The Staff

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 getting his gumboots muddy in the Waikato for 7 years.  He then spent 3 years travelling overseas and working in companion animal practice.  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.  Peter enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine and surgery.

When he's not at work, if he's not hanging out with his blind cat he rescued, you will probably  find him on the squash court.

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.

Ellesha is currently on maternity leave having welcomed her new baby at the end of 2020.

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 St Lukes Veterinary Centre.

Madison has a strong passion for educating clients about the best healthcare for their pets. She also takes a keen  interest in anaesthesia and animal behaviour. In addition to her nursing roles Madison also helps keep the clinic running smoothly.

Outside of work, she is enjoying settling into her new house as well as  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!

Jordyn Wright  DVN

One of Jordyn's particular interests is in veterinary anaesthesia and enjoys making sure your pets stay here is as enjoyable as possible.

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. 

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.