| 43 RURAL SERVICES » East Coast Farm Vets Proudly supporting East Coast & Wairoa Farm Vets Locally made drenches for New Zealand farms. 15L DRUMS VET EXCLUSIVE Champion stock. Triumphant results. Treat & control internal parasites in your cattle and sheep. Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997. Nos. A012135, A012130. Premier large animal veterinary service Karen Phelps A veterinary practice that started life operating from the back of a ute 15 years ago now runs two fully equipped clinics serving one of New Zealand’s largest rural regions. East Coast Farm Vets, established in 2010, has become the East Coast’s premier large animal veterinary service. Owned and operated by vet Andrew Cribb - known locally as ‘Cribby’ - and his wife Loren, the business has grown significantly. “It’s our commitment to practical, down-to-earth service that has set us apart,” says Cribby. A partnership with head vet Helen Taylor led to the opening of Wairoa Farm Vets in April 2018, creating a sister clinic that extends the reach across the wider region. Between them, the two practices serve farmers from the East Cape lighthouse in the north, west to Matawai, and south through Tuai to Tutira. Recently there has been a major development for the Wairoa operation, with the clinic moving into new premises on Freyberg Street. Helen says the purpose-built facility offers significantly more space and the team is working through a programme of enhancements to support the expanding mixedanimal practice. “This was our goal from the start,” says Helen. “We can offer farmers a full-service experience, both on-farm and in-clinic, with production animals and full surgery and recovery care for working dogs.” Recent investment in cutting-edge technology has bolstered the clinic’s capabilities. A new state-of-the-art parasite testing machine now provides same-day results for faecal egg counts and individual worm identification, a game-changer for local farmers, says Helen. “This technology strengthens diagnostic capability, enabling farmers to make more targeted decisions around drench use and animal health,” she says. The success of the technology has prompted the purchase of a second machine for the Gisborne clinic, which will soon be up and running. The Wairoa facility now boasts complete surgical and imaging capabilities, diagnostic equipment, dental gear and kennels. With a growing team on hand, Helen says it can manage everything from emergency situations to standard procedures and recovery care for working dogs. Specialist orthopaedic services are also available, with referral surgeons making regular trips from Auckland to perform complex procedures on-site saving local animals the stress of long-distance travel. Both clinics provide comprehensive production animal services, from cow pregnancy testing and bull semen collection to pre-lamb planning, artificial insemination and health plans for sheep, beef, deer and horses. Much of this work happens on-farm and follows seasonal patterns, with an experienced conveyor team ready to tackle large-scale sheep work including drenching, vaccinating, tagging and spraying. In Gisborne, East Coast Farm Vets continues operating from its Childers Road base, offering high-quality large animal care. The site includes a handy drive-through for quick collection of drenches, vet supplies and premium dog and horse nutrition. A portable x-ray machine and mobile equine stocks enable safer, more accessible on-farm horse treatments. “The x-ray and stocks make us 100 per cent portable,” says Cribby. “It means we can scan, treat or AI horses safely, even when there’s no yard or float.” Across both locations, nearly 20 staff keep operations running smoothly including seven vets, experienced vet nurses, support staff and the dedicated conveyor team bring considerable expertise to the table. The clinics have become known for their welcoming atmosphere, with clients often dropping in for a cup of tea and a chat. “It’s not uncommon for clients to call into either clinic, grab a cuppa and have a yarn about their farming concerns or local happenings and both clinic doors are always open and the jug is always hot,” says Cribby. Community involvement remains central to both practices, with support flowing to local schools, rural events, fundraisers and sports teams. Regular social media updates, fortnightly newspaper columns and seasonal farm editorials keep the connection strong with the farming community. “We’ll always be farmers at heart,” says Cribby. “Our team lives here, works here and backs this region 100 per cent. It’s what drives us.” Andrew Cribb, Owner/Veterinarian and Bas van Luijk, Head Veterinarian. Wairoa Farm Vets team - (L-R back row) Cath McGregor (vet nurse), Katie Drummond (vet nurse), Janine How (vet nurse), Megan Pender (clinic support), (L-R front row) Elana DeWet (veterinarian), Helen Taylor (Co-Owner/Veterinarian), Adriaan Brits (Veterinarian), Mark Green (East Coast/Wairoa Commercial Manager) Absent - Amanda Beckett, Andrea Read.
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