Our Team

Meet the pawesome vets, nurses, and support team at Vet Marlborough – passionate animal lovers dedicated to caring for pets and farm animals alike.

Vets

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 the 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 with two grown-up children, Lana and Isaac. They have a Miniature Schnauzer called Vespa

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 strong 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. Mark’s other interests include mountain biking, kayaking, motorcycles, guitar and camping. He lives in Blenheim with his wife Fliss, 3 dogs and 1 cat.

Kathy Preston

Veterinarian – BVSc

Raised in Canterbury, Kathy spent the first few years after graduating in mixed practice in the deep South (Edendale) and in England, before landing back in Canterbury. Having spent over 25 years in the Companion Animal team of a large practice based in Rangiora, Kathy has made the move to Marlborough to be close to the magnificent Sounds and the multitude of stunning walking tracks at the top of the South.

Kathy loves all aspects of Companion Animal medicine and soft-tissue surgery and particularly enjoys keeping pets well and pain-free, so preventative medicine and geriatric health are her particular focus. “It can never be overstated how important an animal may be to an individual, family or farmer, and it’s my job to help ensure that the pet or working dog has the best possible quality of life, and when the time comes, to leave in as gentle and dignified way as possible”, she says.

Kathy loves a collaborative environment and is very excited to be working with the talented and compassionate team at Vet Marlborough. She has 2 adult sons and 2 lovely black and white cats, and, as well as tramping, enjoys gardening, kayaking and watching sport.

Julie Romagny

Veterinarian – DMV

Originally from a small village in the north of France, Julie studied veterinary medicine in Belgium before discovering New Zealand during a university placement in her final year. She instantly fell in love with the country’s stunning landscapes and warm, welcoming people.

After a short time practising in France, Julie made the permanent move to New Zealand in 2019, accompanied by her beloved dog, Lipton. She spent several years working in the Nelson–Tasman region — first as a vet nurse while completing the exams to become a New Zealand–accredited veterinarian, and then as a practising vet. Following a brief stint as an emergency vet in Auckland, she returned to her first love — the top of the South Island — to join the Vet Marlborough team.

Julie is passionate about all aspects of small animal medicine, with particular interests in emergency and critical care, as well as surgery. She enjoys the challenges and rewards of helping pets through critical situations and supporting their owners during those times. She is excited to continue to further her knowledge alongside the talented Vet Marlborough team to provide the very best care for your pets.

Outside of work, Julie loves making the most of the outdoors and everything New Zealand has to offer. Whether she’s trying out new activities or spending time with her dog and cat, she’s always up for a new adventure.

Veterinary Nurses

Hayley Butler

Head Veterinary Nurse

Hayley was 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 & applying low stress handling when they are in the clinic. She has a beautiful golden retriever at home that loves to play with her young children. In her spare time, she loves to read & spend time with family.

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 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 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 was born and raised in Taranaki. She grew up on the family’s farmlet, where she grew a 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 German Shepard Brewski for walks and seeing what Marlborough has to offer.

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 with her husband to broaden her knowledge and experience all the country has to offer. Mandie enjoys spending time outside (hiking, walking, swimming), reading, and crocheting. She has 2 dogs and 3 cats that made the move to NZ with her.

Kathryn Musgrove

Vet Nurse

Born and raised in Marlborough, Kathryn has worked at Vet Marlborough since 2012 as a nurse. In 2021, she had a break from Vet Nursing, helping an environmental team with the native planting around our beautiful Marlborough. Kathryn returned to Vet Marlborough in 2022 and has enjoyed becoming part of the team again. Kathryn enjoys her lifestyle block with her family in Kaituna and has an assortment of animals, including cats, dogs, sheep and horses. Kathryn and her husband Darren have raised their 3 children in Marlborough and as a family enjoy being out either high country hunting or down the sounds fishing and spear fishing.

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.

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 for 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 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 in late 2023 as an Animal Care attendant. Marlborough is Lauren’s hometown 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 Team

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 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 is now our 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.

Abby Thomson

Rural Business Coordinator

Abby grew up on a lifestyle property in Murchison, where she developed a strong passion for animals. She then worked on a sheep, beef and dairy station in mid Canterbury before switching to a career in health care, where she has been for the past 5 years. Abby has recently returned to the rural sector as the Rural Business Coordinator here at Vet Marlborough. When Abby is not at work, you’ll find her out hunting or fishing with her partner James and their Jack Russell, Charlie.

Gemma Jones

Customer Support

Gemma started working at Vet Marlborough in December 2022. She is originally from a small town called Waiuku, south of Auckland and moved to Blenheim in 2022 to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle with her husband, Simon. They brought down their cats, Harry and Willow and two dogs Moki and Whiskey, making up their little family. Gemma has a background in Administration and Customer Service, and with a love for animals, she enjoys getting to utilise her skills while enjoying pet cuddles at the clinic when she can. Gemma loves to go on adventures with her husband and dogs, exploring new areas of the South Island every chance she gets.

Dana Wiblin

Customer Support

Dana has worked as a vet nurse for 18 years before joining us as part of our reception team. Dana owns a lifestyle block where she enjoys her spare time with all her animals, especially Maggie the cow.

Derryn Davidson

Customer Support

Derryn started with Vet Marlborough as a vet nursing student in 2008, and after a few years of nursing, moved into a customer service role. She took a break for a few years from 2019-2022 and late in 2022 returned to us in a casual customer service capacity.

Erana Kennedy

Customer Support

Erana started at Vet Marlborough in April 2026. Erana grew up in Wellington in a family very involved with dog obedience, breeding and showing. She moved to Marlborough with her husband and young family 20 years ago, to manage the family farm in Wairau Valley. They now own and operate a vineyard in Lower Dashwood. Erana has three grown children and two dogs

Gina Marsicano

Customer Support

Originally from South Africa, and in New Zealand since 2022, Gina comes from a background in administration, sales and general management. She has recently begun to combine those skills with her love for animals and is currently completing a Certificate in Companion Animal Care. She is excited to see where a career in the animal health industry will take her and is thrilled to join the Vet Marlborough Team. When not working or studying, she’ll be out on a hike, relaxing with her nose in a book, or watching a movie while crocheting soft toys.

Nikita Eising

Support Staff

Nikita joined the Vet Marlborough team in September 2025. Nikita has always loved animals and being around them, with starting off studying animal care at age 16. After spending a few years in Australia, she came home and studied her certificate in Vet Nursing while working in a companion animal clinic. Nikita is currently in year two of studying a 2-year diploma of Vet Nursing at Otago Polytech. Nikita lives with her husband Jake, their 2 young children, 2 dogs and their elderly cat. They are a busy and active Christian family; she is looking forward to meeting you all.