Vets
Stuart Burrough
Veterinarian BVSc., MANZCVS
Stuart Burrough
Veterinarian BVSc., MANZCVS
Stuart is the company director and graduated from Massey University in 1983. He, together with Peter Anderson and Peter Jerram established Vet Marlborough in 1998. Stuart is a small animal Practitioner and became a member of the Australian & New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists by passing the Membership exams in small animal medicine in 1996. In 2000 he was selected to spend 3 months at the University of Florida as a Practitioner in Residence, assisting with teaching of final year students, as well as gaining valuable experience. While in the USA, he also became certified in the PennHIP technique of assessing dogs for hip dysplasia becoming the third New Zealand PennHip certified vet. He also has interests in orthopaedic surgery and completed a year long distance education course in Dermatology through Sydney University in 2004. Stuart introduced Stem Cell Therapy to the South Island for the treatment of arthritis in dogs in 2010. He also heads our Canine Reproduction Team freezing semen and performing Artificial Insemination (AI) with fresh, chilled & frozen semen. Stuart has been a Councillor of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists from 2002-2011 and served a two year term as President of the College. In 2011 he was presented with a Presidential Award for distinguished service to the College. Outside of work, Stuart enjoys sailing, scuba diving, water and snow skiing. Stuart is married to Jenny, an interior designer, with two grown up children, Lana (who is also a vet) and Isaac (a boat designer). They have a miniature Schnauzer (Denzel) and two Burmese cats (Ringo and Mick) as pets.
Mark Wiseman
Veterinarian, BSc, PhD, BVSc.
Mark Wiseman
Veterinarian, BSc, PhD, BVSc.
Mark switched careers from medical biochemistry to become a vet in 1994 and has a PhD in biochemistry in addition to his veterinary qualification. Originally from Yorkshire in the UK he immigrated to NZ in 1989. Mark has worked at Vet Marlborough since 2000 and became a shareholder in 2008. Early in his career Mark worked with both farm and companion animals including exotic species at wildlife parks. Nowadays he works full time with pets. Mark is very experienced in both medicine and surgery. Mark has a special interest in orthopaedics. He regularly attends workshops and conferences to learn new skills. Mark has completed a course in advanced radiology and is called on by all our vets for opinions on X-rays. Marks other interests include mountain biking, kayaking, motorcycles, guitar and camping. He lives in Rarangi with his wife Fliss, 2 dogs, four cats, 2 kune kune pigs and 6 chickens.
Elizabeth Patterson-Green
Veterinarian BVSc PGCertSc
Elizabeth Patterson-Green
Veterinarian BVSc PGCertSc
Elizabeth was born in South Africa but has spent most of her life in New Zealand. She graduated from Massey University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and has spent her career as a small animal veterinarian working in Auckland, Cambridge, Hamilton, the UK and Marlborough. Elizabeth joined Vet Marlborough in 2007 when she and her husband Jeremy moved to Blenheim. They have 2 sons, Luke and William, and 6 fur-babies. Always keen on upskilling, she has completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Science through Massey University, focusing on small animal oncology, clinical pathology, ophthalmology, and endocrinology. During her studies, she has developed a special interest in ophthalmology (the diagnosis and treatment – medical and surgical – of eye diseases), and really enjoys the challenge of seeing eye cases and the reward of following through with treatment to help her patient’s eyes become more comfortable. You can see Elizabeth with your pet for sore eyes, conjunctival grafting (for ulcers and corneal sequestrum), enucleation (eye removal), eyelid corrective surgery (entropion, ectropion, diamond eye, ectopic cilia), blindness work-up, glaucoma and KCS (dry eye). The clinic has invested in eye-specific surgical equipment, surgical loupes, surgical head lamps, panoptic ophthalmoscopes, and our recent addition of a Tonovet tonometer for quick painless eye pressure checks –all of which assist in getting the best diagnostic and surgical results for your pet’s eyes. After developing extra skills in small animal dentistry (with a trip to Melbourne to learn new techniques on saving teeth), she can also take referral cases for complicated dental procedures, including composite restoration of damaged teeth, crown amputation and vital pulpotomy and malocclusion (over and underbite) treatment plans. Dog breeding is another interest of hers. Stuart Burrough has trained Elizabeth in fresh and frozen surgical AI (artificial insemination) techniques and semen collection/evaluation and freezing. TCI (transcervical insemination) training is also on the horizon as it is likely frozen insemination techniques will be phased out in NZ in the future as they have been overseas. Elizabeth especially loves pocket pets, and has completed continuing education courses in rabbit anaesthesia, surgery, and medicine. Elizabeth works 4 days a week at the clinic and balances work with a busy family life. She is always happy to take referral eye and dentistry cases from other veterinary clinics.
Mary Bowron
Veterinarian BSc (Hons), BVSc
Mary Bowron
Veterinarian BSc (Hons), BVSc
Mary was brought up in Marlborough and did a biochemistry degree at Otago University before going to Vet School at Massey. She worked in a mixed animal practice in Taupo for a couple of years before heading overseas for 2 years. During this time did some travelling around the world and some vet work in the UK before joining the Vet Marlborough team in January 2008. Mary worked for six years alongside Pete Anderson as a large animal veterinarian and then in December 2013 left on maternity leave. She came back to the clinic part time in February 2015 as a companion animal veterinarian while still supporting the large animal team and has a special interest in canine physiotherapy, and surgery, especially orthopaedics. Early in 2021 Mary & her partner Craig purchased the family farm in the Kenepuru Sounds as well as moving all her work hours over to the Large Animal team. So when she isn't in the clinic or out seeing your animals she is tending to her own sheep and cattle in her "spare" time.
Trish Lipyeat
Veterinarian BVSc
Trish Lipyeat
Veterinarian BVSc
Trish Lipyeat is a very experienced mixed practitioner and works 2 days a week, usually Wednesdays and Thursdays, often helping cover the large animal work. Some of you will have already met Trish who was previously employed in Golden Bay. Trish has a fabulous sense of humour and no nonsense approach to her work. Trish and partner Derek live on a lifestyle block with their two children and various other animals.
Katalin Banyay
Veterinarian DVM, MVS, NZVE 2005
Katalin Banyay
Veterinarian DVM, MVS, NZVE 2005
Originally from a beautiful part of Romania called Transylvania, Katalin moved to NZ with her husband in 2003. She graduated as Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in Cluj-Napoca, Romania in 1999 and finished her Master of Veterinary Studies in 2000. Katalin worked as a small animal vet in Budapest, Hungary and Romania before moving to NZ. In NZ she spent a couple of years in Ashburton before moving to Marlborough in 2006. She calls now Blenheim home, where her 2 children were born. Katalin enjoys all aspects of companion animal medicine but in particular soft tissue surgery, reproduction, geriatric medicine - loves making a difference in patients quality of life. Outside work she enjoys motorbiking, gardening, hiking/camping, reading, good food and great wine.
Sarah Hart
Veterinarian BVSc
Sarah Hart
Veterinarian BVSc
Sarah was born and raised in Motupiko, south of Nelson and after graduating from Massey University in 2015 she moved up to the King Country where she practiced as a mixed animal vet in Taumarunui. Feeling the pull to return to the mainland, she has recently moved to Marlborough with her husband Campbell and two daughters, Georgia and Frankie. Sarah loves the variety that comes with mixed animal practice, and along with small animal medicine and soft tissue surgery, she particularly enjoys working with dairy cows. In her spare time you’ll find her out and about running, mountain biking, playing sport or supporting her husband on the rugby sideline. Sarah looks forward to meeting you in the consult room or out on farm.
Veterinary Nurses
Hayley Butler
Head Veterinary Nurse
Hayley Butler
Head Veterinary Nurse
Hayley is born and bred in Marlborough. She spent time with us as a student in 2014 whilst completing her National Certificate in Veterinary Nursing and we welcomed her as a permanent part of our team in June 2015. Hayley has a passion for cats and has a clowder of cats at home. Her Golden Retriever Lexi is no longer a puppy herself and had a litter of 8 puppies in May 2018. She has kept one of the cuties who she named Nirvana. In her spare time she loves to spend time with family and all her animals.
Barbora Freeman
Vet Nurse
Barbora Freeman
Vet Nurse
Barbora travelled originally from the Czech Republic, travelled to New Zealand in 2008 and immediately fell in love with this country. She was always passionate about helping animals so it was just a natural choice to study Vet Nursing with the Otago Polytechnic and graduated in 2015. Barbora and her partner are also known for their house and pet sitting services. If she is not busy looking after other people's pets she loves travelling, yoga and reading
Ren Bucad
Vet Nurse
Ren Bucad
Vet Nurse
Ren was born and raised in the Philippines. He studied to be a Veterinarian and got his degree and license in 2015. Over the years, he has had worked on the furriest of pets to the weirdest little critters you can imagine until he moved to New Zealand in 2018 to further broaden and enhance his knowledge and skills to formally be recognised as a New Zealand Vet. He is currently enjoying the warm climate of Blenheim, and outside of work, you’ll be able to find him working out a sweat at a local gym or striking some birdies at a golf course.
Paige Gosney
Vet Nurse
Paige Gosney
Vet Nurse
Paige was born and raised in Taranaki, she grew up on the families farmlet where she grew the passion for caring and looking after animals both large and small. After graduating with a diploma in Veterinary nursing she worked at a busy Veterinary clinic in New Plymouth for 8.5 years. In 2021 Paige and her family moved to Blenheim, where she eventually joined the team at Vet Marlborough. In her spare time Paige enjoys spending time with her husband, son and daughter, going camping, taking their Alaskan Malamute for walks and seeing what Marlborough has to offer.
Baileah-Rose Newport
Animal Care Assistant
Baileah-Rose Newport
Animal Care Assistant
Baileah is currently studying to complete her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. She is enjoying the challenges that this industry offers and adores the variety of work. Also, Baileah is our social media star! You will either see her taking cute photos of our patients or posting stories about everything that comes through our door. She is very excited to gain her nursing diploma so that she is able to get involved in the surgical/ anaesthesia aspect of nursing.
Mandie Hall
Vet Nurse
Mandie Hall
Vet Nurse
Mandie was born and raised in Texas, United States. She started training in the veterinary nursing field in 2010 and completed her diploma in veterinary nursing in 2013. She worked at a busy companion animal practice in Texas until January 2024 when she made the move to New Zealand to broaden her knowledge and experience all the country has to offer. Mandie enjoys spending time outside (hiking, walking, swimming), reading, and crochet. She is looking forward to exploring the Marlborough region with her husband and pets when they join her from the US as well.
Abbey Pruden
Animal Care Assistant
Abbey Pruden
Animal Care Assistant
Abbey volunteered at Vet Marlborough towards the end of 2022 and in early 2023 joined the team full time as our Animal Care Assistant. After studying both graphic design and amenity horticulture, she has finally decided to follow her passion of working with animals-and has recently started working towards her Diploma of Veterinary nursing. As a big mental health advocate, Abbey is looking to get more involved with the well-being and enrichment of both the animal patients and the veterinary staff looking after them.
Lauren Perano
Animal Care Assistant
Lauren Perano
Animal Care Assistant
Lauren volunteered at Vet Marlborough in 2023 while completing her animal healthcare assistant certificate and is now working towards her diploma of Veterinary Nursing. Lauren joined the Vet Marlborough team late 2023 as an Animal Care attendant. Marlborough is Lauren’s home town where she loves getting outside with friends and family especially out on the sea. Lauren has always had a deep love and care for animals since a young girl and always knew she wanted to pursue a career in animal health care. At home with Lauren you will find she has a tropical fish tank, a Staffy x Labrador and an Abyssinian cat.
Support Staff
Jess Gibson
Operations Manager
Jess Gibson
Operations Manager
Jess came to Vet Marlborough in 2002 after graduating from Nelson Polytechnic with her Certificate in Veterinary Nursing. Jess has a keen interest in Canine breeding and behaviour and has studied these at a Diploma level in 2007. After 15 years of Veterinary Nursing she has shifted from Nurse Manager to Admin Manager where she is enjoying learning a different part of the business, while still having lots of cuddles with the patients. Outside of work Jess enjoys family time with her husband, daughter and 3 Bullmastiffs. In her spare time, she has fun showing their Bullmastiffs and travelling.
Katharine Bowen
Practice Manager
Katharine Bowen
Practice Manager
Katharine worked as a vet nurse in Christchurch before joining Vet Marlborough when it opened in 1998. Initially working as a vet nurse, then moving into an administration position Katharine has recently been appointed the role of Practice Manager. Her years of experience in veterinary practice, the variety of roles within these practices and her farm background have given her a great all-round knowledge of our business. Katharine lives on a lifestyle block with a variety of animals and is the proud mother of 3 adult children.
Heath Dickson
Rural Business Manager
Heath Dickson
Rural Business Manager
Heath was born in Southland but grew up on a 1500 acre farm in Wairau Valley, Marlborough. He spent a lot of time helping his family run a sheep, beef, and deer operation as he went through school. At the end of college he headed off to Otago University where he completed a Bachelor of Human Nutrition and a Bachelor of Marketing Management. After spending 6 years marketing brands in the liquor industry he finally made the decision to step back into a very familiar area – agriculture. He now lives with his wife Josie & son Flynn in Springlands with their cat Poppy and Fox Red Labrador Alfie. In his spare time he is a distiller, gardener, golfer and hunter.
Maree Jones
Rural Services Coordinator
Maree Jones
Rural Services Coordinator
Maree qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2001, working in Wellington for four years before moving back to her home town Blenheim. She started working at Vet Marlborough in 2006. During this time she took an extended working holiday as a veterinary nurse in the UK. Maree extended her qualification completing a Diploma of Veterinary Nursing in 2009, before leaving on maternity leave at the end of 2011. Maree has joined us again assisting our large animal team and looks after most of our large animals bookings. She and her husband have previously been sharemilking in Canvastown for 5 years with their 2 children. In her spare time she enjoys exercising her golden retriever Zac & foxy Yogi, fishing and boating.
Debbie Ruffell
Customer Services Representative
Debbie Ruffell
Customer Services Representative
Deb has recently joined the Vet Marlborough team. Deb has two German Shepherds at home with her husband and two teenage boys – who keep things busy with their love of cricket and rugby. Deb enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her dogs. She cant wait to finally get out to the Marlborough Sounds on their new boat when it finally arrives later this year. Deb has come from an Administration and Customer Service background, she is looking forward to meeting all the new and existing clients at Vet Marlborough.
Gemma Jones
Customer Services Representative
Gemma Jones
Customer Services Representative
Gemma recently moved to Blenheim from Waiuku, south of Auckland to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle with husband, Simon. They brought down their cat Harry and two dogs Moki and Whiskey making up there little family. Gemma has a background in Administration and Customer Service since she left high school. With a love for animals, and getting to use her previous work skills, she looks forward settling in here at Vet Marlborough and meeting all our customers and pets. In her spare time, Gemma loves to go on adventures with her husband and dogs, exploring new areas of the South Island every chance she gets.