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What does it take to be a Veterinary Clinic "Employer of Choice" - Julie South catches up with Dianna - Head of Reception at Wanganui Vet Services (sister clinic of Vets on Carlton).

If you're a veterinary professional looking to make your next move and Companion Animals is your thing, you owe it to yourself to check out Vets on Carlton in Whanganui.

Dianna shares her 16-year journey at Wanganui Vet Services and Vets on Carlton, revealing what makes this veterinary practice a VetClinicJobs Employer of Choice with a stellar 4.8-star employee rating.

Julie and Dianna explore the clinic culture where "everybody is valued the same" regardless of their role, and discover why veterinary professionals choose to build long-term careers in this supportive environment.

Reception Manager Diana has worked at Wanganui Vet Services for nearly 16 years:

• Originally joined as a qualified vet nurse doing her training at the practice
• Enjoys building relationships with clients and helping solve their problems
• Team described as "fabulous, dedicated, and professional" with complementary strengths
• Whanganui offers excellent quality of life with festivals, outdoor activities, and strong community
• Clinic serves diverse clientele from urban pet owners to generations of farming families
• Work environment where "everybody is on the same level" regardless of role
• Team provides support when "things go wrong in people's lives"

What does it take for VetClinicJobs to identify a clinic as an Employer of Choice Veterinary Clinic?

Employer of Choice status requires

• >2 4-star employee reviews,
• clinic commitment to CPD
• community involvement

Check out vetclinicjobs.com/vets-on-carlton for more information, and tune in next week when Julie South catches up with head veterinarian and Massey grad, Dr Dave Rankin.

Struggling to get results from your job advertisements?
If so, then shining online as a good employer is essential to attracting the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic.

The VetClinicJobs job board is the place to post your next job vacancy - to find out more get in touch with Lizzie at VetClinicJobs

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What happens when a non-veterinarian takes the helm of a veterinary practice? In this chat, Tom Dinwiddie reveals how his business background and people-first approach have transformed Wanganui Veterinary Services and Vets on Carlton into genuine Employers of Choice in New Zealand's veterinary landscape.

At the heart of Tom's management philosophy lies a refreshing commitment to autonomy and accountability. "We allow people to make their own decisions and work autonomously," he explains, sharing real examples of team members who've flourished under this approach—from the young vet who researched and recommended dental X-ray equipment to the reserved nurse who blossomed into a confident leader.

This trust extends to equipment needs and continuing education, with the practice generously supporting veterinarians' professional interests, whether in advanced dentistry, ultrasound techniques, or orthopaedic surgery.

Beyond the clinic walls, Tom paints a vivid picture of Whanganui as "New Zealand's best-kept secret"—a place where veterinary professionals can truly have it all. With affordable housing, excellent schools, and boundless outdoor adventures from river kayaking to mountain climbing, the area offers the quintessential New Zealand lifestyle without the constraints of big-city living.

The clinic's success in integrating international veterinary skills is exemplified by Hein, a Dutch veterinarian who joined after falling in love with the Whanganui River during a kayak trip and has now built a life and orthopaedic skills there over ten years.

For veterinary professionals contemplating their next career move, this conversation presents a compelling alternative to the traditional vet-owned practice model—one where personal and professional growth go hand in hand, all within one of New Zealand's most liveable communities.

Visit vetclinicjobs.com/vets-on-carlton to discover how you could be part of this exceptional team.

Struggling to get results from your job advertisements?
If so, then shining online as a good employer is essential to attracting the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic.

The VetClinicJobs job board is the place to post your next job vacancy - to find out more get in touch with Lizzie at VetClinicJobs

Send us a text

This episode focuses on the essential steps required to become a registered veterinarian in New Zealand, emphasising the importance of understanding the registration process for overseas applicants.

Key topics include language proficiency, registration types, and examination requirements.

• Overview of the veterinary registration process in New Zealand
• Importance of a current Annual Practicing Certificate (APC)
• Requirement for English proficiency and passing the IELTS
• Difference between general and limited registration for veterinarians
• Examination pathways for those with unrecognised (according to the Veterinary Council of New Zealand) veterinary degrees
• Overview of Massey University’s Supervised Year of Clinical Training

and something new in 2025:

• Announcement of the transition to a newsletter format with focused content

Veterinary Council of New Zealand website

Struggling to get results from your job advertisements?
If so, then shining online as a good employer is essential to attracting the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic.

The VetClinicJobs job board is the place to post your next job vacancy - to find out more get in touch with Lizzie at VetClinicJobs