a guinea pig and spends her spare time hanging out at home with her pets and husband and doing performance art.
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!
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.
Emily started working for Vet Hospital Group in 2019. She has interests in oncology and dermatology. She was originally raised in Hong Kong but moved over here with her brother in 2010. She enjoys walking on the beach with her dog Jasper and hiking.
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 one dog Oscar who is 7 years old and is a bit of a mystery breed from the SPCA. In her spare time she likes to read mystery novels and walk her dogs.
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.
Jade gained her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing from Unitec in 2005. She lives in South Head with her husband and young daughter. She has three senior cats called Tomma, Carrot and Poo Bear and a rabbit called Bugs. In her spare time she enjoys horse riding and spending time with her family and friends.
-Tyler spent time in Africa shadowing a Vet in 2017 as well as volunteering in both Nambia and South. She has a huge love for animals and has a naughty dog called Kenai who is a Sharpei cross.
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