The Staff
During COVID-19 ALERT LEVEL 2, St Lukes Veterinary Centre will be open as usual for all routine consultations, vaccinations & procedures. Please call us on 098455573 to make an appointment. To maintain social distancing we ask that only one person accompanies your pet into the clinic during your visit.
Dr Andrew Newington BVSc MANZCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
After graduating from Massey University, Andrew spent 3 years working in a mixed animal practice in the Waikato before heading off to the UK for 4 1/2 years. While there he worked in a range of Veterinary Practices from the James Herriot style country practice to a very busy small animal practice in London. From 1996 to 2014 he owned and operated Unitec Veterinary Hospital on the Unitec campus.
In 2014 he moved the practice to larger premises, amalgamating with St Lukes Vet Clinic to form St Lukes Veterinary Centre. In 1999 he sat and passed post graduate exams in small animal surgery to become a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. He has continued to enjoy his strong interest in veterinary surgery in our modern surgical theatre. When not working he will be either on his farm in Clevedon or out training for his next Ironman race
Dr Peter McQueen BVSc (dist)
Veterinary Surgeon
After graduating from Massey University, Peter worked in dairy practice in the Waikato for 7 years. He then spent 3 years travelling and working in companion animal practice for three years. Once back in New Zealand he settled in Auckland where he has worked in both private practice as well as for the SPCA.
In 2016 he joined St Lukes Veterinary Centre full time. When he's not at work you will often find him on the squash court.
Dr Helen Roberts BVSc
Veterinary Surgeon
After graduating from Massey University at the end of 2016, Helen moved to her home town Christchurch to work in a rural practice as a small animal veterinarian. The draw of big city life saw Helen move to Auckland at the beginning of 2018 to join the team at St Luke's Veterinary Centre.
Helen has a special interest in medicine but is also enjoying learning more about surgery from the senior vets in the practice. Outside of work Helen keeps busy through hobbies of sewing, photography, art and is looking forward to completing her first half marathon in the near future.
Madison Hendriks BVet Tech
Veterinary Nurse
After graduating from Massey University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology and a Diploma in Science, Madison worked at a small animal practice in Auckland before venturing overseas to America. There she worked at a small animal veterinary hospital in North Carolina who had a strong focus on creating an excellent customer experience; an approach that she now brings here to SLVC.
Madison has a strong passion for educating clients about the best healthcare for their pets. She also takes an interest in anaesthesia and animal behaviour. Outside of work, she enjoys teaching her cat Cali tricks, going to pilates and crafting bowties and bandanas for her small business Cali's Corner which we stock here at the clinic!
Next time you're in with your fur baby, say hi to Madison and our other awesome nurses who you'll hear more about in next month's newsletter!
Ellesha Boot DVN
Veterinary Nurse
Ellesha originally studied and qualified as a human nurse, but decided she preferred working with the fluffy and cuddly more. She completed her Diploma of Veterinary Nursing in 2014 from Unitec. She has been working at the St Lukes Veterinary Centre since it opened in November 2014 making the move from the old St Lukes practice.
As one of our senior nurses, Ellesha is responsible for the ordering. So if there is something you need us to order in especially for you then she is the person to see.
Her hobbies outside of work include walking her hyperactive Border Collie and coddling her cat who probably resents all the attention. She is also an avid reader who runs her own book review blog
Ariana Corbett DVN
Veterinary Nurse
Ariana is one of our friendly nurses who has been working here since the end of 2018. She recently graduated with a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing from Vet Nurse Plus and is starting her nursing career here at St Lukes Veterinary Centre. She plans to travel with her degree and hopes to work overseas in the UK, after getting a few years experience in the field.
Ariana is passionate about animal welfare and giving each animal the attention, love and care they deserve. She particularly enjoys caring for our inpatients while they are hospitalised and building rapport with both patients and pet parents during their sometimes long stay with us.She currently lives at home with her parents and with her gorgeous ginger kitten Tilly, who she got from the SPCA. Tilly is a very pampered kitty, who features a lot on Ariana's social media.
When she's not working hard, you'll find Ariana on the hockey field. She plays for Takapuna and is in the premier team, with her team coming top of the table last year.
Rhianna Walker DVN
Nikki Parkinson CVN
Veterinary Nurse
Nikki has worked for St Lukes Vet for over ten years, initially in a full time role and then when the family came along part time. She moved to the new St Lukes Veterinary Centre in 2014 and works Mondays and Tuesdays and some Saturdays.
Nikki is currently fostering a Labrador for the guide dogs.
