Staff
Dr James Meredith - Senior Vet
James is from England and grew up in Cheshire on a dairy and sheep farm, where he developed his passion for animals. He qualified with Honors from The Royal Veterinary College, London in 2013. He then returned to Cheshire where he worked for 4 years at large first opinion and referral practice. He came out to New Zealand in January 2017 on a 6 month sabbatical but fell in love with New Zealand life and so is still here.
James started at Greenlane Vets in November 2017, and became our Senior Vet in July 2018. He is currently studying towards a certificate in small animal medicine and has been on courses in oncology, ultrasound, ultrasonography and endoscopy.
James has a rescue Beagle called Poppy and four rabbits which have come into the practice as strays. He spends the time he is not working or studying exploring the beautiful scenery of New Zealand.
Emma Bevan MA VetMB MRCVS
Emma is from the UK and grew up in East Anglia surrounded by pets of all sizes, so has always wanted be a vet. She qualified from Cambridge University in 2016 with Merit and from there, spent two years working as a small animal vet in a 4 branch practice in Suffolk. Here, she got experience with some exotic species and developed a passion for critical care and soft tissue surgery, which is something she wants to pursue a certificate in. She moved to New Zealand in July 2018 to start a new adventure and joined Greenlane Vets in August.
Emma has a lovely (but feisty…) rescue cat called Keira and would love to get a dog soon too. In her free time she enjoys playing netball and going to the gym, baking, painting and experiencing all of the amazing things New Zealand has to offer!
Valerie Goldfinch - Practice Manager
Valerie started working in the practice as a receptionist in 1982. After completing a diploma in business management at the University of Auckland, she was promoted to practice manager.
Valerie's hobbies include Toastmasters, reading and walking/tramping and she also loves travelling to Australia and Asia to visit extended family.
Valerie has been instrumental in promoting and overseeing the many changes at Greenlane Veterinary Centre in recent years. Principally the major renovations and the achievement of accreditation which is quite a milestone. Renovations in the boarding cattery were started last year and will be ongoing throughout this year.
She is very keen to see staff pursue continuing education and further qualifications.
Hannah McLaren - Client Relations Manager
Hannah completed her Certificate in Veterinary Nursing in her home town of Nelson, then went onto a Bachelor of Science majoring in Marine Biology, animals underlying most of her studies and work experience throughout the years.
As a client relations manager to the clinic she enjoys enhancing the relationship between the clinic and clients, with emphasis on making the clinic experience positive for all.
In 2015 Hannah returned from several years in Greece where she had a horse riding school and livery yard - horses being a big love of hers. Luckily in New Zealand she has found a lovely Thoroughbred, Arthur to call hers.
She loves horse riding, yoga, learning Greek and (attempting to learn!) the guitar.
Michelle Barnes - Clinical Services Manager
Michelle grew up on a sheep and beef farm in Doubtless Bay where her love for animals developed.
She graduated with a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing from Unitec in 2012 and has been Vet Nursing the past 12 years in mixed practice clinics in Kaitaia and Mangawhai and numerous small animal practices in Auckland.
She really enjoys working with companion animals, especially cats, with a focus on cat behavior and wellbeing.
In Auckland she lives in Mangere Bridge with her partner Karlan and 13 year old cat Cheeko. Cheeko rules the roost out there with plenty of 'cattitude!'
Katie Kiss - Veterinary Nurse
Katie has always had a real passion for animals, ever since she was young growing up surrounded with animals, she has four little dogs taking up room in the bed and a talkative Cockatiel named Roose.
She joined our team here in January 2015 after she obtained her Certificate in Animal Care and Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in 2014.
Katie has a passion for surgery, cuddles with our furry clients and loves to have a chat with our clients coming through.
Her hobbies include her beloved car, dirt bike, fishing, cake decorating, going the gym and seeing the NZ breakers play basketball.
Rose Capper-Wheelton - Veterinary Nurse
Rose has always loved animals and has a soft spot for Border Collies, as she grew up with them as her family pets. She currently has an old man Ragdoll cat called Byron waiting for her at home where she is renting and is easier to own her own place so she can rescue and adopt more pets.
She completed her Bachelor of Science majoring in Biological Sciences in 2014, then went on to complete her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in 2016. She has been nursing at Greenlane Vets ever since, where she has continued to learn more skills and improve on her talents. Rose is the main nurse that assists James with chemotherapy of our furry friends.
Jonna Vesth - Veterinary Nurse
Jonna first started with us for her work experience placement in 2016 and we've been lucky enough to keep her as she continues her studies towards a Degree in Veterinary Nursing and Animal Welfare through Unitec.
Being Swedish born and a self confessed 'cat lady' Jonna lives with her fiance and two rescue cats, Silence and Spectre.
Jonna enjoys reading, video games, going to the theatre, stand up comedy and travel.