Who We Are

Hi, I am Adri. I grew up on a farm in rural South Africa surrounded by animals. During my childhood our family took care of a lot of rescue animals including a caracal, a bushbuck and a penguin. Accordingly it was no surprise to anyone that I became a vet. I have always had a TRUE passion for Veterinary Science. I have a keen interest in ultrasound imaging and have done numerous courses, including some hands-on training in New York (lucky me!). Cardiology is also close to my heart and I am fascinated by animal behaviour. I have completed a diploma in behavioural studies but there is so much more to learn! I am married to a superstar engineer and have 2 beautiful children, a boy and a girl. I enjoy baking, reading and anything outdoors. If I am not at work, you will find me somewhere outside, be it camping, fishing, cycling or running after my kids… and I still dream about living on a farm some day, surrounded by animals.

Hello! I am Jennifer. I grew up in sunny South Africa and have always been drawn to animals. Throughout my studies at Onderstepoort my plan was to become a “cow gynae”, however, during my veterinary career I realised that I also have a deep love for companion animals (although we still live rurally so that we can be surrounded by our cattle and occasionally other stock). After working for a specialist surgeon in my hometown, Pretoria, for 5 years I packed my bags to experience small town life in the beautiful (and hot) Limpopo where I was fortunate enough to do some wildlife veterinary work, including with some of the big five! I have a TRUE fascination with reproduction which was the drive for me to become a member at ANZCVS. There is pure magic in being able to witness the making of puppies and kittens so closely, something that has never been lost on me. I love being creative and having a hands-on approach, that is why I thoroughly enjoy doing surgery. Outside of work I love spending time with my family (my husband, two little girls and two dogs) outdoors, especially if it involves water somehow. This is likely the reason I have settled so well in Auckland!

Hello! I am Samantha (But you can call me Sam) and I'm a local to the Flat Bush area. Growing up I developed a TRUE appreciation for the animals around us, extending to all of our weird and wonderful furry, feathery and scaly friends. Having graduated top of my class in 2022 with a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, I discovered and developed a TRUE passion advocating for animals of all shapes and sizes, and striving to provide the best care to ALL. Ensuring they have a high quality of life and receive lots of love in their time on this planet. Hence, I am registered with the Allied Veterinary Professional Regulatory Council (AVPRC) and a member of the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association (NZVNA). When I’m not at the clinic you’ll find me spending quality time with my rescue guinea pigs, exploring with my friends and family, reading a good book, or exercising.

Hi, my name is Maddy! I hold a New Zealand certificate as a Veterinary Nurse Assistant and I’m currently studying towards getting my Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. I grew up in South Africa where I was always around wildlife, farm animals or my pets. This is where I naturally grew a TRUE love and passion for animals of all shapes and sizes. It came as no surprise that my career choice turned to vet nursing. As an aspiring vet nurse, I pride myself to be the voice that pets don’t have. It’s been a rewarding journey getting to learn the ins and outs of the hustle and bustle as a vet nurse and working amongst some amazing co-workers. Not to mention how TRULY rewarding it is to be a part of your pets’ care and seeing their progress from start to finish. I love spending my free time with my dogs watching a Netflix show as well as catching up with my friends exploring the outdoors.

Hi! l’m Jo. I am South African, although I don’t sound like it. I have always had a massive passion for all animals. As a kid I would sit for hours by our pool, helping ants who have fallen into the water and get mad at my parents for killing spiders, even though I’m terrified of them. When I am not in the clinic, I am looking after more fur babies as I am a house/pet sitter who loves to give pets the TRUE love and attention they need while their owners are away. I also relax by doing a paint by numbers or a jigsaw puzzle while watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

Hello I am Alicia. I grew up in Singapore and always had a TRUE passion for cats and dogs ever since I could draw. When the time came for choosing a Bachelors I had to come to New Zealand. I graduated back in 2012 as a veterinary technician and have been nursing ever since. I have worked at specialist referral centres and after-hours emergency before deciding to return to GP practice. I am a TRUE advocate for my patients and am constantly working to better improve our standards of care. I still have deep interests in emergency medicine and intensive critical care and hope to further my studies in this area in the future. In my free time I hang around with the two dogs and four cats. We like to do mindful painting by numbers or building models while binging on YouTube. I also appreciate taking a dip in the sea with the dogs while taking them to the beach or taking long rides on the motorbike along the back roads surrounding Auckland.

Hi ! My name is Alrika. I am from South Africa and moved to NZ in 2020 with my husband and 2 of my 3 children. The oldest child joined us in 2023. We have always had dogs and cats, the odd snake and my son's tarantula's. We had to leave our labradors in SA and cant wait to get a dog (or 2) again. We adopted 2 kittens soon after arriving just before Covid lockdown. They meant the world to my children and helped them through the difficult transitioning from SA to NZ ! I love the outdoors, braai's (barbeque's), the beach, scrapbooking, crocheting and fellowship with friends and family !

Hi I’m Kirstin! I qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in the UK and started my career there in a charity practice, where I developed my passion for animal welfare. After gaining a couple years of experience, I made the exciting move to New Zealand, where I continue to pursue my TRUE love for veterinary medicine. I am thoroughly enjoying working with the True Vets team and meeting all of your lovely animals that come into clinic! Outside of work, you will probably find me on a mountain or in the sea- I’m so happy to be here and am embracing the beautiful landscapes and vibrant nature that New Zealand has to offer.

Hi! I'm Gamze! After graduating from Turkey, I made a big change and settled in New Zealand and I have been working as a veterinary nurse for 3.5 years. Deciding to work with furry babies was the best decision I ever made in my life. It is a passion for me to be with them and to be helpful in their illness and health! I will never stop learning new things and improving myself every day in order to be better for them! If I'm not in the clinic, you can find me exploring places with my friends, learning a new hobby, or reading a book on the beach.