Meet our Veterinarians

Joao has worked for us for over 14 years, firstly at Totally Vets Feilding then Tararua Vets Dannevirke, until going to work in Hastings for the last few years. He returned to our Dannevirke clinic in 2020. Away from clinic, he enjoys his block of land in Hastings, loves a bit of a paddle with his Waka Ama Hastings friends and also goes for a little hunt from time to time.

Joao Dib (BVSc)

Production Animal Veterinarian, Team Leader

Suzie is a long-standing member of the Dannevirke clinic and heads the companion animal department. Her versatility also means she can be found out on farm calving cows and treating other emergencies as they arise. You can expect continuity of care from Suzie along with genuine compassion and knowledge in her field. Suzie is extremely passionate about her work and is known for going above and beyond for your furry friends.

Suzie Weston (BVSc)

Companion Animal Veterinarian

Anna joined the Dannevirke team as a Massey 2020 graduate. She originally grew up in the US, but has lived in New Zealand for the past 10 years. She is passionate about mixed practice as it provides endless excitement, variety, and the opportunity to always be learning something new. She’s also a keen open-water swimmer and loves to be outdoors, often with her dog, Willow, closely attached.

Anna Knipple (BVSc)

Mixed Animal Veterinarian

Julia is originally from Whangarei, but moved to palmerston North to pursue her interest in veterinary medicine, graduating from vet school in 2021. Originally she intended on becoming a small animal vet, but had a change of heart part way through vet school and now has an interest in large animals as well. She is now enjoying working as a mixed animal vet and loves the variety that comes with working in a rural area.

Julia Carter-Bell (BVSc)

Mixed Animal Veterinarian

Meet our Technicians

Michelle made the move to Dannevirke in 2012 after growing up as a “townie” in the Waikato region. Michelle and her partner have a small block with sheep, beef cattle and horses. Michelle has always had a passion for horses and currently has 3 of her own so spends most of her free time riding when the weather permits. Michelle also has 3 dogs which are normally attached to her hip and come with her whenever they can.

Michelle Torr

Large Animal Technician

Meet our Nurses

Dannevirke local Pearl started at Tararua Vets in 2021 and finds her role exciting as something new is always happening. Outside of work you will find Pearl hanging out with her own pets on the farm or at the beach.

Pearl Jeffery

Veterinary Nurse

Kodi is passionate about small animals and has a particular soft spot for cats, with a special interest in exotic animals. When not at work you'll find Kodi on the farm, at the beach, out hunting or with her own zoo of animals.

Kodi Franks

Veterinary Nurse

Meet our Client Services Team

After 27 years of vet nursing, Buffy has hung up her stethoscope and scrub top in favour of a computer and business shirt as the Clinic Manager. She loves chatting to clients about their treasured fur babies and any questions and enquiries they may have. When she is not in clinic, Buffy can been found out tramping a lot of the Great Walks of NZ, enjoying the scenery.

Buffy Lock

Clinic Manager

Rosie is often the happy voice that greets you on the phone. Her pleasant demeanour and command of the diary means she is the lady in the know and can help you with all your production animal bookings. Rosie’s other passion is companion animals, birds and fish.

Rosie Jackson

Business Support

Crissy was born and bred in Dannevirke, growing up in the urban/rural lifestyle with small and large animals. Crissy has worked closely with animals of all shape and sizes, from feeding newborn puppies, foaling mares, feeding calves, working with troubled dogs, you name it, she would have done it. She has also completed an Animal Health, Dog Psychology Behavior and Training Certificates.

Crissy Alderson

Business Support

Jacqui joined our team after 25 years in admin. She has always enjoyed being around animals, so it was great when an opportunity came up to be able to combine the two. Outside of work, Jacqui loves spending time with her pets on their lifestyle block, including their dog Shelby the cavoodle, alpacas, goats, kune kune pig, chickens and rearing a few calves. Jacqui also loves exploring the bike trails and beaches around New Zealand.

Jacqui Perry

Admin & Business Support

Alena joins us with a strong farming background. She grew up on a sheep, beef and deer station and has also spent a lot of time working on a dairy farm as well as a racehorse stable. Alena is kept busy with her own horse, cats and a Border Collie named Luna.

Alena Black

Farm Team Admin