Speakers
Chad Ockerse
Chad Ockerse is a pioneering figure in the veterinary technology realm, championing innovations with ezyVet, New Zealand’s premier cloud-based practice management software. Chad has talked on the subject of veterinary technology in Australia and the United States and is excited to bring his knowledge to New Zealand. His deep-seated passion for the veterinary domain stems not just from the tech side but from an desire to uplift everyone in the profession. Throughout his career, Chad has been the linchpin in assisting hundreds of practices navigate the ever-evolving world of vet technology.
Charlotte (Lotte) Cantley
Charlotte Cantley (Lotte) graduated from Cambridge University 1992 and after a large animal internship at Dublin university moved to NZ as an equine resident at Massey University. She then headed to the Waikato to work in equine practice for about 15 years. After a short stint in a veterinary industry role, she joined the NZVA in 2015 as CPD director. Throughout her diverse veterinary career Lotte has gained a wider holistic understanding of the challenges faced by the profession which motivated her to support veterinarians to have sustainable and enjoyable careers. In order to make a valuable contribution to the profession she decided to undertake evidence-based research looking at the positive aspects of clinical veterinary work in New Zealand through a full time PhD at Massey University. Lotte is currently working in a part time role with the NZVA as the Wellbeing advocate and is just over one year into her research. She will be sharing the results of her first study at this conference/symposium.
Emma Gore
Emma Gore is a product marketer for ezyVet, championing their innovative Vet Radar software, the world's first veterinary patient care platform. At this event, she'll unveil how white board software is poised to revolutionise in-clinic patient care, merging her marketing expertise with a dedication to animal health
Ian Hight
An experienced business leader in technology, passionate about bringing together people and technology to address organisational challenges. He has worked closely with businesses on the development of strategy, change management, and the adoption of new technology. He is passionate about innovation and recognised as a committed customer advocate with extensive experience in the deployment and operation of complex technology as well as the management of technology teams. His journey so far has resulted in assignments with a diversity of organisations ranging from hi-tech start-ups to global corporations; the common denominator being an unwavering focus on achieving technology enabled customer outcomes.
Lauren Gliddon
Lauren has over 13 years’ experience in the veterinary industry, starting with a veterinary nursing qualification and continuing to a Bachelor of Animal Science degree, which deepened her understanding of animal health, particularly in production animals.
Her career has spanned roles in pharmaceuticals and nutrition, encompassing sales, key account management, team leadership, and strategy. Now part of the Vetlife leadership team, overseeing the companion animal business across 24 clinics, focusing on service offerings while remaining dedicated to fostering rewarding careers and promoting animal welfare. Lauren sees great potential to normalise business and numbers conversations within the profession, especially through her involvement in the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association on the executive committee and as a member over the Veterinary Business Branch of the NZVA.
Mark Hosking
A Massey grad from 1999, Mark initially worked as dairy cattle vet in clinical roles in the Waikato and the UK. In 2012 Mark stepped back from clinical work, taking on the Chief Executive role for Franklin Vets after completing an MBA through Waikato University.
Mark joined the VBB in 2016, with the goal of helping improve the veterinary businesses performance as a pathway for better remuneration and work satisfaction in the industry.
Mark has led the benchmarking work over the last 2 years and is the VBB representative on the MAG.
Michael Meehan
Following graduation from the University of Queensland (UQ) Australia in 1991 Michael practiced as a companion animal veterinarian for 10 years in Sydney, Brisbane and the United Kingdom (U.K.) He returned from the U.K in early 2001 to complete an Honours degree in Psychology and then a PhD about training veterinarians and veterinary technicians in professional skills required for successful veterinary practice. During this time he continued to practice as a veterinarian and was employed as a lecturer at UQ, teaching veterinary students and veterinary technicians about communication skills and other non-technical competencies (conflict resolution, professional ethics, human-animal bond, euthanasia and managing client grief, improving mental health and well-being) In 2011 he travelled to Canada for a tenure track position at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) University of Guelph researching and teaching into their Art of Veterinary Medicine program and training students at their Primary Healthcare Centre. He returned “down under” and “across the ditch” in 2015 and returned to practicing part-time as a veterinarian and continues to research and teach about veterinary professional skills. He has developed courses for the NZVA on professional skills training and currently holds an adjunct position at Massey University.
Nick Cooper
Nick has been involved with the Veterinary Industry in excess of 30 years. First in Sales management, then working at Masterpet as Business Manager and General Manager of Eukanuba. In 2008 Nick and two others started their new CareVets business, putting together a HR, Marketing, and administration support company for all six clinics. As the CEO, they have built an excellent team that now supports 24 clinics. They are very proud to be New Zealand owned and operated and part of this great profession.
Stephen Hopkinson
Stephen graduated from Massey over 30 years ago and has
been dairy-vetting in South Taranaki ever since. He is the CEO of
Taranaki Veterinary Centre which employs 20 dairy vets and 14 companion
animal vets. Stephen has been involved with the veterinary industry with
time on VCNZ CAC, the DCV branch (including 3 years as president), the
NZVA Board and Member Advisory Group; and is currently on the board of
VPIS. Outside of work he spends his time split between 5 children, a
lifestyle block (an oxymoron if there ever was one!), playing football,
and as an active volunteer fire fighter (also for over 30 years).
Sue Crampton
Sue is acknowledged as an engaging and practical facilitator, trainer, and consultant across Australasia in areas of Human resources, business development, change management, strategic visioning and planning, communication excellence, staff /team development and management and innovative learning and development initiatives.
Sue invests time working as the Business Manager for Provet/Crampton Consulting Group and Animal Industries Resource Centre and received the 2019 Inaugural VBG Business Professional of the Year award and the 2021 AVA Honorary Member award, for her contribution to the veterinary profession over the last 2 decades.
Sue was the co-founder of the VNCA and works closely with the VNCA & AVA and many of the SIG’s on many levels. Sue has worked in a variety of roles including animal welfare, general practice, emergency and university settings in the USA and Hong Kong. She has formed international connections and networks across the world and frequently works in countries such as UAE, NZ, Malaysia, Singapore, HK.
Sue has an extensive background in human resources, being the previous HR Director for the Provet Group of Companies and acts in consulting roles to many businesses in this area across Australasia.
Sue holds degree qualifications in Change Management, Human Resources, Marketing and Neuro Linguistic Programming. She also has a Diploma in Company Directorship and applies her knowledge and skills practically to a diverse range of clientele including universities, specialist centres, associations, pharmaceutical companies, veterinary practices of all disciplines and sizes.
Sue has a passion for facilitating people to be the best they can be and experiencing the value people of all walks of life offer to the veterinary profession across the globe.
Tania Gover
Tania has over 20 years’ experience within the veterinary industry, including 10 years of Practice Management and being a Business Development Manager with Provet and over 5 years as a Senior Consultant with Crampton Consulting Group. Tania has a passion for all aspects of veterinary business with special interest in business financials, workflow efficiency systems, leadership, and customer experience. This combined with her positive, proactive, and enthusiastic style, makes her a well-respected and sought-after speaker, advisor, and trainer.