Your Tauranga based vet with ...
A REFRESHING APPROACH TO YOUR PET'S HEALTHCARE
Your Tauranga based vet with ...
A REFRESHING APPROACH TO YOUR PET'S HEALTHCARE
Liza is known internationally as one of New Zealand's leading authorities in holistic animal healthcare. Growing up in South Africa, with majestic landscapes and rich diversity of wildlife, Liza's childhood was full of incredible animal encounters. From a young age, Liza knew she would be a vet when she grew up.
In 2003 Liza established award-winning Holistic Vets in Tauranga, a fully integrated veterinary practice combining conventional veterinary medicine and surgery with complementary therapies, which is the first of its kind in New Zealand.
Liza is also the founding trustee of ARRC Wildlife Trust, a charitable trust which provides veterinary care and services to rehabilitate wildlife and has been the recipient of community awards. Education is a key focus of ARRC, especially of children. To help achieve this ARRC has produced a series of children's books illustrating the human impact on wildlife and what children can do to help.
Throughout her veterinary career, Liza has sought and applied complementary and natural therapies which are easy to learn, practical to apply and highly effective at assisting her patients to heal. She has always believed that as a vet, it is not simply her job to practice veterinary science, but it is her responsibility to make sure that she always gives her patients the best possible care; knowing that she's explored every option to enhance their health and well-being.
Over the years Liza has been recognised for her work in the community, her entrepreneurship and business acumen with several awards. In 2020 She was the recipient of the New Zealand Veterinary Association's Veterinary Impact Award which is bestowed on an individual who has made a considerable positive impact on the veterinary profession.
Liza delights in educating, inspiring and entertaining people about sustainable healthcare and the importance of preserving our natural heritage.
With a background as a cattery and kennel owner, vet nurse and pharmacy manager Sue brings many diverse skills and a bubbly personality to our practice. Sue has always had a deep love for animals and a passion for their well-being and the health of the environment. She is devoted to a high standard of care for our patients and their caregivers as well as our team.
Sue is also the manager of ARRC Wildlife Trust and is responsible for the care of our wildlife. She is a very busy lady but takes everything in her stride with a smile on her face!
In 2024 Chrissy joined the Holistic Vets Management Team to ease the administrative burden and manage the projects required for compliance, sustainability and growth. Chrissy is an Accountant who runs a small firm in Tauranga, Fully Accountable which is passionate about helping organisations with positive and genuine purposes. Chrissy in particular enjoys helping businesses succeed by adopting a holistic approach and she has been acting for Holistic Vets since 2011 as well as on being on ARRC’s Wildlife Trust’s Board of Trustees. Working within the clinic environment has provided Chrissy a deeper insight to the amazing culture and incredible team that makes Holistic Vets so special.
Heather was born with great compassion for animals and later developed a passion for helping and healing. Hailing from South Africa, she qualified at Onderstepoort, University of Pretoria, as a vet in 2000. She then broadened her horizons working and traveling, mostly in the UK, for 8 years.
During this time Heather worked for a year with Liza, both as vets at a small animal clinic, in Auckland where she first got a taste of this lovely country. In 2010 she and her husband, Neil (also a Vet) started a mixed veterinary practice in rural South Africa. At the same time, they started their family which includes 2 wonderful sons.
In 2020 Heather embarked on specialising in Integrative therapies, first completing her Acupuncture certificate from the Chi University of Florida. Enthused by the awesome results in her patients she continued this path and completed more TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine) courses, focusing mostly on Chinese herbal formulations. This led to learning some great new ways to treat tricky conditions like skin disease and cancer.
In 2023 Heather joined the masters programme at Chi University for Integrative Veterinary medicine. Along the way she obtained her certifications in Veterinary Rehabilitation (similar to physiotherapy) and Veterinary Medical Manipulation (similar to chiropractic).
Heather is always very excited to help as many animals as possible and in 2025 moved to New Zealand to become an important part of our Holistic Vets Team. Looking forward to be on this new adventure, she was overwhelmed by the warm reception that she received in New Zealand. She adds "Go All Blacks"!
Shrawan is originally from Nepal, the country of Mount Everest! He is passionate about his profession, qualifying as a veterinarian in 2001. He moved to New Zealand in 2004 for Masters degree studies at Massey and has more than two decades of clinical veterinary experience across large and companion animal practice.
Shrawan is also a trained research scientist and has published several high-quality research papers in reputed international scientific journals. In addition to his BVSc degree and experience, Shrawan has undertaken several postgraduate courses relevant to small and large animal practice. He also has worked with Sheep as an animal model of human disease in his PhD project at Otago University between 2007 and 2012. He has undertaken an MSc degree in Animal Science (in the area of Reproduction and Fertility) at Massey University between 2004 and 2006. As a part of his Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Clinical Science (PGDipVCSc), Shrawan has undertaken courses in Small Animal Oncology and Anaesthesia at Massey University in 2013.
Being from the Indian Sub-continent, Shrawan is also passionate about the ancient herbal healing tradition called Ayurveda.
I am born and raised here in the beautiful Bay of Plenty and completed my vet nursing certificate at the Bay of Plenty polytechnic in 2014.
Following my passion for animals, I have also gained a wealth of experience working with dogs of all shapes and sizes when I ran my dog walking service part time which kept me active and I got to enjoy spending time with fur babies in and out of the clinic. This has taught me a lot about dog behavior.
Animals have always been my passion and I love being part of the Holistic Vets team. I have a gorgeous three-legged kitten; her name is Xena and she loves to zoom around and get up to mischief but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I also have a very handsome cat Zeus. I one day hope to have more animals in my heart and home. I enjoy spending time with friends and family and of course my furry four-legged friends. I look forward to helping you and your fur babies.
I have had a passion for animals since forever. Upon leaving school I completed an animal care course then went onto do my veterinary nursing degree, qualifying with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, London UK in October 2000. There I worked in a large, small animal hospital based in Wolverhampton with a large team of nurses and vets and gained a wealth of knowledge & experience.
In May 2005 I moved to NZ, living in Taupo for most of my time here. I worked in a vet clinic for 10 years then built my own boarding kennel facility which I ran until late 2020 in between being a mum to my two boys. I have a strong passion for the Rhodesian Ridgeback and began exhibiting and breeding this wonderful breed back in 2010 then becoming the number one breeder in NZ.
Time for a change and back into a scrub top with stethoscope in hand it feels good to be back nursing and to work with a great team here at Holistic Vets. I'm enjoying my new surroundings here in Tauranga and I look forward to meeting you and your furry, feathered, scaled friends.
Jody joined our team initially in December 2015 after graduating as a Vet Nurse and was over the moon to be part of our team. She also holds a Diploma in Photography and a Certificate in Video and Electronic Media.
Jody has lived in the Bay of Plenty since she was five years old and loves the lifestyle she has with her husband, Nathan, their two children — Zane and Izzy — and their furry family. Jody has always loved animals and followed her passion into a career as a Veterinary Nurse.
Alongside her veterinary work, Jody is the owner of Nurture Pets, where she supports pet wellbeing using natural approaches, is a qualified animal essential oil practitioner, and provides cell wellbeing hair testing, which is run through the clinic by appointment. Together with her husband Nathan, she also owns and operates Pet Aquamation, providing a respectful and environmentally friendly aftercare service for much-loved pets.
After a lifestyle change and spending several years running her property rental business by the beach, Jody rejoined our team in 2023. In her spare time, Jody loves going fishing, walking on the beach, watching the sunset, and spending time with her family.
I was born in little Whanganui and moved to Tauranga back in 2007. Growing up I have always had a love and passion for animals since I can remember which led me to completing a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in 2020. After completing my diploma, I was fortunate enough to work in a small animal clinic here in Tauranga and have not looked back since.
I have two fur babies of my own, Ronnie and Flick who are considered a part of the family. In my spare time, I enjoy getting outdoors and being with family and friends.
I am very proud to be a part of an awesome team here at Holistic Vets and I look forward to meeting you all!
Horacio was born in Corrientes, a province of Argentina that is rich in aquatic beauty as it includes two of the biggest rivers in South America. At 10 years of age he decided to become a vet after caring for an injured wild bird.
Horacio completed his Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine in 1997 and worked in several clinics close to Los Andes before opening his own clinic called Nande Roga. Further intensive study during 2018 and 2022 included specialized courses in companion animal medicine, surgery, cardiology and ultrasound imaging. His interest in hormonal diseases led him to integrate complementary therapies into his veterinary practice with good results.
Horacio is married and has 2 adult children. After visiting his son, who was living in Tauranga, and meeting our team at Holistic Vets, it was clear that this was where he wanted to work and live as he loves the New Zealand lifestyle.
In his free time Horacio enjoys reading, bike riding, being in nature, swimming and barbecues – both Kiwi and Argentinian style! Horacio is working towards completing his exams to enable him to work as a vet in NZ.
I am fortunate to have been able to pursue my passion for animals and have always worked in animal related industries. I am qualified as an Animal Behaviourist, Groomer and have worked in Animal Physical Rehabilitation. While living in South Africa, I was able to dedicate many happy hours working in Animal Welfare.
I studied and qualified at Toi Ohomai in 2018 and am very privileged to be working as a Vet Nurse at Holistic Vets. I love being able to share my passion for Animal care with like-minded professionals and clients alike, and strive to keep expanding my knowledge and experience.
I spend my spare time with my daughter and our 3 South African Street dogs.
I joined our Holistic Vets team after completing the Certificate of Veterinary Nursing from Otago Polytechnic. My life experience includes a background in both primary and secondary teaching, raising 3 children to adulthood with an on-going menagerie of dogs (mine), mice and rescued birds (theirs). Experience with homeopathy and shiatsu have enhanced my understanding and support of complementary medicine in wellness. I am enjoy being a member of the clinic team after being a happy client for many years
Kia Ora. I was born and raised in Whakatane and moved to Tauranga in 2019. I grew up on a small lifestyle block and have been surrounded by animals of all kinds since before I can remember. Because of this I have always been interested in animals and have wanted to work in the veterinary industry. I completed a certificate at Toi Ohomai for animal management and Veterinary nursing assistant and recently finished of my Veterinary Nursing Diploma through Otago Polytechnic.
In my free time I enjoy being outdoors, playing volleyball or really doing anything sports related. My old boy crash (19) still lives in Whakatane with my parents, so I visit as much as I can.
I am very proud and grateful to be a part of the team here at Holistic vets, and I am looking forward to meeting and helping you and your fur babies.
I have recently made the move to the beach at Mount Maunganui from the mighty Waikato with my furry friend Buddy the golden retriever. In my spare time you can find me keeping fit lifting weights in the gym and running marathons or relaxing down at the beach.
After recently finishing my studies in diploma of veterinary nursing I look to continue my studies in the future branching into large animals along with companion pets. My love for animals all started growing up on the family farm and I look forward to taking care of your furry friends.
Born and raised in Rotorua, I’ve always known that working with animals was my calling. After nearly five years in the veterinary field, I made the move to Tauranga to begin an exciting new chapter with Holistic Vets.
Being a Veterinary Nurse is not just a job to me, it’s a deeply rewarding way to advocate for those who can’t speak for themselves. I love building relationships with both patients and their humans, and I treat every animal that comes through the door with equal care and respect, whether they have fur, feathers, or fins!
My passion also extends to wildlife and conservation, and I’m eager to pursue further study in that space in the future. Outside of work, I’m happiest when I’m immersed in nature, capturing moments through photography, creating art, or getting lost in a good book. I’m thrilled to be part of a team that shares my love for holistic, compassionate care.
Originally from South Africa, I have called New Zealand home from a very young age. Animals have always provided me with comfort and joy, and surrounding myself with them through my childhood and most of my life only strengthened my desire to provide them with quality care.
In 2025, I came to Holistic Vets for a work placement as a vet nursing student while completing the first year of my diploma in veterinary nursing. At the end of 2025, I was privileged enough to join this incredible team as an employee.
I am particularly passionate about low stress handling and conservation in veterinary practice.
I am excited to be a part of the Holistic Vets Team after taking time away from my career to raise my 4 children for a number of years.
I have had a lifelong passion for animals and the special place they hold in our lives. I began working in Veterinary clinics when I was 18 and gained my Certificate in Veterinary Nursing in 1998.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time in nature, practicing photography and making memories with my family. I look forward to contributing to the wellbeing of your pets.
Emergency
Holistic Vets offer a 24 hour emergency service which can be reached on:
07 578 7054
Opening Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30am-5:30pm
Saturday: 9.00am-12.00pm
Sunday: By appointment (Emergencies only) 11.00am-12.00pm
For After-Hours Emergencies please ring 07 578 7054 for the number of our duty vet.
We are open for early morning drop offs from 8am - 9am and available by phone from 9am
HOLISTIC VETS AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
