Veterinary Nurse | Otorohanga & Te Kūiti
Bring your passion for animals and people and become part of our Otorohanga & Te Kūiti teams!
Newly qualified and looking for the right place to begin your veterinary nursing career? This could be it. Or, if you’re an experienced nurse who cares just as much about people as you do about animals and you’re looking for a team doing things a little differently, we’d love to hear from you too.
Join our Waipā team, where we’re re-imagining what great veterinary care looks and feels like for our patients, our pet parents and each other.
We’re a positive, tight-knit team who genuinely care about the work we do and the people we work with. If you’re curious, collaborative and keen to be part of something special, you’ll fit right in.
About the role
This is a full-time, 40-hour role shared across our Otorohanga and Te Kūiti clinics, with participation in our supportive Waipā Saturday roster when required.
Your clinical skills matter here, but so does how you connect with people. You’ll work alongside our vets and experienced nurses across patient care, consultations, diagnostics, surgery and anaesthesia.
If you’re newly qualified, you’ll have practical support and guidance as you build your confidence and capability. If you’re already experienced, we’ll value the skills you bring and support where you’d like to stretch yourself next.
Your development won’t be left to chance. You’ll have a career development check-in with our Lead Veterinary Nurse at six months, followed by annual development conversations to recognise your progress and help you keep moving forward.
What you’ll be doing
Providing kind, attentive nursing care for hospitalised and recovering patients.
Supporting consultations, diagnostics, treatments, surgery and anaesthesia within your demonstrated capability.
Building your skills in patient monitoring, anaesthesia, surgical nursing and recovery care.
Helping pet parents understand what’s happening, what their pet needs next and where to go for help.
Keeping patient records accurate and supporting continuity of care.
Maintaining clean, safe and well-organised clinical and patient areas.
Working closely with vets, nurses and Customer Care to help both clinics run smoothly.
Taking more ownership as your capability grows and contributing ideas that improve patient care and the experience we create for pet parents.
What you’ll bring
We’re looking for someone who’s as passionate about animals as we are and brings:
New Zealand working rights.
A New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Level 5), or recognised equivalent, and be studying towards or have completed a New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6), Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (Level 7), or recognised equivalent.
Confidence in anaesthesia and patient monitoring, with a willingness to keep learning and growing.
A warm, approachable personality and great communication skills.
Curiosity, coachability and honesty about what you know and where you need support.
Genuine compassion for both patients and pet parents.
A team-first mindset and willingness to collaborate.
Pride in high standards, safe practice and accurate work.
Why join us?
At Petfirst + Farmfirst Veterinary, we’re more than just a veterinary practice. We’re a passionate community of animal lovers committed to making a positive difference for animals and people.
We’re on a journey to re-imagine veterinary care, and that starts with our people. We want our teams to feel supported, valued and inspired to do their best work.
You’ll also enjoy:
CPD and self-education opportunities.
Career development support.
Competitive remuneration.
3.5% employer KiwiSaver contribution.
Teamfirst discounts on animal care services and products.
An extra paid day off for your birthday.
Employee assistance through Vitae.
Our Connected Lives wellbeing programme.
Long service leave and parental leave benefits.
Flexible working arrangements.
Why Te Kūiti & Otorohanga?
Both clinics sit at the heart of their local communities. You’ll have the opportunity to build your career in two welcoming rural towns while becoming known and trusted by the people whose animals you care for.
Ready to join us?
Ready to find out if this could be your place?
Click APPLY or contact Liz Dunn, Clinic Coordinator, on 027 702 3059 for a confidential conversation.
We’ll be shortlisting and interviewing throughout the advertising period, so if this sounds like the kind of team and nursing career you’ve been looking for, we’d love to hear from you.
Applications Close: Wednesday, 18 November 2026.