Brett Finlayson “Brett the Vet”

I was born and raised on a farm in Maungataroto, Northland. That is where my love for animals stems from.
I went to secondary school at St. Kents in Auckland and had a year as an AFS student in the USA in 1972 (doesn’t seem that long ago!).
After graduating from Massey University in 1978 I spent a year in mixed practice in Matamata before going overseas for a year doing locum work.
On returning to NZ I worked for Ivan Fuyala at Red Beach for 3 years before shifting to the Waikato for almost 20 years working in mixed practices.
The love of overseas travel reared its head again so Jenni and I took our family to Jersey in the Channel Islands off the coast of France for three years.
In 2004 we purchased the Orewa Veterinary Centre from Ivan Fuyala. We absolutely love living and working on the Hibiscus Coast and are here for the long haul!
My partner in business and life is my wife Jenni, who is a real estate agent in Orewa. Jenni regularly takes our Labrador Elle to visit local retirement homes to brighten up the residents through contact with animals. She works under a program called Outreach Therapy which we strongly believe in.
We have three children, Cameron, Leah and Gabrielle who are all well on their way to doing their own thing now.
We also have a Maine Coon cat called Stella who is a real character!
I love my work, I enjoy the bond that exists between pet owners and their “best friends”. It is very satisfying to provide a one-stop shop for the care of our patients, from the initial consultation to lab tests (most can be done at the clinic), radiographs, surgery, medical treatment and nutritional advice.
We are the only clinic on the Hibiscus Coast to provide 24 hour 7 day a week care and advice, which sums up our commitment to you and your beloved pet.
 

Jessica Ashley

Jess has been here since May 1997 originally working with Ivan and now with Brett. Jess has lived on the coast since she was 7 and now lives in Helensville with her husband, Andrew and young daughter Mhina. She also has 2 dogs, Keira, the German Shepherd and Tua, a Rottweiler. Two cats Billie and Mandy also share the household. Before starting a family Jess was heavily involved in the local cricket club both as secretary and captain of the women’s team. She loves the lifestyle of living on the Hibiscus Coast and enjoys the challenges being a vet nurse brings both with the clients and their pets.

Gina Nicolson

Gina has been nursing with us for as long as Jess, but has had a few years off to go travelling and see the world. She is a local, living here since she was born. She is now married to Shawn and has two children Dylan and Skyla, Meow and Kitten are the cats. Gina enjoys meeting and greeting new clients and their pets and is always happy to help with whatever you may need.

Wendy Gordon

Wendy has been nursing for 25 years, starting in Otorohanga in a large animal practice, then at Whangaparaoa Vets since her and her family moved here in 1989. Wendy joined us in August 2007. Her husband, Kevin works locally and they have 2 married children, 3 grandchildren, 4 cats and 4 chooks. Work, her garden, family and Hospice are her passions. She has looked after many animals for their entire lives and hopes to do so for a few more years yet.

Email: orewavets@paradise.net.nz / silverdalevets@paradise.net.nz