Our permanent nursing team includes
From Left to right: Maria, Joni, Jo, Dot, Laura
Dot Hallyburton - Head nurse.
Dot has been with us since August 2005 and has extensive experience including running a racing yard, grooming for the Irish team at international 3-day events and teaching at world-renowned riding school Gleneagles. Dot came to live in New Zealand in 1999.
Laura Miller
Laura obtained her Certificate in Veterinary Nursing from Wintec Waikato in 2006. She has shown and competed in western riding for many years and currently has one horse to keep her busy out of hours.
Maria van der Geest
Having obtained her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing from Massey University in 2000, Maria began work in mixed practice. She then worked as an equine nurse in Kildare Ireland, Scone Australia and Rossdales in Newmarket, England. She then came home to New Zealand and has been working with us since 2007.
Jo Hannah
Jo achieved her Certificate in Animal Care in 2004 before completing her Certificate in Veterinary Nursing from NMIT in 2005. She spent time working in mixed practice in the South Island prior to employment locally on a major Thoroughbred stud farm. Jo has been with Matamata Veterinary Services since May 2007.
Joni Wellington
Joni has extensive horse experience and a wealth of knowledge in the Equine industry. Hailing from the historic Takanini Training Track at the age 16years. Joni is now a part of our full-time staff here at the MVS Equine Hospital after working two seasons alongside Dave Hanlon as a seasonal Nurse from 2008.
