66 | nzdairy The emphasis is always on helping farmers succeed. DAIRY SERVICES » Bay Vets Karen Phelps A quiet transition is underway at Bay Vets as the long-standing Eastern Bay of Plenty practice enters a new phase of leadership. While the shift represents one of the most significant changes in its governance for decades, the process has been deliberately steady, considered and reassuring for the farmers who rely on it. “This really reinforces the fact the practice will continue strongly into the future,” says John Dillon, Business Manager. “The customers know all these vets and can continue their strong relationships.” The succession plan marks the slowing down of several long-serving directors, including founding veterinarian Geoff Wakelin, who has been with the practice for an extraordinary 45 years and is edging towards retirement. Geoff has worked across both small and large animals during his career and is widely regarded as a pillar of the region’s rural veterinary community. His presence at countless calvings, emergency callouts and herd health visits has made him a familiar and trusted figure across the Eastern Bay. Karen Gow has also recently retired, concluding her own long contribution to the business. Stepping into governance roles are veterinarians Travis Baxter, Kim Wiersma and Sarah-Jane Smit, who have all become directors, along with three non-veterinary shareholders: John Dillon, Erin McDonald and Carol Lewis-Owen. The incoming veterinary shareholders are Nicola Wichtel and Jayne Spooner. John says these appointments reflect not only the practice’s depth of experience but also its commitment to building a leadership team that represents a broad mix of clinical insight, business capability and local knowledge. “This means that for dairy farmers, who rely heavily on consistent seasonal support and deep local knowledge it will be business as usual,” says John. “Nothing changes in terms of the care, services or the people they work with.” The timing of the transition is also important. Farmers across the region are operating in a period of continued change, from evolving animal health regulations to environmental compliance pressures, which places increased value on dependable veterinary support. John says the new structure Practice enters a new phase of leadership ensures Bay Vets remains resilient and wellequipped to meet those shifts. Bay Vets has deep roots in the region’s dairy industry. Its origins trace back to the Rangitaiki Plains Dairy Company, which hired its first vet in 1923. After the 1987 Edgecumbe earthquake, the veterinary division was separated out and became Edgecumbe Vets. In 2008 it was renamed Bay Vets Bay Vets for Good Calf Health Reduce antibiotic usage by 22% to better reflect its expanding service area. Today the business operates clinics in Edgecumbe, Whakatane and Kawerau. It remains one of the largest privately owned veterinary practices in the Bay of Plenty, providing care to both rural and urban clients. Its scale allows it to maintain a wide range of specialist skills, says John, yet its private ownership ensures it retains the personal, community-focused approach that many farmers value. John has spent more than two decades with the company and brings a lifetime of rural experience to the role. “I’ve stayed serving farmers the majority of my working life,” he explains. Originally from Hawke’s Bay, he grew up on sheep
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=