Dr. Emily Ensor BSC, BVSc 2003

I have worked in several veterinary practices in the South Island since graduating in 2002. Animals have always played a huge part in my life – growing up on a farm encouraged my interest and love for all creatures great and small. The best thing about being a veterinarian is that every day brings new and exciting challenges.

My main aim is to provide exceptional medical and surgical care to all my patients. I live on a lifestyle block with my working dog, my horses, some cattle and the odd sheep. It is exciting to be part of the HVC team, a practice which prides itself in strong collegial relationships and continuing veterinary education.

Dr. Asumi Brens BVSc 2013

I have been a small animal veterinarian in Christchurch since graduating from Massey University.
I am originally from outskirts of Tokyo, Japan and came Auckland when I was 15. I grew up with cats and dogs and my love for animals grew from there! I spend most of my spare time with my family (my husband, 2 non-furry kids, 3 furry kids and 2 turtles) enjoying the great outdoors of Christchurch.
I am very excited to become a part of HVC family, a very compassionate team of vets and nurses that have the focus of providing the best possible care for all patients.
I am looking forward to getting to know you and your beloved animals.

Dr. Caroline Whitty BVSc 2004

Since graduating from Massey I have worked as a companion animal veterinarian in Christchurch, Dunedin and the United Kingdom. In 2010 I took up an internship in surgery and internal medicine at VetSpecs Veterinary Specialists, which allowed me to gain valuable experience with a huge variety of complex cases. I then began working at the Christchurch After Hours where for the past seven years I have been working nights and weekends and developed a special interest in emergency and critical care.

In my spare time I enjoy walking with my energetic Border Collie, horseriding, cooking and pampering my elderly cat. I grew up in Christchurch and love the outdoors lifestyle it allows.

I am excited to be joining the HVC team in providing compassionate, high quality veterinary care to the pets of Christchurch and their families.

Dr Geoff Malcolm BVSc 1987

Geoff has lived in the Christchurch area most of his working life. Previously working at Halswell, Lincoln and Darfield Veterinary Clinic’s, Geoff joined the Hornby team in January 2022. He is experienced in most aspects of dog and cat medicine and surgery and does his best to explain and give owners the best options for their pets.
Outside work, Geoff’s interests are tennis, tramping, gardening and cooking.

Dr. Andrew Hay BSC, BVSc 1993, MRCVS

I joined HVC in 2011.

On graduating I served time in rural mixed practice in the South Island before journeying to Scotland, UK.
There I worked in a companion animal practice for 10 years before returning to my hometown of Christchurch.

I then became the clinical director of the After Hours and Emergency Centre before joining the HVC.
My particular areas of interest include all aspects of surgery, especially fracture repair, Cruciate Ligament injury, Patellar luxation, and Skin/plastic reconstructive repair.
I am a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons UK and the NZ Veterinary Association.

I relish escaping to the mountains and rivers as often as possible with family or pals.

I am very fortunate to be part of our dedicated, skilled and caring team.

Dr Julie Brown BVSc, MACVSc 1980

I was in practice in Christchurch for many years, and then had some time farming in Nelson Lakes and working at a veterinary practice in Blenhiem, before returning to Christchurch.

My interest is in providing top quality care for pets within the expectations and means of pet owners.

My family members include an aged Huntaway dog and an entitled cat.

Dr Sherry Shi BVSc 2018

I joined HVC in May 2024.

Claire Brocket

Claire has returned to her role as Head Nurse in 2023, after juggling motherhood and part time work over the last few years. I graduated from nursing in 2004 and joined the team at HVC early 2007. I love working with people and animals so combining the two is perfect, I also thoroughly enjoy the medical and scientific aspects of my job. My furry family consists of Digby the boxer, 3 moggies - Shitten, Jam & SBW, and of course my husband and 2 daughters! When I am not working I can be found out with my dog, gardening, attempting D.I.Y, baking then eating it and exercising.

Kelly Saunders

I graduated in 2011 and joined HVC shortly after. I love being a part of this awesome team.
I have 3 kids, a dog and a 3 legged cat.
In my spare time I enjoy mountain & adventure bike riding with my partner.

Jill Trengrove

I joined HVC in July 2013. Previously I worked with horses in an equine clinic. I now thoroughly enjoy the wide variety of animals we see at HVC. Outside of work I enjoy family time with my two boys; and dog Jake and moggie Simba.

Kate McKenzie

I completed my certificate in vet nursing in 2013. I joined the HVC team in January of 2014. My partner Ryan and I have two dogs, Rascal and Yoshi, a 3 legged cat Luna and many guinea pigs. In my spare time I enjoy video games, cross stitch, gardening and spending time with my furry family.

Elaine Drayton

I graduated with my Diploma of Veterinary Nursing in 2018, and I joined the HVC crew in October of 2021 and I am still here!
Outside of work I am often away overlanding & on various camping/fishing/boating escapades with my partner.
However, when we’re not away & out of the city we’re at home renovating our house.
At home I have the “dependents”- a cockatiel (bird) called Terrance (aka Terry) a cat named Amy & a dog called Kip who LOVES coming away with us.
I have recently started studying towards my bachelor’s degree in veterinary nursing & I am excited to further advance my knowledge in this ever changing field & applying what I have learnt in practice.

Bella Bennett

Bella graduated with her diploma in Vet Nursing and joined the HVC team in January 2022.
I have always known I’ve wanted to work with animals from when I was 3 years old and helped my dad look after our cat and her new-born kittens. At home I wrangle a dog called Ripley, a cat called Penny, and my husband Conor. In my spare time I enjoy singing, embroidery, and spending time with my friends and family

Julie Hall

I joined the HVC team in 1998. I have always loved the diversity of the job, the clients and helping people with their pets, and the challenges of the day to day running of a busy veterinary hospital.
Outside of work, I am kept busy with my partner, two teenage boys, Mavis, a Griffon x, Archie and Elsa the cats, plus some crazy chickens!

Carmen Stanton

Working part time at the Hornby Veterinary Centre in administration, I am enjoying increased hours whilst relieving for the Veterinary Nurses on reception.
At home parenting two active children and one elderly cat keep me busy alongside planting bee friendly natives in our new garden.

Naomi Van Breugel

I graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Science (Zoology and Conservation Biology) in 2016, and moved to Christchurch from Australia 2 years later in 2018.
I joined the HVC team in October 2022 and have thoroughly enjoyed working with the amazing team.
Reception allows me to meet all our wonderful furry patients, and of course their human companions. I have always enjoyed working with animals, from spending my days as a child at Jirrahlinga Wildlife Sanctuary at every school holidays to then working and volunteering in wildlife sanctuaries in Victoria (including Zoos Victoria).
My partner and I are currently building our first home in Darfield and we look forward to welcoming our Leonberger puppy to our family later in 2023. We currently live with the in-laws and share the house with their Spoodle Millie, English Staffy Koda, and Staffy X Archie.
In my spare time I enjoy hiking, gym, reading and just started running, and have been exploring more of this wonderful country