Kaiapoi Small Animal Team
Tara Buxton
Bachelor of Veterinary Science, and BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Conservation medicine
Small Animal Veterinarian
Tara has a particularly special interest in wildlife and also in veterinary acupuncture. Most of her time is at the Kaiapoi clinic, however she does spend one day a week at the Rangiora Clinic also.
Originally from Somerset, England, she studied in Liverpool and emigrated to New Zealand in 2011 where she now has a very active life, when not being a vet she will most likely be mountain biking or trail running
Tara has a very special friend, Poppy, a spaniel cross rescue dog. Poppy is full of bounce and is everybodies friend!
Lynlee Kueh
Small Animal Veterinarian, BVSc, MVM
Lynlee joined the companion animal veterinary team in February 2018, her special area of interest is small animal medicine.
When not in clinic Lynlee loves to travel, relax with a good book, she also enjoys swimming.
Born in Christchurch, she moved to Malaysia for 10 years, but returned for High school, followed by Massey University where she studied for her veterinary degree. Now settled back in Christchurch, she lives with her husband, and a big goofey golden retriever called Toby who, in true retriever style, will do anything for food!
Fiona Gilston
Veterinarian, BMVS, MVetSci (Conservation Medicine)
Fiona joined the Rangiora Vet Centre Companion Animal Team in April 2024. Originally from Scotland, she studied at the University of Glasglow, and most recently Conservation Medicine via University of Edinburgh.
She has a special interest in feline behaviour & medicine, as well as exotic animal health and wildlife health.
Fiona has a special DSH called Thor who she fostered as a sick kitten while working at a previous clinic but couldn't give him up (foster fail!)
Abi Swan
Small Animal Veterinarian
Ellie Brouard
Vet Nurse
Ellie joined the Kaiapoi Vet Clinic team in June 2021, originally from Guernsey, Channel Islands In the UK she moved to New Zealand in 2010. She graduated with a diploma in vet nursing in March 2020 and at the same time started her first nursing placement in Otorohanga.
Since relocating to Christchurch with her partner, she has enjoyed exploring the region in her spare time.
Ellie has a bichon frise x shih Tzu called Kobi, along with many other pets who are still with her family at home, which she misses very much, and looks forward to visiting as soon as she can.
Sascha Moriarty
Vet Nurse
Sascha is an invaluable member of the Kaiapoi Vet Clinic team, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to veterinary care. As a qualified Veterinary Nurse, Sascha has been serving in various vet clinics throughout our region for a number of years before joining our team in 2022.
What sets Sascha apart is not only her exceptional nursing skills but also her genuine dedication to providing top-notch care to both our patients and their owners. Her welcoming and caring demeanor, create a warm and comforting atmosphere for everyone who walks through our doors. Her passion for animals and commitment to their well-being shines through in everything she does.
Chris Neville
Vet Nurse
Stefanie Nicholas
Vet Nurse
Stefanie (Stef) joined the RVC vet nursing team in 2017 with a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. She enjoys working in the hospital and nursing the critical care patients until they are well enough to go home. It is very rewarding seeing the animals, some who have been very ill and unhappy, transition back to themselves and reunite with their families.
Outside the small animal clinic nursing environment Stef has her hands full caring for her horses, developing, breeding and riding them, as well as schooling young children.
A born and bred Cantabrian, along with her horses, Stef also has 3 very active dogs which keep her on her toes, as well as 4 cats.
Andrew Dunn
Animal Care Assistant
Andrew is largely based at the Rangiora Clinic, however he has become a part time team member and is now a regular face at the clinic, assisting in customer service and in the cattery.
Originally from Dunedin he moved to Rangiora in March of 2014 to join the Rangiora clinic in his first position in the Animal industry. He has always had an interest in working with animals and completed his Certificate in Veterinary Nursing at the Otago Polytechnic in 2012.
Outside of the clinic environment he enjoys science fiction, music and playing video games.