Our Team

Dr Keryn Borea BVSc (Hons)

Keryn qualified as a vet with honours in Veterinary medicine from a South African university in 2004, Silvi and her were study colleagues back in the day. She has experience in small animal and equine practice but most recently full time in small and companion animals. Keryn loves all things vet she can be found consulting, doing complicated medical work ups, soft tissue surgery and even the odd orthopaedic surgery and of course sneaking as many cuddles with your pets as is acceptable 😉
'Veterinary medicine is not just a job, it is a career, a passion and a way of life.'
Keryn along with Bree took ownership of Northlands Animal Care Hospital in 2021, she moved to New Zealand in 2020 with her husband and two children, who are all very excited to be embarking on this adventure of life in New Zealand. In her spare time she can be found in the backcountry fly fishing or poolside with her 2 children who are competitive swimmers.

Dr Silvi Weiss BVSc ( Hons)

Silvi grew up in Namibia but moved to South Africa to study veterinary science at the University of Pretoria (Onderstepoort), where she graduated in 2004. She completed the Small Animal Veterinary Honours degree in 2007 while practicing as a small animal practitioner in Pretoria. She continued to work in small animal and mixed animal practice in South Africa until she packed up her husband, 2 dogs and 1 cat and moved to Christchurch in January 2017.
She has a real fondness for diagnostic imaging, practical medicine and staying up to date with the newest developments in the veterinary field.
The moments away from the practice she spends with her hubby (Vincent) and dog Sia, discovering this new country's sounds, sights and tastes.

Dr Erica Gatland BVSc

Erica graduated from Massey University in 2022. She is excited to be launching her veterinary career at Northlands Animal Care and looking forward to taking care of all your beloved pets. When she is not scrubbed in for surgery, squeezing a dog's anal glands or pilling a cat, she can be found in the mountains rock climbing. Erica has been climbing for 15 years and travelled all over the world for the sport competing both nationally and internationally.

Dr Karen Valu, BVSC

Karen, or Dr K as she is affectionately known graduated from Massey University in 2007. She spent most of her veterinary career working in Hawkes Bay and moved to Christchurch in 2020. She has a special interest in animal physical rehabilitation and is currently completing the Canine Rehabilitation Certification. Karen and her husband have three cats (Simba, TeeJay and Narissa) and a staffy mix (Odie). In her free time she enjoys walking her dog, going out with friends and fundraising for animal rescues through her Scents4Paws.

Dr Euan Purdie BVSc,DVM,B Ag.

Graduated from Massey in 1978 and completed a USA veterinary degree in 1979, before practising in Cleveland, Ohio for 3 years.
In 1982 Euan established Northlands Animal Care, and together with Sharryn his wife, they have developed the practice to where it is today. In 2020 he sold the clinic to Keryn and Bree and even though he is no longer in clinic full time, he is available to all his trusted, life long clients for appointments by special arrangement and can also often be found assisting Dr Keryn in surgical procedures.
When not working at the clinic, Euan is an active sportsman, enjoying boating, fishing, diving, snowboarding, kitesurfing, mountain biking, and multi sports.

Bree

Working with animals is in her blood, with both her father and grandfather being vets. From an early age she would go to work with her dad to watch surgeries/consultations and help out round the clinic.

Bree has always had the travel bug spending 8 years overseas, visiting many countries throughout Europe and Africa before settling in the French Alps. After returning home for 4 years she was supposed to re-locate to Canada. However, Covid-19 put a hold on that and now she has settled in New Zealand. Her passions are snowboarding, mountain biking, surfing, trail running, kayaking and loads more.

Kim

Kim completed the National Certificate in Verterinary Nursing with Otago Polytechnic in 2015, she then joined our team in 2016. She is currently studying the New Zealand Diploma of Veterinary Nursing with Otago Polytechnic. As a country kid she has always surrounded by animals of all shapes and sizes, this continues today. Outside of work and study she is involved in her daughters school and sport activities, indoor football and camping.

CJ

Kia ora! My name is CJ and I started working at Northlands in 2019. After completing my Biology BSc in 2013 and my Certificate in Animal Management in 2016, I realised vet nursing was where I wanted to be. I completed my Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in 2018 and am absolutely loving it! In my spare time I scale mountains, delve into dark caves and fight dragons... all online of course. I am a big fan of puppers (above is my furry son Lazarus), but I love all animals both great and small.

Kimmy

My name is Kimmy and I have been working at Northlands since September 2013 after gaining my certificate in vet nursing. 
I recently returned to work in January 2017 after a years maternity leave. I now a very energetic and happy toddler named Harper who certainly keeps me on my toes. We also have a Burmese cat named Ella who is very happy to laze in the sun all day long.
Being back at work has been an absolute joy and I love working with and helping all your amazing fur babies.

Mari

Originally from Finland, and after living some time in different countries, my husband and I came to New Zealand back in 2011. I finished my study as a Veterinary Nursing Assistant in Otago Polytechnic 2017 and currently I am studying towards my diploma. I truly enjoy the veterinary field and helping both clients and their pets, and wish to specialize in physiotherapy and nutrition. When not working you can find me walking my two dogs or at the gym.

Francziska

Francziska graduated from Ara Institute of Canterbury with her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in 2021 and then joined our team. She enjoys being a veterinary nurse as no day is the same and has a passion for nursing in all aspects of the clinic. In her spare time she enjoys going to the gym, spending time with her friends, family and her dog.

Courtney

Courtney has a BSc in Zoology & Ecology from Massey University, and a Certificate of Captive Wild Animal Management from Unitec, during which she did a year at Wellington Zoo as a Student Keeper. She finished her Diploma of Veterinary Nursing at Ara in 2022 and has been working at Northlands since then. She hopes to integrate her unique wildlife management experience and conservation knowledge into the job, and is interested in critical care and internal medicine. In her spare time, she loves reading, playing board games & video games, and cooking elaborate meals & unhealthy desserts! She lives in Christchurch with her husband and her cat Mika.

Samantha

Kia ora! My names Samantha and I'm new to the Northlands team. I am currently finishing my diploma and have been working in clinic for the last year. I started off my journey with animals working with reptiles in Australia, and moved back home to Christchurch after having my daughter. My desire to continue working with animals pushed me to start studying nursing and I have never looked back! I have a great respect for all creatures, and am passionate about all aspects of low stress handling and animal welfare.

Kate Hagerty

Kate finished her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in 2022. She has recently joined the team at Northlands and looks forward to getting to know all of our clients. She enjoys all aspects of the job, particularly caring for hospitalized patients. When she's not at work she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and trying new things like pottery!