CareVets Te Atatu

Dr Justin studied Veterinary Medicine at the University of Zimbabwe, graduating in October 2010. He has worked as a veterinarian ever since, gaining experience in both small animal and mixed practices. Justin worked as a small animal vet in Namibia from early 2011 to the end of 2012, before joining the Namibian Government as a State Veterinarian in mixed practice for seven and a half years. He then operated his own mixed veterinary practice for four years before moving to New Zealand to join CareVets Te Atatū in April 2024.

An all-rounder who enjoys both companion and farm animal work, Justin has recently developed a particular passion for veterinary surgery. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor adventures.

Dr Marquita graduated from Massey University with a BVSc in 1989, beginning her career as a large animal veterinarian in Taranaki. She later moved to Auckland, where she gained experience in both small and mixed animal practice. Dr Marquita first joined the Te Atatū team as a locum in 2015, a role that soon evolved into a regular two-day-a-week position. She particularly enjoys routine surgery and dentistry. Outside of work, Marquita is passionate about orienteering, cycling, and even dabbles in adventure racing. A keen traveler, she has explored some incredible destinations. While she currently has no pets of her own, Cheezel has proudly adopted her as his favourite human!

Dr Naoya, originally from Japan, earned his veterinary degree from Western University of Health Sciences in California in 2012 and has been dedicated to small animal medicine ever since. He has a special interest in internal medicine, emergency care, and clinical pathology but enjoys all aspects of veterinary practice. At home, he is cared for by his beloved King Charles Cavalier, Kura, whose cheerful smiles and affectionate kisses help keep his stress at bay.

Deana is our Clinic Coordinator & Veterinary Nurse – best of both worlds! Deana became a Diploma qualified veterinary nurse in 2016 and has just completed her Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Nursing in 2022. After spending a few years working in a rural mixed animal practice, Deana felt it was time to come back to her roots in small animal GP and develop her skills in leadership/management, so she joined the team in September 2023 stepping into the Clinic Coordinator role alongside veterinary nursing. Deana’s favourite aspects of her job are taking care of hospitalized patients, elderly cats, and client education. When she is not at work, you can find her spending time with family, or walking her springer spaniel Maggie and her cat Monty – yes, Monty comes along for walks, and he loves it!

Amber holds a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and has been part of the CareVets Te Atatu team since February 2022. In clinic she enjoys meeting and greeting clients and their animals as they come through the door. She also enjoys providing nursing care to patients that require hospitalisation. Amber has 5 animals of her own – two Chihuahuas called Moby and Pixie, an American Staffordshire called Ernie and Spider her cat.

After spending most of her life working in hospitality and travelling the world chasing snow, Sarah decided to pursue a career working with animals. After completing her New Zealand Diploma, she chose to continue her education and is currently studying for her Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Nursing. In true vet nurse tradition, Sarah has adopted a little Jack Russell named Awhina, who came to her with a broken leg and is now the boss of the household.

Cornelia joined the CareVets Te Atatū team in 2024 after completing her NZ Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. Seeking a more personally meaningful career, she made the switch to veterinary nursing and hasn’t looked back. Animals have always been a big part of her life—she previously bred Tonkinese cats and has been actively involved in supporting The German Shepherd Rescue Trust and Greyhound rehoming organisations. At home, she shares her heart and couch with her two retired Greyhounds, Diesel and Robson.

Meow! My name is Cheezel, and I’m the resident boss—uh, I mean cat—at the Te Atatū Clinic. I’ve been running things here since I was a kitten, though I prefer to keep my paws clean. You’ll usually find me hard at work holding down the fridge, snoozing in my office (which I generously let the vets use for consults), or gracing reception with my presence as the clinic’s official greeter. My favourite treats are Temptations—I’ll follow you anywhere for them… well, almost anywhere. I also take my role as emotional support specialist very seriously, giving nervous patients in the waiting room a reassuring pep talk. It’s all in a day’s work for me, Cheezel the Clinic Cat!