Meet the talented, caring bunch of professionals that make up the Ōtaki Vets team. You can rest assured knowing your treasured pet is in great hands with this caring and experienced team.
Angela
Veterinarian
Angela is one of our veterinary surgeons, who trained in Edinburgh and graduated in 1984 before moving to New Zealand and Otaki in the early 90’s. Angela has over 40-year experience and actually set up and owned the original Otaki Veterinary Centre in 1995. She has a special interest in surgery and has gained her membership of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists. Angela also has interests in dentistry, oncology, and deals with animal exports. In her spare time Angela enjoys flying light aircraft, tramping and plays the clarinet and saxophone. She lives on a small holding with sheep, cattle and two very spoilt cats.
Hannah
Veterinarian
Hannah is currently on Maternity leave.
Hannah graduated from Massey University in 2021, prior to becoming a veterinarian she was a primary school teacher. Hannah grew up in Hamilton and while she loves all animals, she has labelled herself the “crazy cat lady” in her adult life sharing her home with one black cat, one tabby and a three-legged tortie. Hannah is passionate about making the best short or long-term plans to help your fur babies feel better and live their best most comfortable lives, especially as they get a bit older.
Jo
Vet Nurse
Jo is one of the part time nursing and reception team and has a lasting passion for all animals, especially horses. She loves being a member of such a caring and experienced veterinary team. A lifestyle block with horses, sheep and cattle keeps family life busy!
Torlena
Vet Nurse
Torlena is one of our wonderful nurses, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team. She has a soft spot for cats and has a great approach with them. Torlena loves surgery and is excellent at taking bloods, monitoring anaesthesia, and working the inhouse blood machines. She has a great sense of humour, and we love having her on the team.
Emma
Vet Nurse
Emma has been with Otaki Vets for quite some time now and was one of the original nurses here. Emma is an extremely experienced nurse and is a real asset to our team. She loves big dogs and has a soft spot for the big mastiffs. Emma’s bright and bubby personality make her a delight to work with, she has a great sense of humour and a can-do attitude towards everything she does. She’s our clinic organiser and despite working part time will pack a full day’s work into her day.
Sophie
Vet Nurse
Sophie joined the team mid 2024 after graduating with a Diploma in Vet Nursing. Sophie has been a wonderful addition to our team. Having grown up surrounded by a variety of animals such as bunnies, dogs, cats and chickens it made sense for Sophie to pursue a career working with animals, she loves that she gets to care for everyone’s fur babies on the daily. Sophie has a particular soft spot for cats, especially her own fur baby smoosh.
Tiffany
Vet Nurse
Tiffany joined us as her first vet nursing job after graduating. Tiffany is keen and enthusiastic and has a particular interest for surgery. She is a cat person at heart but most of all loves cuddles from all the animals that visit.
Sarah
Receptionist
Sarah is our friendly face at the clinic reception desk – her focus is on providing professional, friendly customer service for you and your pet. When she’s not greeting new and existing clients at work, she’s keeping busy on her dairy farm with her husband. Sarah is a mum to three teenagers, two mother and daughter Jack Russell’s, and a family cat.
Nicole
Receptionist/Nurse Assistant
Nicole joined the team as a receptionist she is great with animals and has a kind and calm approach. Nicole is wonderful with our clients and is particularly great at providing comfort for grieving clients when needed. Since joining the team Nicole has gained her vet nurse assistant certificate and while you will still find her out front on reception, she is also kept busy with vet nurse assistant tasks and is able to provide support during vet consults.
Amanda
Head Nurse
Amanda is our highly experienced head nurse. Caring for animals has always been a way of life for Amanda having grown up surrounded by veterinary medicine through her dad (Veterinarian Graham Kirker). Amanda is a wonderful nurse; she is excellent with animal care and is extremely knowledgeable making her a great sounding board for cases. Amanda is a real team player; she is always anticipating what the vets may need and is always looking out for everyone. Outside of work Amanda is kept busy with her family and her love of horses, she is heavily involved with her kids pony club, and you will often find her out and about at competitions with her kids and their ponies.
