Medicine Specialist - Karaka
Jenny is originally from a small town in the northeastern United States, just outside of Boston. Growing up, she spent much of her spare time at a local barn, which was where her passion for horses first developed. She attended the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Upon graduation from veterinary school, Jenny began an internship at Chino Valley Equine Hospital in southern California. After her internship, she completed a residency in large animal internal medicine at Colorado State University. Following her residency, Jenny stayed on at CSU for a year in a clinical position. In 2012, she moved to Lexington, Kentucky to work at the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute at the McGee Medicine Center, spending many hours in the intensive care unit treating critically ill newborn foals. In 2013, she relocated to Auckland, New Zealand where she joined Veterinary Associates Equine and Farm. As a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and a Registered Equine Medicine Specialist, she is interested in all aspects of equine medicine, but she is particularly passionate about critical care and neonatology.
Surgery Specialist - Karaka
After graduating from Utrecht University, The Netherlands, Christa started working in one of the busiest equine practices in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Apart from having an amazing time and learning a lot, this experience also sparked the desire for her to become a surgeon. Step one was an internship at Cambridge University in the UK …she passed some time as a vet in a primate centre and then completed her surgical residency at Massey University.
Since then she gained invaluable surgical experience in equine clinics in Australia, Belgium and Germany.
Christa came back to NZ with her kiwi fiancé Fraser, her beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback David and a furry cat that decided all on her own that she is part of the family.
Not able to get enough of horses she rides in her spare time and jumps out of planes on occasion. She loves laughing, eating, cooking, and going on adventures!
Veterinarian - Director Emeritus - Karaka
Ivan hails from the Hawkes Bay being born and raised on a sheep and beef farm where the family daily diet was full of horses be they racing, hunting, polo ponies or merely tools of trade on the farm. Ivan’s father was still actively riding and a regular whip for the Hawkes Bay Hunt at the age of 80 so there is still hope for him yet!
It was this background that lead Ivan into Veterinary Science and upon graduating in 1975 he headed North to Dargaville with his new bride Rebecca who also was born and bred on the land in “Hawke Eye” country. After two years in the north they began the migration home to the Bay but became waylaid when Ivan joined the Veterinary Associates brand in August 1977. Karaka became the new home base with their family having been born, raised and dispatched from here.
With the intense family involvement in matters equine it was no surprise that Ivan’s Veterinary interests had this lean and he will happily concede that he could not have had the equine experience he has enjoyed back home in the Bay.
Professionally Ivan has steered Veterinary Associates into a rounded equine practice being involved in all aspects of equine endeavour. Having developed a keen interest and involvement in equine surgery it became apparent to him that times had moved on and this was now a speciality branch of equine practice. To this end he first recruited a specialist surgeon in the early 90’s and on completion of four years of intensive study in the United States former new graduate employee Andrea Ritmeester returned in 1997 to fill this role.
Ivan’s involvement in equine practice has seen him travel with a successful NZ Eventing team to Gawler South Australia as the Team Veterinarian. He has FEI Veterinary Accreditation for Eventing and Show Jumping and along with Wally Niederer was one of the first Veterinarians in the country to display an interest and assist in the FEI Veterinary aspects of Eventing and Show Jumping Competitions.
Ivan has an interest and long term experience in reproduction having stood two Sport Horse stallions for stud by artificial insemination on the home property. Back in the 80’s, through the Irish Draught stallion “Kingsway Diamond”, he was involved in the first shipments of fresh chilled semen in the country, a practice now treated as an everyday occurrence.
Ivan is a Past President of the NZ Equine Veterinary Association and presently serves as Chair of the NZ Equine Health Association.
Ivan has extensive experience travelling with horses by air to many parts of the world and has some great tales to tell of some of these trips especially to some more remote Asian locations. He is now also involved in the import of horses being the Veterinarian responsible for the welfare of horses entering Quarantine from those countries where this is a requirement.
Ivan introduced dentistry to the practice as an important area of expertise after travelling to an Australian Conference during his President’s term, this led to the purchase of sophisticated equipment and much investment in Post Graduate training for the Veterinarians.
Through Veterinary Associates commitment to the Auckland Racing Club and Auckland Trotting Club Ivan is a regular attendee at these meetings
Outside of practice not surprisingly Ivan’s interests chiefly remain with the horse. He and wife Rebecca are active members of the Pakuranga Hunt, Ivan is a past Master and also past President of the NZ Hunt’s Association.
Veterinarian - Director
Neil Houston is a local boy, his parents still on a Franklin dairy farm. He graduated as a veterinarian from Massey University in 1988.
Spending a couple of years in clinical practice in the Taranaki before travelling and working in Australia and England Neil returned to NZ in 1993. Having developed an interest in working with horses he initially spent time working in Te Awamutu and then Matamata before finding a more permanent home with Veterinary Associates in 1996.
Neil is a member of a complaints assessment committee of the Veterinary Council of NZ and is a past President of the NZ Equine Veterinary Association (2015-2018)
Since joining the practice Neil has furthered his interests in many aspects of equine practice such as reproduction, lameness, sporthorses and dentistry.
A late convert to the sport of hunting Neil enjoys some time when work and family commitments permit riding in some of the beautiful countryside available.
He has a membership of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Equine Medicine.
Neil has travelled overseas with several New Zealand Equestrian Teams including to the World Equestrian Games in Jerez in 2002, the World Endurance Championships in Dubai in 2005 and to the Young rider Eventing teams to Sydney in 2004 and successfully to Camperdown near Melbourne in April 2006.
Veterinarian - Director Emeritus - Karaka
Kevin’s origins are in the Manawatu, having been born in Palmerston North, raised on a farm nearby, and studying Veterinary Medicine at Massey University. After graduating BVSc in 1976 he worked 2 years in clinical mixed practice in the Waikato before heading with wife Trish to the University of California Davis, not far from San Francisco. He spent 2 years in the Department of Equine Medicine and Reproduction at Davis before heading south to Los Angeles and the Santa Anita Racetrack where he was the official track vet.
After travel adventures and stints of work in other parts of the US and Great Britain, Kevin returned to New Zealand and the South Auckland area in 1981, where he has been ever since. Kevin was a partner in Ewen Equine Clinic until establishing Equine Veterinary Services in 1995, based at Drury and the Karaka Sales Centre. In 2008 a working relationship was established with Veterinary Associates Equine and in 2015 the two practices were merged, and he became a director of the new entity.
Kevin currently works in all areas of equine veterinary medicine however reproduction, and stud medicine has been his main focus for many years. He provides dedicated services to large thoroughbred and standardbred studs in the area as well as enjoying working for his many long term smaller clients.
Away from horses and veterinary practice, on the odd occasion that happens, Kevin enjoys fishing, hiking, travel, playing piano, dining out and spending time with wife, family including 2 daughters and several grandchildren who all live nearby.
Veterinarian - Director
Felicity grew up locally in Whitford, where her riding developed into an interest in horses which eventually led her to vet school in Palmerston North. Felicity graduated from Massey University in 2010 and was awarded the equine prize in her final year. Following university, Felicity joined the Vet Associates team at the end of 2010. She has continued to study with the University of Liverpool while working. Her interests are poor performance of racehorses and sport horses, particularly lameness, ophthalmology and dentistry (she has done further post graduate training).
Her interests away from Equine practice include riding, snowboarding, painting, squash, and spending time with her husband Tristan, and their young son James.
Veterinarian - Director
Jeremy grew up on a sheep and beef farm in the north Waikato. He has spent most of his life around horses, beginning with mustering on horseback and pony club, and progressing to show jumping, eventing, hunting, and riding track work on his grandfather’s Steeplechasers.
With horses in his blood, Veterinary science was a natural choice, Jeremy graduated from Massey University in 2008 with distinction. After spending four years in mixed practice he quickly gravitated back to horses, and joined the Veterinary Associates team in 2012.
Jeremy enjoys all aspects of being an equine veterinarian and has a particular interest in sport horse reproduction, wound management, and field surgery.
Outside work Jeremy enjoys everything outdoors; horse riding, hunting, fishing and diving, good food and wine, and spending time with his family.
Veterinarian
Veterinarian
Ben began riding horses at an early age and participated at various equine sports, including polocrosse, endurance riding, and tent pegging for which he achieved provincial colours.
After school he travelled to England for two years and worked for stud and pre-training farms in the Newmarket area. During this time, he gained invaluable experience in the equine industry and furthered his training towards becoming an equine vet.
Ben qualified as a veterinarian at Onderstepoort in 2012, where his aptitude was recognized when he was awarded the prize for Applied Equine Studies. He then worked at Summerveld Equine Hospital in Durban for four years, where he predominantly treated racehorses and sport horses.
Outside of work Ben has an active lifestyle and enjoys running, mountain biking, and fly-fishing amongst other outdoor sports.
Veterinarian
Ella spent her time growing up in many destinations around the globe, including France, Germany, Canada and New Zealand. With an affinity for horses from a young age, she spent every second she could at the local barn and eventually began competing in show jumping. She chose to return to New Zealand in 2013, to complete a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from Massey University. Following graduation, she went straight into pursuing a 12-month rotating internship in equine medicine and surgery at the Massey Equine Veterinary Clinic to follow her passion for equine practice. Here she developed a special interest in equine dentistry and internal medicine. Ella has been a part of the Kumeu team at Veterinary Associates Equine since 2020. Outside of work, Ella loves to scuba dive, spend time with her horse, and go climbing in the mountains.
Veterinarian
Kaylin is originally from Texas, where she grew up riding in a number of different disciplines. She attended veterinary school at Texas A&M before going on to practice in mixed animal medicine and emergency work. For the last three years, Kaylin has been enjoying equine practice in the southeastern United States, working with everything from backyard ponies to world class english sport horses, endurance horses, and reining horses. She is excited to be coming to Kumeu and will be joined by her husband, dog and cat. In their spare time, they enjoy hiking and fishing, and are looking forward to exploring their new home.
Veterinarian
Elise grew up with a love of horses, owning and riding horses in North Auckland and teaching at the local riding school. She went on to vet school and graduated from Massey University in 2011.
Following a brief stint in mixed practice she completed an internship in equine surgery and anaesthesia at a large equine hospital in Victoria. She then spent 2 years at a large equine veterinary clinic in the United Kingdom before moving to Western Australia for a further 2 years in equine practice.
During this time she completed her Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice in Equine Practice with the University of Liverpool. For the last 5 years she has been working as an equine vet in North Auckland. Elise loves every aspect of equine practice, especially the variety it provides, and has a special interest in poor performance, dentistry and wound management.
She lives just out of Warkworth on a 60 acre farm with her husband, 2 children and an array of animals big and small. She is excited to work locally in Warkworth and bring a high standard of care to our equine patients in the area.
Veterinarian
Liv grew up locally in Clevedon and has always had a passion for horses due to her parents interests in showjumping and polo. She originally completed a Master of Science in Animal Breeding and Genetics. After working for two seasons in an embryo transfer centre in the UK she decided to go back to Massey and graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Vet Science with distinction. She has worked in the area since graduation and joined the Vet Associates team in February 2024 after the birth of her second child. Liv has a special interest in sport horse lameness and performance as well as reproduction. In her spare time she continues to compete in show jumping and loves spending time with her two kids Rupert and Tilly.
Veterinarian
Veterinarian
Hattie is originally from South Wales in the UK where she grew up spending most of her time with horses riding in local clubs, competing in district events, and enjoying the Welsh hills and beaches. She gained an interest in equine veterinary medicine after spending time as a riding instructor on a ranch in Massachusetts whilst completing her first undergraduate degree in Psychology at Durham University.
Hattie went on to study veterinary medicine at Liverpool University and graduated in 2023. Having spent time working as part of a veterinary team in Gambia with a horse and donkey charity, she was then offered a job at Liverpool’s first opinion teaching practice, gaining an interest in internal medicine and emergency and critical care.
Keen to continue travelling, Hattie joined Veterinary Associates in August 2024 and moved to New Zealand to pursue adventure and new experiences.
Veterinary Nurses
Caitlyn has been a core part of the nursing team since 2016 and graduated from Otago University in 2017. Caitlyn enjoys being a part of medical cases and loves secretly spoiling the ex blood donor horse and also the current donor horse. Outside of work, Caitlyn likes to keep fit at the gym and care for her much loved horse Dusty and her dog Cooper.
Veterinary Nurses
After studying Veterinary Nursing at EIT in Hawkes Bay, Chelsea started her nursing career at Veterinary Associates in May 2011 and has been a highly valued team member ever since. She enjoys both medical and surgical nursing and particularly enjoys the foaling season! Outside of work she enjoys trail running, and spending time with family and friends.
Veterinary Nurses
Tory joined the amazing Veterinary Associates team in July 2021 and is a hardworking and highly valued team member. Tory is from Northern Yorkshire, England and has spent the last 6 years living in New Zealand riding race horses. Tory thoroughly enjoys being a part of interesting surgeries and seeing the post care needed. Tory is a proud mum to her son which she enjoys taking him to play gym and wearing him out!
Veterinary Nurses
Veterinary Nurses
Teigan has been nursing for six years, for most of her nursing career it has been with small animals however she has always had an interest in Horses, having her own from a young age. Teigan is passionate about patient care and insuring each horse is looked after as if it were her own. Giving heaps of cuddles pats and kisses to each and every horse. In her spare time you could find Teigan riding her horse on the beach, taking her dog for a walk in the forest or sewing. Teigan is part of our Kumeu team and will be at most of your kumeu appointments
Veterinary Nurses
Michelle has worked in the thoroughbred racing industry most of her life. Breaking in yearlings and travelling overseas for races. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging our with her moggy cat, keeping up with the horse races and watching the cars.
Veterinary Nurses
Veterinary Nurses
Veterinary Nurses
Veterinary Nurses
Veterinary Nurses
Alex spent several years living and working in the UK and France, gaining experience in small animal nursing and serving as a veterinary assistant at Donnington Grove Equine Hospital. She returned to New Zealand earlier this year to focus on her career as an Equine Nurse. With a strong passion for the medical aspects of nursing, Alex continues to develop her skills in this area. In her free time, she enjoys spoiling her dog with long walks, spending time with family and friends, and exploring more of New Zealand.
Veterinary Assistant - Warkworth
Carlotta joined Vet Associates in February 2025 after recently graduating from Utrecht University in the Netherlands. Born and raised in the Netherlands to German parents, she is now excited to explore her new home in New Zealand. Having grown up around horses, she specialised in Equine Health during her Master’s degree and is now eager to deepen her knowledge and gain more experience through the internship.
Outside of work, Carlotta enjoys swimming, hiking, and spending time in nature.
Elif joined Veterinary Associates in August 2024. Originally from the UK, she moved to the US at age seven, where she grew up riding horses. She earned a Biology degree from the College of Charleston, competing on their riding team, before returning to London to complete her veterinary degree at the Royal Veterinary College, graduating in June 2024. Elif is excited to begin her career as an equine vet and is eager to expand her knowledge across all areas of equine veterinary care. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, baking, traveling, and relaxing with knitting or a good book.
