86 | nzdairy DAIRY SERVICES » Putaruru Veterinary Services Putaruru become a familiar and trusted presence The long-term vision is deliberately measured and rooted in sustainability rather than scale. Karen Phelps Putaruru Veterinary Services may be a relatively new name in the South Waikato but in a short time it has become a familiar and trusted presence for local farming families, built on a strong sense of community, service and family values. Founded in 2023 by Axel De Zeeuw and wife Lizzy the practice is based just outside Putaruru in the rural settlement of Waotu, right in the heart of dairy country. From the outset the focus has been on creating a genuinely local veterinary business that reflects the people and farms it serves. “It’s just gone nuts to be fair,” says Axel. “We started in May 2023 and quickly took on another vet, welcoming Lore Geenevasen as our second veterinarian. In February this year the team grew again with the addition of Patrick Taylor expanding the team to three veterinarians.” Growth, however, is not an end in itself. The long-term vision is deliberately measured and rooted in sustainability rather than scale. “Our long-term goal is to create a sustainable local business with three to five vets who are also shareholders in the business,” says Axel. “That gives them skin in the game. The future of the dairy industry looks bright and we are committed to serving it.” Axel and Lizzy, who works alongside him as a veterinary technician, chose the South Waikato not just for work but for life. “It’s a nice central place to live and raise a family,” says Axel. That sense of family is evident not only in how the business is run but in how it fits into the wider community. “We are a small family-oriented business where service is still key,” says Axel. “We get people ring up to pick up their products and sometimes they end up staying for a drink or dinner and have a yarn.” Rounding out the family team mother in law Annelies runs the office and reception where Axel says coffee and a lolly jar are always available. That personal approach has helped build close, personal relationships with clients, most of which Reduce antibiotic usage by 22%
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