OUR TEAM

We know the land, the people, and the challenges of rural life.

Axel de Zeeuw  (DVM)

Veterinarian & Director

Axel is a veterinarian at Putaruru Veterinary Services, caring for pets and farm animals throughout South Waikato. He believes in focusing to build strong relationships with clients, making sure communication is clear and trust is at the heart of every visit. With a passion for technology, he is always in to try innovative tools to streamline work and improve animal health outcomes. Combining professional expertise with a friendly, down-to-earth approach, Axel is dedicated to supporting the local community and ensuring its animals receive the best care possible. While trained in Utrecht, The Netherlands, Axel moved to New Zealand in 2015 to bring his skills and experience to the heart of rural animal care.

In his free time, Axel loves plodding around on his lifestyle block and taking the family out to explore the New Zealand wilderness—whether it’s hiking, camping, or just enjoying the great outdoors.

LIZZY DE ZEEUW  (DipLAVT)

Technician & Director

Lizzy is a Rural Animal Veterinary Tech at Putaruru Veterinary Services who’s all about making life easier for vets, clients, and their animals. Whether it’s out on farm, inside the clinic, or chasing people in the office, Lizzy makes every visit go as smoothly as possible. Passionate about animal care and practical solutions, Lizzy brings a mix of know‑how and kindness that helps pets, livestock, and their owners feel supported. Trained at Otago Polytechnic, Lizzy combines solid technical skills with a caring approach that strengthens the bond between animals and the people who look after them.

In her free time if she’s not taxiing the children to one of their many sports, you’ll find Lizzy in a paddock chasing animals, soaking up the beautiful Aotearoa landscape—or running the local swimclub. 

LORE GEENEVASEN  (MVS)

Mixed-Animal Veterinarian

Lore has been a high-value member of Putaruru Veterinary Services since joining in October 2023. With a strong passion for herd health, Lore specializes in mastitis management, body condition scoring, and lameness prevention—helping farmers achieve healthier, more productive herds. Accredited as a BCS Assessor, Mastitis Investigator, and Healthy Hoof Advisor, Lore brings trusted expertise to every farm visit. Known for a practical approach and thorough care, Lore combines clinical skill with a love for the outdoors, making each visit both effective and enjoyable.

When not on farm, Lore enjoys taking the family out into the great outdoors—whether it’s mountain biking, hiking, or exploring the stunning landscapes of Aotearoa.

ANNELIES VAN DE ZANDE

Office Manager

Annelies is the friendly face behind the scenes at Putaruru Veterinary Services, making sure everything runs like clockwork. With a knack for organization and a warm, welcoming approach, Annelies keeps the clinic humming and clients feeling at ease. Her background in administration and hospitality means she’s all about great service and smooth processes. Passionate about creating a positive experience for both people and their animals, Annelies combines efficiency with genuine care to keep things on track—and everyone smiling. And if you need a pick-me-up, she’ll always have a cup of coffee ready for you!

JO THOMSON

Veterinary Technician & AB Technician

Jo is a true all-rounder at Putaruru Veterinary Services, stepping in as a casual tech whenever needed and bringing plenty of hands-on know-how from running her own farm with her partner. With extra skills as an Artificial Breeding (AB) Technician, Jo blends practical farming experience with technical expertise to support vets and clients alike. Reliable, adaptable, and always ready to lend a hand, Jo helps keep things running smoothly and ensures animals get the best care possible.

And being a farmer, Jo will tell you—free time doesn’t really exist! But when she can, it’s all about family and life on the land.

MICK & TIM

Stock control and Lolly-bag Managers

Mick and Tim are the extra hands that make life easier at Putaruru Veterinary Services when they’re not at school. You’ll spot them getting calves in line during disbudding, spraying teat spray at drying off, whipping up the famous lolly bags, and making sure there’s a snack ready for those morning medication pick-ups. They’re also the ones hosing out the shed when the work’s done—keeping everything clean and ready for the next job.

And even though they’re only kids, they take their job very seriously—leaving lists of what needs ordering, helping with stocktake, grabbing grass samples for spore counts, and even learning their way around the lab. These two are always keen to pitch in and bring plenty of energy (and a bit of fun) to every job!

Ellie and Alfie

Putaruru Vets’ Chief Security Officers

Presenting Putaruru Vets’ fearsome security duo: Ellie & Alfie. Viciously dedicated to sunbathing and professional cuddle‑dispensing. Pet Ellie at your own risk—she will immediately glue herself to your leg and treat your pat as a legally binding contract to never leave your side.

Alfie, meanwhile, boasts the long body of a small freight train and the short legs of someone who absolutely should not be able to move that fast—Dobermann, Bullmastiff and Jack Russell energy all wrestling for control in one magnificent posture. Special skills include snoring on duty and expertly locating those lost chips under your car seat if you leave the door open for half a second. Please approach with caution — they’re highly effective at recruiting new friends.