Our Staff

There was never a Plan B for me. No matter the circumstance or cost, I always knew I was destined to become a veterinarian.

Growing up surrounded by both cats and dogs, I developed a passion for animals and the human-animal bond early on. Wishing to explore a natural approach to animal health, I completed a four-year Diploma in Animal Homeopathy in 2009. It provided an excellent foundation in holistic care, but I realised I wanted to offer a broader range of treatments, in particular surgical care. That led me to spend the next five years studying a Bachelor in Veterinary Science at Massey University, graduating in 2014.

After graduation, I moved to Papamoa Beach, where I started my career as a veterinarian working with companion animals. Working as a local veterinarian over the years has allowed me to build lasting relationships with so many wonderful people and their pets. For me, veterinary care is about much more than diagnosing illnesses and performing procedures. It’s about getting to know families, celebrating the happy moments, providing reassurance during difficult times, and supporting pets through every stage of life. That vision of personalised, community-focused care is what inspired me to establish Coastal Pet Vet in 2020.

Today, I still reside in Papamoa Beach with my wife and 3 kids. We love everything Tauranga has to offer, especially the beautiful coastal lifestyle and the vibrant community of Papamoa Beach.

I’m also passionate about health, fitness, and nutrition, and I believe the same principles that help people live healthier, more active lives can make a significant difference to our pets. Optimal nutrition, regular exercise, and preventative care are the foundation of a long, happy, and healthy life, regardless of age.

When I’m not at the clinic, you’ll usually find me exploring Tauranga’s beaches and parks with my family—making the most of the lifestyle that inspired us to put down roots here.

Hi Everyone, I am originally from Durban, on the east coast of South Africa. I studied at the University of Pretoria, studying animal science and wildlife management before Veterinary Science.

I graduated in 2015, after which I was stationed in Rural South Africa as part of the government community service scheme. While working for the government, I was positioned at a training college for animal health technicians while opening and running a community outreach clinic. After this, I moved to an exclusive small animal and exotic practise in a small mining town in central SA before moving to New Zealand.

I love going on day hikes and exploring the country; I am always up for an adventure, seeking waterfalls around the country. I have a keen interest in astronomy, and you will find me outside on clear nights looking for satellites.

Hello everyone, I’m Daisy and i’m currently studying towards my veterinary nursing diploma. I’ve always been passionate about helping and caring for animals so joining the Coastal pet vet team has been a dream! I absolutely adore meeting all of your furry friends every day and will take any chance I can get for a cuddle. Outside of work I love to snowboard, surf or go for a nice walk up the Mount.

Hi everyone. I am Lucia one of the Veterinary Nurses here at Coastal Pet Vet, becoming a veterinary nurse was one of the best decisions I have made!

Having a multitude of animals growing up from Staffies to collies, cats to fish and even chickens I knew a veterinary nurse was what I wanted to be. Four years of study later I graduated from Otago Polytechnic with a Diploma in veterinary nursing under my belt. Starting my career in Rotorua where I lived with my family, I soon realised the beach lifestyle was for me. 7 years of clinic experience down the track and I have found this amazing clinic in beautiful Papamoa. My journey began here in March 2025. Since then, I have had the best time working alongside such an amazing team.

Caring and advocating for you as pet parents and your furry friends is my main goal. In the clinic you will find me snuggling all patients during their recovery, as I strive to provide the best standard of patient care that I can. I love being able to develop new skills, and with a keen interest in orthopaedic surgeries and bulldogs this certainly is the place for me!

When I am not in the clinic you can find me in the kitchen baking or cooking dinner, walking along the beach or in Rotorua spending time with my family and French bulldog Vincent. I look forward to meeting you and your fury friends in clinic! 😊

Hi everyone, I’m Nicole, one of the Vet Nurses here at Coastal Pet Vet, dedicated to caring for your beloved furry friends.

My passion for animals has been lifelong, leading me to pursue a career in vet nursing. During my final year of high school, I decided that this path was perfect for me. I completed my certificate at Toi Ohomai in 2021 and followed up with an online diploma through Otago in 2022. Joining Coastal Pet Vet at the start of 2024 has been incredibly fulfilling.

While I enjoy all aspects of my job, nothing beats the joy of cuddling with our adorable little patients. Outside of work, I indulge in reading, baking delicious treats, and expressing my creativity through crocheting and sewing.

Hi Everyone, I’m Lisa, a local mum living in Golden Sands with my son Luca, my Jack Russell, Zeus and our new kitten, Honey.

I am new to the vet industry, but I bring experience from retail, sales, education and administration. I’m an animal lover, and I’m passionate about helping our local community. I am the founder of “It Takes a Village – Papamoa”, which supports and connects local families. Kids Markets are a big part of how I raise funds to help local families, whether it is for kids to learn or participate in sports, musical instrument tutoring, a new hobby they would like to try or even a holiday programme to give some parents a break. I also like to gift our amazing local parents vouchers from local businesses.

When I’m not at work or organising kids markets, I’m on the sideline at weekend sport, cheering on my son, or you’ll find me enjoying coffee at a local café.

I love travelling and spent eight years living in London and exploring that side of the world. I also love experiencing new cultures, adventures, and meeting new people. I look forward to meeting you and your much-loved pets.

Hi Everyone, I’m a Papamoa local, and I’ve recently joined the Coastal Pet Vet team as Receptionist and Marketing Manager.

​I have a BA in design and experience across a range of industries, internationally, in creative, marketing, and customer service roles. This is my first time working in the veterinary industry, but not my first time working with animals.

Alongside my creative pursuits, I have a passion for animal care, and I have volunteered my time with the SPCA, worked as a House/Pet sitter, and as a dog walker. I’m also a Fur-aunty to my friends’ and family’s pets, and I’m planning on getting my own pet in the near future. I am grateful for the opportunity to combine my two passions with my commitment to helping others in this new role. I’m looking forward to learning the ropes and meeting all our lovely clients.

Outside of work, I enjoy creative projects of my own – everything from illustration to crafting gourmet treats in the kitchen to photography. I love being social and spending time with family. I have a keen interest in health and fitness and the outdoors, and love to be active, whether it is yoga, running, hiking, surfing, or mountain biking. I’m also a bookworm and enjoy film and music.