Vet retiring after 15 years' service

MOVING ON: Raumati Veterinary Centre owner Andrea Wilson, pictured with client Bella, is retiring after 15 years on the coast.

A dedicated community vet is retiring after 15 years at the Raumati Veterinary Centre, where she helped and befriended many local families and their pets.

Andrea Wilson, who graduated from Massey University as an adult student after working as a nurse at Dunedin Hospital, will finish up for good on Monday, December 19.

"Animals had always been my first love and so I took the opportunity to enrol in the veterinary course at Massey," Andrea said.

"While working overseas in Hong Kong, I saw this practice for sale and knowing and liking the area, came back to New Zealand and bought it."

Fifteen years later, Andrea had met and got to know many Kapiti locals and their pets.

"Many have become friends and we have shared so many special moments - most of them happy, a few that can break your heart, but regardless I've felt privileged to always be able to help the pets and their families.

"It's wonderful to see the joy that a pet can bring to someone and the difference it can make to their lives."

Other special moments had stemmed from her interest in New Zealand wildlife, which took her to special places, including looking after takahe on Kapiti and Mana Islands and taking part in a study of tuatara on Stephens Island.

"I help look after the birds at the Nga Manu Nature Reserve in Waikanae and now with extra time on my hands, I'm looking forward to being more involved."

Erin Hanlon, who Andrea said many people will already know from the practice, had bought the clinic.

"Erin has been a small animal veterinarian for 16 years and is passionate about her work.

"She lives in Raumati with her husband, three children, two cats and their dog and is really looking forward to meeting everyone and continuing the friendly and personal care for which this small practice is known."