Our Te Puna Clinic

Katherine joined the Tauranga Vets team in 2015, bringing her extensive Veterinary knowledge to our practice. Her journey in animal care began when she trained at Massey University in 2003, leading to her involvement in mixed Veterinary practices focused on small animals and horses.

With a wealth of experience in New Zealand and England, Katherine’s dedication to excellence is evident in her Equine internship at Cambridge University in England and her specialised training in Dermatology, particularly in small animals.

Outside the clinic, Katherine enjoys the charm of her Te Puna lifestyle block, which she shares with her husband, two children, and a growing menagerie of pets. Among her furry and feathered companions are Zoe, a crossbreed dog, a pair of delightful fluff ball cats they rescued as kittens, a flock of chickens, two very vocal ducks with strong opinions, and a group of ex-Ag day lambs that have made themselves a permanent home.

Melani began her Veterinary journey at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, graduating in 2009. For the first decade of her career, she worked with creatures of all sizes, from playful kittens to majestic elephants and every fascinating creature in between.

While she has cherished experiences with many animals, Melani’s deepest passion lies with dogs and cats. Every day, she enjoys caring for these beloved companions. Her commitment to their well-being led her to pursue a postgraduate certificate in Feline Practice, a journey she finds immensely fulfilling.

Melani firmly believes in the power of kindness, treating all patients with unwavering compassion and empathy.

When not at the clinic, Melani enjoys precious time with her three children. Their adventures often take them into nature, as they relish discovering the natural beauty of this wonderful country together.

Anrich recently moved to New Zealand from South Africa after studying Veterinary Science at the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science. Anrich has had a passion for animals and veterinary medicine from an early age. Becoming a veterinarian was a long-standing ambition, rooted in a genuine love and fascination for animals. Outside of veterinary medicine, Anrich is a keen sports enthusiast, with a particular passion for rugby and cricket. Anrich is excited to begin this next chapter of his veterinary career in New Zealand. He looks forward to exploring the country, embracing its many outdoor and adventure opportunities, meeting new people, and continuing to develop his skills and knowledge as a veterinarian.