74 | RURAL SERVICES » Vet Services Hawkes Bay Trusted vet service five decades deep Hamish & George at the CHB show. Camille speaking (below). Farming isn’t just a livelihood; it’s a way of life. For more than 50 years, Vet Services Hawke’s Bay has been at the heart of that life, providing trusted veterinary care for livestock, horses and farm dogs, with an ownership structure and decision-making that is firmly local. “We’re very local and an active part of our community. We have longstanding relationships with our clients. We invest in innovation and are always looking at better and smarter ways of doing things,” says CEO Brendan James. First established in 1949 as the Central Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Veterinary Club, the business was incorporated in 1974 as Vet Services Hawke’s Bay to supply veterinary services to members of the club. It has continued to grow, improve and expand its services ever since. With clinics in Napier, Hastings, Waipukurau and Dannevirke, the business employs around 150 staff and delivers 24/7 veterinary support across companion animals, equine and production animal farming. Importantly Vet Services Hawke’s Bay is 100 per cent owned by people who work in the business via its working shareholder model. Brendan says that for farmers, that means the decisions shaping the business are made by people who understand life on the land and the day-to-day realities of animal health. “In today’s world, local knowledge and experience are invaluable, and we pride ourselves on fostering trust between our clients, their animals and our team.” Brendan says that connection matters when it comes to farm performance. Many staff members have spent decades in the region, building not just technical expertise but an intimate knowledge of local farming systems, farming businesses and seasonal challenges. The practice also focuses on mentoring younger vets, ensuring skills stay in Hawke’s Bay and Dannevirke and that clients benefit from both experience and fresh perspectives. “At Vet Services Hawke’s Bay it’s all about people, whether that’s clients or our own people,” says Brendan. Innovation is central to the farm support Vet Services provides. Its Beef Technology and Performance Group, for example, has emerged in response to the unprecedented beef schedule and growing interest in animal monitoring collars. The group enables farmers to share knowledge, learn from guest speakers and focus on improving herd performance, animal health and productivity. “Farmers are looking to understand how data and technology can help their herds perform better. We’re here to make that practical and relevant for them,” says Brendan. The CHB Farmers Veterinary Club and Bush and Southern Vet Club also remain a key part of the business, providing a strong partnership with local farmers through the strong historical local links that vet clubs have provided right throughout rural New Zealand. “The purpose of the clubs is to provide us with a clinic to operate from and that a service be provided to members. The clubs own and maintain the clinics with Vet Services leasing the clinics from them. This makes for an excellent partnership, first the club members receiving first class vet service and secondly Vet Services having a modern spacious clinic. The practice also actively supports the community, sponsoring and providing grants to local shows, sports teams and farming competitions, including A&P Shows, various equine events, wider industry initiative such as the Future Beef NZ Competition and the Hawke’s Bay Magpies. “For Hawke’s Bay and Dannevirke farmers, Vet Services is not just a veterinary provider - it’s a trusted partner, locally owned and deeply connected to the people, animals and land.” STAGE 1 STAGE 2 STAGE 3 Worm Parasites Coccidiosis MORE COVERAGE. LESS EFFORT. PUMP UP THE POWER ON LOW GROWTH RATES. Ultimate parasite coverage Can be used in cattle under 120kg SAFER* , STRONGER AND RAIN-RESISTANT. Rain-resistant Pour-on option Injection option with lice control PROUDLY NZ OWNED AAH-TUIT-2026-049 Available exclusively through veterinary practices nationwide. Visit www.alleva.co.nz for more information. TURBO® is a registered trademark of Alleva Animal Health Ltd. TURBO Pour-on (A011722), TURBO Injection (A011742),TURBO Initial (A011703), TURBO Advance (A011714) and TURBO Triple Minidose (A011937) are registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997.See www.foodsafety.govt.nz for registration conditions. *Compared with abamectin-based treatments. TOTAL CATTLE COVERAGE 5 WORLD-FIRST FORMULAS TURBO® CATTLE DRENCH PROGRAMME 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS Congratulations l i www.alleva.co.nz Karen Phelps
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