The Estuary Vet Team
We take pride in looking after your pets as they were our own.
Thea
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I graduated from Massey in 2010 and returned to my hometown of Christchurch, the best little city in the world! I was going to be a horse vet, after growing up horse mad, and travelling the country competing in eventing. But I discovered a love of companion animal practice, and get so much satisfaction from helping to keep much loved family pets well.
I love running long distance on the trails, biking on the road (the more hills the better), a good G&T, and hanging out with the family. Tom and I have a son Willis, a daughter Margot, a mini dachshund Matilda and a Maine Coon Vlad who is triple the dog’s size |
Tom
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Growing up on a small farm and being a son of a vet, perhaps I was always destined to work with animals. I certainly loved raising lost spring lambs, petting the old cat and walking about the hills with our barking ‘eye-dog.’
After graduating from Massey vet school, I started out in the mixed animal world with a lean toward our larger production animals. However, I learned it wasn’t just the animals I was interested to work with, but also the owners. And in companion animal work I found my passion to work along side owners to help support their relationship with their furry family members. I enjoy educating owners and making the complex simple. Outside of work, I enjoy a good lengthy visit to the golf club, a cruise on a mountain bike or a pair of skis, being dad to Willis and Margot, and being an amateur wine and beer connoisseur. |
Hannah
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Hi, my name is Hannah. I joined the Estuary team in May 2024. I have been nursing since 2018. I enjoy all aspects of nursing but especially anaesthesia and surgical nursing. I love all animals although have a soft spot for rescues and spicy cats.
I have two SPCA cats, Buffy and Panda (pictured) and in my spare time, I like to walk, bake, find a good cocktail or restaurant. |
Gill
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Gill has been vetting for over 30 years and joined the team at EVC about 1 year ago. Gill’s special interest is in the field of behaviour. A few years ago, her own dog had an unusual behavioural problem and this piqued her curiosity in this interesting and ever-evolving field of veterinary science. So, she took a year off work in 2018 and studied a behavioural course through Sydney University.
Gill has a mischievous Miniature Schnauzer called Olive. In her spare time Gill likes skiing, mountain biking, cooking and throwing on her running shoes. |
Marysha
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Hello everyone! My name is Marysha and I’ve been with the Estuary team since March 2022. I graduated with my Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in 2016 and have been working as a nurse ever since.
I’ve been exposed to a varied and interesting caseload over the years which has fuelled my love to keep busy and see pets through from presentation to recovery. Nothing compares to the gratification of seeing a healthy pet with their family after you’ve cared for them. I have an affinity for senior animals and love nothing better than having cuddles with a friendly hospitalised cat. I have my own special gal, a Maine Coon called Kansas (pictured) who wraps everyone she meets around her polydactyl paw. I enjoy getting out and about in the city, meeting with friends and eating out at all the cool places Christchurch has to offer. I’m excited to work alongside this awesome crew who love what they do and I look forward to meeting yourselves and your furry children. |
Helen
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I moved to Christchurch from Australia approximately 7 years ago. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to move here with my partner, who was born and raised in Christchurch. Along for the ride is our cat, ‘Ned’, a domestic shorthair who we adopted from the RSPCA in Townsville, QLD, 12 years ago.
I started my Veterinary nursing career quite a few years ago in Darwin, Northern Territory, where I was born and raised. I continue it alongside the great little team at Estuary Vet clinic, where I still enjoy the challenges and rewards of the job. I happily call New Zealand home now. The natural beauty of New Zealand is absolutely amazing. My goal is to one day do a tramp. Until then, I enjoy nothing more than relaxing with a good book, cooking, and gardening. |
Zuzanna
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I graduated as a veterinarian from the Veterinary and Pharmaceutical University Brno in the Czech Republic in 2013. Growing up in a family that bred Golden Retrievers, I was surrounded by animals from an early age, which naturally led me to a career in veterinary medicine. After working as a vet for a few years, my partner and I decided to travel before settling down. We fell in love with New Zealand and have called it home for the past 11 years. Although my veterinary license is not transferable, I have fully dedicated myself to the rewarding and essential field of veterinary nursing.
I am passionate about expanding my knowledge and skills and thrive on the challenges that come with complex cases. Being part of our skilled and compassionate team is something I am proud of, knowing that together we provide the best possible care for our patients. During our time exploring the Southern Hemisphere, we welcomed our beautiful daughter, Barbora. We love spending time in the mountains with our backpacks and friends, discovering new places, people, and cultures. And when the long winter nights set in, I enjoy putting on my dancing shoes. |
Kelsey
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I have always had a love for animals, and am passionate about caring for them. I received my diploma in veterinary nursing in 2018. Every day is a new challenge and I love every minute of putting my skills to use. I enjoy all my roles whether it's greeting you and your fur babies at the front desk, monitoring their anaesthetic/procedure, or tending to their needs in our hospital.
I have 2 beautiful cats at home, who are super spoilt and absolutely adored. I love being a part of the Estuary team and am looking forward to meeting your pets. |
Hannah
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.Kia ora, I'm Hannah. I graduated vet school in the UK 10 years ago and enjoyed a short stint in mixed practice in the UK. I then went travelling to New Zealand and have been in companion animal practice in Christchurch ever since. I recently joined the Estuary Vet team in Sept 2024, after locuming for them on and off for a while. In clinic I most enjoy caring for our geriatric patients, keeping them pain free and improving their quality of life as they age, and encouraging positive, low stress visits at the vets for all our patients.
At home I live with my tuxedo cat Bwuce and a fluffy tabby cat Gunther. I'm a big fan of ridiculous, and human names for animals! Outside work you'll find me outdoors running in the hills, tramping in the mountains, or swimming at the beach. |
Kate
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My name is Kate and I've been a member of the Estuary team since 2021. I graduated with my diploma in 2022 and my love for nursing drove me to complete my Bachelors Degree in Veterinary Nursing in 2024.
I enjoy hospital nursing and have a keen interest in animal dentistry. Although I don't have any pets of my own, I get great joy from caring for the variety of patients we see every day! In my spare time, I enjoy walking in the hills and spending time with my colleagues and friends. I look forward to meeting you and your pets and being able to provide the best support and care I can. |