Ever wondered what makes a veterinary practice truly special? It's not just about the facilities or location—it's about creating a culture where every team member feels valued, supported, and empowered to use their full range of skills.

In this chat with Bridget Swart, head veterinary nurse at Vets on Carlton in Whanganui, we talk about the daily rhythms of a clinic that's earned an impressive 4.7-star rating from its own employees. 

Bridget shares her journey as a "transplant" to this seaside community, where she's found not just professional fulfilment but a perfect setting for raising her young family.

What becomes immediately apparent is how this clinic approaches teamwork. From organised morning rounds to the mutual support team members offer one another during challenging days, there's an genuine camaraderie that can't be manufactured. 

Perhaps most significantly, veterinarians at the practice fully utilise their nurses' skills—from administering pre-meds to intubating patients, placing catheters, and conducting x-rays. This approach not only increases job satisfaction for nursing staff but creates a more efficient workplace where everyone can focus on what they do best.

For veterinary professionals considering their next move, Whanganui offers a compelling alternative to big-city practice. As Bridget puts it, the "slower pace" and family-friendly amenities create the perfect work-life balance, while the clinic's commitment to continuing education ensures career development doesn't stagnate. 

Whether you're a veterinarian looking for your next position or simply curious about what makes a veterinary workplace thrive, this episode provides valuable insights into creating a sustainable and fulfilling veterinary career.

If you're ready to discover if Vets on Carlton might be your perfect next move you owe it to yourself to check them out!  

Check out Tania's Job Video.

Could Your Kind of People recognise Their Kind of Clinic?

A job ad may catch a vet’s or nurse’s eye. But it’s their own due diligence that determines whether they apply—or keep in touch.

Culture Story Centres turn real experiences from inside your team into credible, discoverable recruitment evidence, giving vets and nurses meaningful reasons to choose your clinic.

Explore Culture Story Centres for veterinary clinics

Discover the heart and soul of rural veterinary practice through Dr Dave Rankin's eyes as he celebrates 30 years with Wanganui Vet Services - sister clinic to Vets on Carlton.  

Dr Dave's journey shows what makes a veterinary workplace truly special – the deep bonds formed with farming families across generations, the satisfaction of mentoring young professionals, and the joy of practicing diverse medicine from pregnancy testing cattle to performing emergency small animal surgeries.

What stands out in this conversation is Dr Dave's people-first approach to veterinary medicine. "My team's always stronger than the individual," he explains, describing how everyone from receptionists to nurses plays a vital role in clinic success. 

This philosophy extends to professional development, where staff members are encouraged to pursue their passions – even when it means sending a primarily large animal vet like Dr Dave, to a small animal dental course!

The clinic's thoughtful approach to after-hours work demonstrates their commitment to staff wellbeing. New veterinarians receive approximately six months lead-in before joining the on-call roster, and when they do, a tiered support system ensures they're never alone. This structure, combined with extra annual leave, helps address one of the profession's most challenging aspects.

Beyond the clinic, Whanganui itself offers an enviable lifestyle. "Everyone forgets we're a seaside city," Dr Dave shares, describing how he can be fishing, skiing, or hiking within minutes of home. With good schools, a pleasant climate, and a central location, it's the perfect setting for veterinary professionals seeking work-life balance.

Want to join a veterinary team where you're truly valued? Visit vetclinicjobs.com/vets-on-carlton to learn more about opportunities at this Veterinary Clinic Employer of Choice, where you can apply directly with no recruitment agency involved.   As Dr Dave puts it, "Our clinics allow people to be themselves and to grow in an environment that is fully supported."

Could Your Kind of People recognise Their Kind of Clinic?

A job ad may catch a vet’s or nurse’s eye. But it’s their own due diligence that determines whether they apply—or keep in touch.

Culture Story Centres turn real experiences from inside your team into credible, discoverable recruitment evidence, giving vets and nurses meaningful reasons to choose your clinic.

Explore Culture Story Centres for veterinary clinics

What does it take to be a Veterinary Clinic "Employer of Choice" - Julie South catches up with Dianna - Head of Reception at Wanganui Vet Services (sister clinic of Vets on Carlton).

If you're a veterinary professional looking to make your next move and Companion Animals is your thing, you owe it to yourself to check out Vets on Carlton in Whanganui.

Dianna shares her 16-year journey at Wanganui Vet Services and Vets on Carlton, revealing what makes this veterinary practice a VetClinicJobs Employer of Choice with a stellar 4.8-star employee rating. 

Julie and Dianna explore the clinic culture where "everybody is valued the same" regardless of their role, and discover why veterinary professionals choose to build long-term careers in this supportive environment.

Reception Manager Diana has worked at Wanganui Vet Services for nearly 16 years:

• Originally joined as a qualified vet nurse doing her training at the practice
• Enjoys building relationships with clients and helping solve their problems
• Team described as "fabulous, dedicated, and professional" with complementary strengths
• Whanganui offers excellent quality of life with festivals, outdoor activities, and strong community
• Clinic serves diverse clientele from urban pet owners to generations of farming families
• Work environment where "everybody is on the same level" regardless of role
• Team provides support when "things go wrong in people's lives"

What does it take for VetClinicJobs to identify a clinic as an Employer of Choice Veterinary Clinic?

Employer of Choice status requires 

• >2 4-star employee reviews, 
• clinic commitment to CPD 
• community involvement

Check out vetclinicjobs.com/vets-on-carlton for more information, and tune in next week when Julie South catches up with head veterinarian and Massey grad, Dr Dave Rankin. 

Could Your Kind of People recognise Their Kind of Clinic?

A job ad may catch a vet’s or nurse’s eye. But it’s their own due diligence that determines whether they apply—or keep in touch.

Culture Story Centres turn real experiences from inside your team into credible, discoverable recruitment evidence, giving vets and nurses meaningful reasons to choose your clinic.

Explore Culture Story Centres for veterinary clinics

What happens when a non-veterinarian takes the helm of a veterinary practice? In this chat, Tom Dinwiddie reveals how his business background and people-first approach have transformed Wanganui Veterinary Services and Vets on Carlton into genuine Employers of Choice in New Zealand's veterinary landscape.

At the heart of Tom's management philosophy lies a refreshing commitment to autonomy and accountability. "We allow people to make their own decisions and work autonomously," he explains, sharing real examples of team members who've flourished under this approach—from the young vet who researched and recommended dental X-ray equipment to the reserved nurse who blossomed into a confident leader. 

This trust extends to equipment needs and continuing education, with the practice generously supporting veterinarians' professional interests, whether in advanced dentistry, ultrasound techniques, or orthopaedic surgery.

Beyond the clinic walls, Tom paints a vivid picture of Whanganui as "New Zealand's best-kept secret"—a place where veterinary professionals can truly have it all.  With affordable housing, excellent schools, and boundless outdoor adventures from river kayaking to mountain climbing, the area offers the quintessential New Zealand lifestyle without the constraints of big-city living. 

The clinic's success in integrating international veterinary skills is exemplified by Hein, a Dutch veterinarian who joined after falling in love with the Whanganui River during a kayak trip and has now built a life and orthopaedic skills there over ten years.

For veterinary professionals contemplating their next career move, this conversation presents a compelling alternative to the traditional vet-owned practice model—one where personal and professional growth go hand in hand, all within one of New Zealand's most liveable communities. 

Visit vetclinicjobs.com/vets-on-carlton to discover how you could be part of this exceptional team.

Could Your Kind of People recognise Their Kind of Clinic?

A job ad may catch a vet’s or nurse’s eye. But it’s their own due diligence that determines whether they apply—or keep in touch.

Culture Story Centres turn real experiences from inside your team into credible, discoverable recruitment evidence, giving vets and nurses meaningful reasons to choose your clinic.

Explore Culture Story Centres for veterinary clinics

This episode focuses on the essential steps required to become a registered veterinarian in New Zealand, emphasising the importance of understanding the registration process for overseas applicants.

Key topics include language proficiency, registration types, and examination requirements.   

• Overview of the veterinary registration process in New Zealand
• Importance of a current Annual Practicing Certificate (APC)
• Requirement for English proficiency and passing the IELTS
• Difference between general and limited registration for veterinarians
• Examination pathways for those with unrecognised (according to the Veterinary Council of New Zealand) veterinary degrees
• Overview of Massey University’s Supervised Year of Clinical Training

and something new in 2025:

• Announcement of the transition to a newsletter format with focused content

Veterinary Council of New Zealand website

Could Your Kind of People recognise Their Kind of Clinic?

A job ad may catch a vet’s or nurse’s eye. But it’s their own due diligence that determines whether they apply—or keep in touch.

Culture Story Centres turn real experiences from inside your team into credible, discoverable recruitment evidence, giving vets and nurses meaningful reasons to choose your clinic.

Explore Culture Story Centres for veterinary clinics

As we venture into 2025, understanding recruitment dynamics is critical for veterinary clinics facing staffing challenges.

Today Julie South looks into the current landscape of veterinary employment in Aotearoa New Zealand, emphasising the importance of a strong employer brand, adapting to immigration changes, and creating supportive workplaces.

Julie recaps the impactful recruitment changes in NZs 2024 and crystal ball gazes into what she believes must happen in 2025:

• Overview of recruitment trends in New Zealand 
• Analysis of immigration rule changes impacting veterinary staffing 
• Explanation of MPI's Voluntary Bonding Scheme for large animal vets 
• The significance of mentorship and new grad development programs 
• Importance of a strong employer brand in attracting talent 
• Discussion on the role of AI in recruitment strategies 
• Steps to improve visibility and attractiveness of job advertisements 
• Encouragement for existing staff to provide positive reviews

Could Your Kind of People recognise Their Kind of Clinic?

A job ad may catch a vet’s or nurse’s eye. But it’s their own due diligence that determines whether they apply—or keep in touch.

Culture Story Centres turn real experiences from inside your team into credible, discoverable recruitment evidence, giving vets and nurses meaningful reasons to choose your clinic.

Explore Culture Story Centres for veterinary clinics

Equine dental care in New Zealand is facing a crossroads, and Registered Veterinarian Dr Helen Beattie is here to shed light on the pressing need for regulatory reform. 

The current landscape allows non-veterinarians to perform complex dental procedures on horses, posing significant risks to equine welfare. 

Join host Julie South and Dr Helen as she shares her passionate advocacy against these practices, highlighting the Ministry for Primary Industries' disregard for expert veterinary advice and her relentless pursuit to safeguard animal welfare through policy change.

Regulatory challenges extend beyond equine care as veterinary nurses in the companion animal field grapple with limitations despite their training and insurance. 

Dr Helen recounts her journey back to university, driven by a desire to blend legal expertise with my passion for animals, aiming to become one of only two (as at recording) vet lawyers in New Zealand. 

Her personal narrative underscores the broader need for regulatory support to overcome bureaucratic hurdles and the fresh perspective that legally trained veterinary professionals can bring to the field.

Returning to academia as a mature student brings its own set of challenges and opportunities. Dr Helen and Julie discuss how life experience enriches both learning and work environments, while also confronting exam stress and perfectionism. 

We celebrate the unique contributions mature students and professionals bring, urging respect and appreciation for their wisdom and balance. 

Could Your Kind of People recognise Their Kind of Clinic?

A job ad may catch a vet’s or nurse’s eye. But it’s their own due diligence that determines whether they apply—or keep in touch.

Culture Story Centres turn real experiences from inside your team into credible, discoverable recruitment evidence, giving vets and nurses meaningful reasons to choose your clinic.

Explore Culture Story Centres for veterinary clinics

Today host Julie South, uncover some of the complexities of national cat management in New Zealand in this second of three part series with Dr Helen Beattie.

As a dedicated advocate for responsible cat ownership, Dr Helen shines a light on the vital role of veterinary professionals in transforming public perceptions and practices.

Julie and Dr Helen explore the myths surrounding feline reproduction, the crucial importance of microchipping and de-sexing, and the dire need for streamlined national legislation to replace ineffective local bylaws.

Their discussion reflects on a decade of progress and the delicate balance between animal welfare and environmental conservation.

Veterinarians are front and centre in the battle for effective stray cat management, and Dr Beattie shares her frustrations and hopes for the future. She shares the critical need for thoughtful trap, neuter, and return (TNR) programmes, especially near ecologically sensitive areas.

Dr Helen passionately argues that simply euthanising strays is not socially acceptable, and emphasises the need for the veterinary community to unite in supporting responsible management initiatives.   By shifting the narrative towards keeping cats safe and happy at home, we can start the conversation that benefits both native species and our feline friends.

Hear about innovative solutions like cat-proof fencing, designed to safely contain outdoor cats and prevent them from straying into vulnerable habitats.   Dr Helen compares this modern approach to the established practice of high fencing for dogs, highlighting the growing responsibilities of cat ownership.

Julie and Dr Helen also discuss the ongoing development of educational tools to support both vets and cat guardians, as well as the financial needs of these initiatives.

Links mentioned in this episode

Catfence
Catnets
Ep 215 - Banning Live Exports
Join VAWA

Could Your Kind of People recognise Their Kind of Clinic?

A job ad may catch a vet’s or nurse’s eye. But it’s their own due diligence that determines whether they apply—or keep in touch.

Culture Story Centres turn real experiences from inside your team into credible, discoverable recruitment evidence, giving vets and nurses meaningful reasons to choose your clinic.

Explore Culture Story Centres for veterinary clinics

What if you could change the fate of thousands of animals with just your voice?

Join Julie South this week as she chats with Dr Helen Beattie, the pioneering founder of Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa (VAWA). 

Today Dr Helen she shares her compelling journey in challenging the norms of live animal exports. Through her expert lens, Dr Beattie brings to light the ethical dilemmas and dire conditions faced during these inhumane journeys.

Dr Helen and Julie catch up on what she's been doing since her last guest appearance (back in ep. 069).   They talk about VAWAs mission through to grappling with the pressing need for sustainable financial models to keep such critical advocacy alive.

As we confront the harsh realities of live exports, the episode also unravels the tragic story of Gulf Livestock 1, serving as a stark warning of the perils involved.

Dr Helen and Julie talk about the political maelstrom surrounding New Zealand's anticipated repeal of the live export ban and they explore the global movement towards stricter regulations.

This conversation isn't just about the challenges—it’s about taking action. They discuss how public engagement can influence decision-making and shape policies that prioritise animal welfare.

Tune in to discover the power of advocacy and the potential for meaningful change in the realm of animal rights.

Links Mentioned Today
Dr Helen Beattie - Episode 069
Dr Helen Beattie - Episode 070
Dr Helen Beattie - Episode 071
Email Prime Minister Christopher Luxon
Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa website

Could Your Kind of People recognise Their Kind of Clinic?

A job ad may catch a vet’s or nurse’s eye. But it’s their own due diligence that determines whether they apply—or keep in touch.

Culture Story Centres turn real experiences from inside your team into credible, discoverable recruitment evidence, giving vets and nurses meaningful reasons to choose your clinic.

Explore Culture Story Centres for veterinary clinics

Join Julie South for the second thought-provoking conversation she has with Dr Jane Jones, as they uncover the nuanced experiences of Māori veterinarians and veterinary nurses in New Zealand. 

Discover how Dr Jane's collaborative research with Dr. Francesca Brown reveals the profound impact of cultural narratives and the challenges faced by Māori professionals in expressing their identity within the veterinary field. 

Listen to them chat about the significance of respecting cultural practices like tikanga, especially in contexts involving death, and explore the broader implications of kaupapa Māori research. 

Dr. Jones shares her hope that future Māori veterinary professionals will continue this vital dialogue, reflecting her commitment to honouring cultural perspectives.

Julie and Dr Jane also explore the shared experiences of Māori and Pasifika communities in both human health and veterinary sectors, emphasising the importance of trust, empathy, and understanding cultural contexts. 

Their conversation sheds light on the financial hurdles these communities face in accessing care and the need for cultural safety in veterinary practice. Drawing on personal stories, they discuss the importance of self-reflection in overcoming biases and assumptions and underscore the necessity for the veterinary sector to engage meaningfully with Te Tiriti o Waitangi. 

The episodes wraps up with a hopeful note on community unity, inspired by the peaceful Hikoi event, as they advocate for a more inclusive and respectful veterinary practice in New Zealand.

Could Your Kind of People recognise Their Kind of Clinic?

A job ad may catch a vet’s or nurse’s eye. But it’s their own due diligence that determines whether they apply—or keep in touch.

Culture Story Centres turn real experiences from inside your team into credible, discoverable recruitment evidence, giving vets and nurses meaningful reasons to choose your clinic.

Explore Culture Story Centres for veterinary clinics