Veterinarians

Paul

Taihape

Paul Hughes

A well-known and respected vet both locally and nationally, Paul has worked at Taihape Vet Services since 1979. His wealth of experience covers all species. Over the years Paul has published work related to the sheep and beef industry including working dogs. He has been involved in specialist branches and won awards for his contribution to the veterinary sector.

He provides care for livestock on farm and is also involved in farm consultancy work on a number of farms in the area.  He is a partner and director and also has other local business interests.

Paul and his wife, Raewyn, run a red deer stud farm.

Anthony

Taihape

Anthony Oswald

After working in a variety of clinics both in New Zealand and overseas Anthony found himself working for Taihape Vets. He became a partner and director in 2010.

Anthony works in a clinical role with sheep, deer, beef and dairy cattle with some horse work along with some farm advisory work. In the small animal clinic, he has a special interest in orthopaedic surgery of working dogs. He is a Wormwise facilitator working to help farmers combat the issue of parasite resistance. He is also involved in practice management and is a partner and director.

Anthony runs a small farm on the outskirts of Taihape. When not working he enjoys participating in wilderness adventure racing and has participated in the GODZone race numerous times. Anthony’s wife, Charlotte, and two children, Pippa and Jonty, are important members of his support team.

BJ

Taihape

Harley (BJ) Bowsher

As a born and bred Taihape local, BJ spent six years shepherding on three of our local high-country stations before heading to vet school. As a result of this he has an excellent understanding of all aspects of running a farming enterprise.

BJ has a special interest in deer and runs the P2P advanced party discussion group for local farmers. He is often found out on the road tending to all livestock, including horses and pigs. BJ is involved in the practice as a partner and director.

BJ owns and runs several small blocks on the outskirts of Taihape. He is married to Jody with three children. He has a role on the St Joseph’s School board of trustees where his children are students. When not working he enjoys time in the outdoors and is a keen hunter and fisherman as well as a strong supporter of local rugby.

Becky

Taihape

Becky Waghorn

Becky joined the Taihape team in 2015. She has a background in mixed rural practice focusing more on the companion animal side in more recent years. She is an experienced clinician and soft tissue surgeon and is the small animal vet in the clinic most days, ready to help with all aspects of care for your dog and cat plus those other pets the kids keep in the backyard.

Along with husband, Clint, and two children, she lives on a small sheep and beef farm. She is a hiker and often accompanies the family on hunting and fishing trips into the forest parks of the region.

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Taihape

Maggie Ruddenklau

Maggie has joined the Taihape team in 2022 as a new graduate from Massey University. She has studied at various NZ universities for the past 10 years and is keen to get out on farm to apply her knowledge.

Maggie farms locally with her family, including partner Ollie. She is a keen rider, loves a fresh autopsy, and has a chocolate addiction (particularly Easter Eggs)

Maggie’s role in the practice is varied so you will see her in clinic but also out and about on farm. She is currently proving difficult to keep still enough to photograph… watch this space!

Kristen

Raetihi

Kristen Duirs

Kristen was born in Zimbabwe and moved to New Zealand to study veterinary science, graduating in 2006. Kristen began working here in Raetihi as a new graduate the following year. Her main passion is soft tissue surgery, however she enjoys the variety of a mixed animal practice. In her spare time Kristen enjoys horse riding, travelling and water-sports including kite surfing, paddle boarding, sailing and scuba diving.

David

Raetihi

David Seifert

After graduating from Massey University in 1974, David moved to Taihape to work for the Taihape Veterinary Club. David moved to Raetihi in 1983 becoming the sole vet in the area. In 1988 David became a partner in the business. In 2001 the partnership was dissolved and David took over ownership of the Raetihi clinic. In 2020 he sold the practice and is now enjoying working four days a week. David’s main veterinary interests include working dog orthopaedic surgeries, parasite management of sheep and deer   and equines. Out of work David enjoys farming, skiing, the Rotary Club and spending time with his family.

Ruth

Raetihi

Ruth Abernethy

Graduating in 1995 Ruth joined the veterinary team in Taihape working there for several years between both the Taihape and Ruapehu Veterinary clinics. She is now working part-time on Mondays and Wednesdays here in Raetihi. Ruth has no time for interests, but can be found working on her off days on the farm, cooking, or following her children’s sports.

Stacy

Raetihi

Stacy Marchant

Born and raised in the small town of Mahoenui located in the King Country, Stacy has always had a passion for sheep and beef farming. Stacy studied veterinary science at Massey University and graduated in 2019, joining us here in early 2020. Stacy enjoys all aspects of mixed practice and is loving living rurally again. Out of work Stacy enjoys sports, the great outdoors and baking.

Vet Nurses

Taihape

Sam Grayson

Sam is a new addition to our Taihape team, stepping in to the role of Vet Nurse. She is training as she goes and doing very well so you can all rest assured your pets are being well cared for. She is fitting in well with the team as she is another lover of chocolate. You will see more of Sam as her knowledge and experience grow.

Sam is a Taihape local but has spent time in other areas including Australia before coming back to settle here. She is a proud owner of a Cavilier Spaniel cross called Bronnie who is possibly the most loved pet in town…

Miki

Raetihi

Miki Bates

Miki has always had a passion for working with animals, having been brought up locally on a sheep and beef farm. Miki has been working at the clinic since 2013 and graduated with a certificate in vet nursing from Otago Polytech in 2017. She enjoys monitoring anaesthetics and the challenges that go with them. Miki’s hobbies include helping out on her family farm, riding horses, hiking and enjoying the great outdoors.

Reception and Administration

Cush

Taihape

Cushla Coogan

Office manager

Cushla has been with the clinic for many years. You will see her in the reception area but her main role is account manager. Cushla is a Taihape local with a farming background. She has traveled and held several varied jobs before settling in her role at the clinic. She is a valued team member with a keen sense of humour.

Cushla enjoys time at the lake with relatives, going to concerts and was is regular visitor to Bali, depending upon Covid 19 restrictions limiting travel.

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Taihape

Holly Thompson

Receptionist

Holly is a South Islander drawn North by her shepherd partner who works on a local station. You will see her smiling face when you enter the clinic (once we stop wearing Covid masks!). She started her position here in 2022 but has rapidly become a valued team member. You will find her very pleasant and efficient whether you come to collect supplies or book appointments.

She has a Masters Degree in Zoology for Otago University.  She is also very competitive and has traveled overseas as part of our international curling team. Holly is addicted to Wordle and chocolate and has a great sense of humour.

Vicki

Raetihi

Vicki Hiscox

Office manager

Vicki started at the clinic at young age helping out where it was needed, and has been here ever since. She knows all the ins and outs of the business and is our go-to girl. Outside of work, Vicki enjoys spending time with her family and watching her two young boys playing rugby on Saturday mornings.

Heidi

Raetihi

Heidi McGowan

Part time office administrator, reception

Relocating from Auckland, Heidi set up her own small business here in the Ruapehu region. She then joined us at the clinic in August 2018 as a part time receptionist as she enjoys the interaction with clients and their animals. Heidi loves spending time at her lifestyle block with her horses and two dogs. Her other passions include photography, art and gardening.