“Specialised” Companion Animal GP Veterinarian
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Vet Marlborough – the clinic
VetStaff is super-excited to be working exclusively with Vet Marlborough – a respected, progressive, and innovative Mixed Animal Veterinary Clinic located in Blenheim, New Zealand.
The Vet Marlborough team believes in supporting each other so together, everyone is able to give the best of themselves at work and at home.
Yes – the professional standards are high – because quality care is important to everyone at the clinic – including their clients.
At Vet Marlborough you’ll be able to provide quality veterinary care in a fun, friendly and supportive environment. You’ll also be treating the pets of clients who’ll respect your professionalism and advice.
The clinic is open seven days. Weekends and after-hours work are shared with another multi-vet practice, with separate large animal and companion animal rosters. On average this means only three nights on call per month.
Vet Marlborough is a member of The Vet Company, a cooperative group of nine independent veterinary practices. They leverage talent across the group by way of annual special interest group CVE (continued veterinary education) events, and networks for referral and advice.
There’s a lot on offer at Vet Marlborough
Have you always had the dream of being a small animal surgeon …? Maybe even an orthopaedic surgeon…?
What about being one of “those” vets who’s given the opportunity to grow, develop, mentor and lead…?
What about a remuneration package that’s in the upper end of jobs of this type…?
If this sounds like you – and living in the sun-drenched top of the South Island sounds like Paradise – then this could be the job you’ve been waiting for.
Vet Marlborough puts their PEOPLE.first.
If we told you that your share of on-call would amount to about 3 nights/month, you’d tell us that was probably too good to be true in today’s over-stretched world, right? Well, at Vet Marlborough, that’s what the on-call roster really does look like!
VCNZ APC is a given – you need that to work – so it’s not really a remuneration perk. But how about having your NZVA annual membership paid? That’s definitely a perk and it’s part and parcel of working here too.
Vet Marlborough is a privately owned and independent clinic is committed to personal leadership development as well as continued professional development.
You’ll be working with a committed team of highly skilled professionals in an architecturally, purpose-built, very well-equipped clinic.
If you’d like to become a ‘specialised GP’ then there’s a lot on offer for you:
- TPLO and MMP cruciate surgeries,
- laparoscopic spays and gastropexy,
- canine reproduction and frozen semen,
- dermatology and allergy testing,
- dentistry,
- echocardiography and
- ultrasound.
Vet Marlborough is a respected, progressive, NZVA BESTPRACTICE® Accredited practice.
The Vet Marlborough team believes in supporting each other so together, everyone is able to give the best of themselves at work and at home.
Yes – the professional standards are high – because quality care is important to everyone at the clinic – including their clients.
At Vet Marlborough you’ll be able to provide quality veterinary care in a fun, friendly and supportive environment. You’ll also be treating the pets of clients who’ll respect your professionalism and advice.
The clinic is open seven days.
Weekends and after-hours work are shared with another multi-vet practice, with separate large animal and companion animal rosters.
On average this means only three nights on call per month.
Meet some of the team at Vet Marlborough
Episode #135 with Dr Stuart Burrough – owner and principal at Vet Marlborough
Episode #136 with Dr Stuart Burrough – owner and principal at Vet Marlborough
Episode #137 with Dr Stuart Burrough – owner and principal at Vet Marlborough
Marlborough Region, New Zealand
The Marlborough District, also known as (just) Marlborough, is a region located in the northeast of the South Island of New Zealand.
It’s one of the 16 regions of New Zealand and functions as both a district and a region.
The Marlborough District Council is based in the largest town, Blenheim.
As of June 2022, the region has a population of 51,900.
Famous for Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough is famous for its dry climate, the Marlborough Sounds, and its Sauvignon blanc wine.
The region gets its name from the previous Marlborough Province, which was named after General The 1st Duke of Marlborough, an English general and statesman.
Geography of Marlborough
Geographically, Marlborough can be divided into four sections.
The southern and western sections are mountainous, with the southern section reaching the peaks of the Kaikōura Ranges. These regions are the remaining northern parts of the Southern Alps, although they are not typically referred to as such this far north.
Between these mountainous sections lies the Wairau River valley, a long and straight valley.
At the eastern end of this valley, the land widens into plains where the town of Blenheim is located. This area has fertile soil and a moderate climate, making it the hub of New Zealand’s wine industry.
The fourth geographical zone is along the region’s north coast. This area is characterised by the Marlborough Sounds, which are a series of drowned valleys, resulting in a picturesque and intricate coastline.
One of the larger sounds, Queen Charlotte Sound, is home to the town of Picton, while the Pelorus Sound feeds into Kenepuru Sound.
Climate
Marlborough Region has a temperate oceanic climate, similar to most of New Zealand, with warm summers, cool winters, and rainfall spread throughout the year.
Blenheim – “capital” of the Marlborough Region
Blenheim (home of Vet Marlborough) is the largest town in Marlborough.
As at June 2022, it had a population of 29,000.
The town is situated in the renowned Marlborough wine region, which is the heart of New Zealand’s wine industry. Blenheim enjoys a sunny climate with warm, dry summers and cool, crisp winters.
History
The name “Blenheim” is derived from the Battle of Blenheim in 1704, where troops led by John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, defeated a combined French and Bavarian force.
The Māori translation of “Waiharakeke” is “flax stream,” according to the New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
Blenheim has a rich history dating back to the 12th century when a small Māori population inhabited the coastal bays of Marlborough.
The area provided abundant sea and bird life, supporting these communities.
As the Māori population grew, they cultivated the land and developed canals and waterways for farming and fishing.
The Wairau Affray, a clash between Māori and British settlers, occurred in the region.
Originally known as The Beaver or Beaverton, the settlement faced frequent flooding.
Marlborough separates from Nelson Region
In 1859, Marlborough became a separate province, independent from Nelson (today: Buller Nelson Region).
While gold was discovered in the region in the 1860s, pastoralism, particularly sheep farming, became the primary industry, contributing to the region’s growth.
Blenheim is located on the flat Wairau Plain, protected by surrounding mountains from southerly weather fronts.
Climate
The town experiences occasional high winds, especially from the west.
It sits at the confluence of the Taylor and Ōpaoa rivers and is prone to small earthquakes due to its tectonic activity.
The town has a settled climate, thanks to the rain shadow effect from nearby mountain ranges.
Summers are warm and dry, while winters are cool with frosty mornings and clear, sunny days.
Blenheim rarely experiences snowfall due to its sheltered location.
Thunderstorms are infrequent but more likely in summer afternoons.
The highest recorded temperature in Blenheim is 37.8°C, observed on 7 February 1973, while the lowest recorded temperature is -8.8°C.
Blenheim – home of Omaka Aviation Museum
Established in 2006, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is an aviation museum located at Omaka Air Field, 5 km (3 mi) from Blenheim.
The museum originated from the Marlborough Warbirds Association, formed in the late 1990s, and the New Zealand Aviation Museum Trust, founded in 1997.
The goal was to promote aviation interest, make aircraft accessible to the public, attract aviation business and investment to the region, and enhance public understanding of aviation.
Stage One of the museum, called ‘Knights of the Sky,’ opened in 2006. It showcases one of the world’s largest collections of World War I aircraft and memorabilia.
The exhibition, managed by the 14-18 Aviation Heritage Trust, features static and flyable planes, lifelike mannequins by Weta Workshop, and sets designed by Joe Bleakley and Wingnut Films.
Stage Two, called ‘Dangerous Skies,’ expands the museum’s focus to the Second World War. It highlights the Battle of Britain and lesser-known stories of the Eastern Front, featuring mannequins by Weta Workshop and large dioramas with original aircraft.
The museum hosts the Classic Fighters air show at Omaka Air Field on alternate years to the Warbirds over Wanaka air show.
The collection includes a wide range of military aircraft from both world wars, as well as artifacts and personal items belonging to famous aviators, including Baron Manfred von Richthofen.
Schooling in Marlborough
There are 30 schools in the region, including primary, combined primary/secondary, and secondary schools.
In the Marlborough Region, there are rural and small-town primary schools, as well as primary schools, an intermediate school, and two large secondary schools in Blenheim (home of Vet Marlborough).
There is also a small secondary school in Picton (approx 30 mins drive from Blenheim) and combined primary/secondary schools in Rai Valley and Redwoodtown (approx 5 mins drive from Blenheim).
Most schools in Marlborough are state schools, fully funded by the NZ government.
State schools cannot charge tuition fees to New Zealand citizens and certain non-citizens entitled to live in New Zealand indefinitely. However, they may request a donation.
There are two state-integrated schools in the region, which were formerly private schools but have been integrated into the state system. These schools can charge attendance dues for building and maintenance but cannot charge fees for domestic students’ tuition, although a donation may be requested. International students may be charged tuition fees.
Marlborough does not have any private schools. One primary school in Koromiko closed in 2012 due to declining enrolment.
The enrolment numbers of schools vary as students start, move, and graduate.
School roll information (as at April 2023) refers, sourced from the Ministry of Education.
How to apply and/or find out more
For a 100% confidential exploratory chat contact Julie South or Isobel Cooper whichever way works best for you:
Call Toll Free – from within New Zealand – 0800 483 869
WhatsApp – between 08:00 – 19:00 NZ – +6427 282 4155 (NB: New Zealand Standard Time is GMT/UTC +12:00)
Email – julie@vetstaff.co.nz
Email – isobel@vetstaff.co.nz
What is BESTPRACTICE® Accreditation?
The New Zealand Veterinary Association’s BESTPRACTICE® accreditation programme is New Zealand’s only quality accreditation programme that ensures the highest standard of service and professionalism for veterinary clinics and hospitals in New Zealand.
Clients are assured of receiving quality care at a BESTPRACTICE® accredited clinic or hospital.
Because clients’ pets are family, and livestock are a clinic clients’ livelihood, so it makes good sense for clients to invest in a veterinary practice they can trust to be up to date with the very best standards of care.
BESTPRACTICE® takes the risk out of choosing a veterinary practice.
BESTPRACTICE® accredited clinic or hospital provide excellence in:
- Service: Staff are well-presented professionals available for 24-hour emergency service.
- Training: All staff are professionally trained and experienced in veterinary medicine, surgery, animal health and welfare, have access to up-to-date materials, and are allocated time to ensure continuing professional development.
- Facilities: The veterinary clinic has modern, well-maintained facilities and equipment in an environment that is comfortable and safe for clients and animals.
- Information: The clinic has well-organised data storage systems to ensure animals’ health records can be easily accessed and updated.
- Safety: Any medication dispensed is clearly labelled and appropriately packaged, so clients know exactly what to do, and how.
And because BESTPRACTICE® is currently a voluntary programme, clients know when they choose an accredited clinic or hospital that their veterinarian stands by their excellence because they volunteer to be audited every two years.
Click to watch Vet Marlborough’s staff interview videos on YouTube
For a 100% confidential exploratory chat contact Julie South or Tania Bruce in whichever way works best for you:
Call Toll Free – from within New Zealand – 0800 483 869
WhatsApp – between 08:00 – 19:00 NZ – +6427 282 4155
Email – tania@vetstaff.co.nz – +6427 351 5050
Email – julie@vetstaff.co.nz
Take a virtual walkthrough of Vet Marlborough’s clinic
Working at Vet Marlborough – Vet Nurse Ren
Working at Vet Marlborough – where all staff members are treated as VIPs
VetMarlborough Playlist on YouTube
Check out the rest of VetMarlborough’s videos on YouTube.
Interested? Let’s chat
For a 100% confidential exploratory chat contact Julie South or Tania Bruce in whichever way works best for you:
Call Toll Free – from within New Zealand – 0800 483 869
WhatsApp – between 08:00 – 19:00 NZ – +6427 282 4155
Email – tania@vetstaff.co.nz – +6427 351 5050
Email – julie@vetstaff.co.nz
Dr Stuart Burrough podcast interviews
Listen to Vet Marlborough’s director and companion animal veterinarian, Dr Stuart Burrough’s interviews on the Paws Claws Wet Noses podcast about what it’s like to work at his clinic.
Interested? Let’s chat
For a 100% confidential exploratory chat contact Julie South or Tania Bruce in whichever way works best for you:
Call Toll Free – from within New Zealand – 0800 483 869
WhatsApp – between 08:00 – 19:00 NZ – +6427 282 4155
Email – tania@vetstaff.co.nz – +6427 351 5050
Email – julie@vetstaff.co.nz