40 | Opened its doors amid the chaos Hollie Reid (Clinic Admin), Alex Meban (Vet), Tessa Meban (Vet), Claudia Humphreys (Clinic Manager). Karen Phelps In the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle Gisborne Country Veterinary Services opened its doors amid the chaos, determined to serve an area in desperate need of veterinary care. “We had timed our business to coincide with pregnancy testing cows but access to farms was the difficult part,” explains Alex Meban who founded the business with wife Tessa. “We sometimes had to take a detour of hours to access farms, hopping on motorbikes and even riding a horse.” Despite these initial hurdles, the practice has flourished. In just over a year, Gisborne Country Veterinary Services has grown from a two-person operation with no clients to a thriving business with over 100 clients on its books, spanning from south of Wairoa to the East Cape. The team has expanded to include three support staff and another veterinarian set to join soon. “We go wherever the work is,” says Alex, “anywhere on the east coast – three hours north and two hours south from Gisborne.” The practice treats large animals: sheep, cows, deer and horses. The Mebans’ approach to veterinary care sets them apart. “We pride ourselves on being professional and offering the best veterinary services as well as products at competitive prices,” says Alex. “We’re all about offering a future-proofed service.” The couple take a modern, science-based approach, which has resonated with farmers in the region. Instead of simply treating symptoms, Gisborne Country Veterinary Services focuses on prevention and holistic herd health. “It’s not an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff approach,” says Alex. “Although we do consult at an individual animal level, we aim to consult more at a herd and flock level as that is where we can offer most value.” The practice’s commitment to evidence-based care is evident in its involvement with research and trials. For example last year Gisborne Country Veterinary Services conducted a pre-lamb mineral injection trial that yielded impressive results, which were later presented at the New Zealand Veterinary Association conference. For Alex, the connection to farming runs deep. He was born and raised on a large sheep and beef station near Whatatutu and met Tessa when they were studying to be vets. “I grew up helping with docking and lambing. It helped a lot at vet school having that stock sense,” he says. RURAL SERVICES » Gisborne Country Veterinary Services “I know how challenging it is to be a farmer, so my advice always comes from a real-life perspective.” This understanding of the farming lifestyle has helped the Mebans build strong relationships with their clients. inovata.co.nz For more information or to become a stockist email: sales@inovata.co.nz ACVM Act 1997 No.A011948, No. A011945 & No. A011957 Proudly helping Gisborne Country Veterinary Services and Kiwi farmers achieve productive animal health outcomes. “We deal with humans as well as animals, which people often don’t think about with vets. Human relationships are important and a big part of what we do.” As the business has grown, so has the Meban family. Alongside two-year-old Finn, they welcomed five-month-old Jack earlier this year. Tessa, while currently focusing on being a full-time mother, also works in the business, bringing her veterinary expertise to the table. Alex sees continued growth and opportunities to serve the farming community. His role as secretary-treasurer of the New Zealand Veterinary Association’s sheep and beef cattle veterinarian committee allows him to stay at the forefront of industry developments and give back to the profession he loves. “I’d love to be a farmer one day. It’s what I’m passionate about,” Alex admits. “This passion for farming, combined with our veterinary expertise, positions Gisborne Country Veterinary Services uniquely to understand and meet the needs of our clients.”
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