Our Team

Brendan Hickman

BVSc, BAppSc, PGDipBA - Practice Owner & Managing Director

In 2023 Brendan celebrated 20 years since qualifying as a Veterinarian, although he’s less on the tools these days, having slowly made the transition from being a clinical veterinarian to focusing on his role as the Managing Director of Nelson Vets and its team of 35+ people.

Brendan makes sure we are always progressing, always improving and are living by our core values. While he is no longer performing consultations and surgeries on a daily basis, he is still very much involved in ensuring that both clinics are running smoothly and that clients and their pets are being given the best care possible.

Brendan is passionate about his work, and loves building relationships with clients and organisations, being integral in our support to local charities; the Nelson SPCA and Natureland Wildlife Trust. He also donates some of his time towards the Veterinary Business Branch for the New Zealand Veterinary Association, with the aim of helping to increase wellbeing and retention within the profession.

Outside of work, he ‘actively relaxes’ by partaking in adventure racing, and gets a lot of training opportunities chasing after his three adventurous, but very lovable, children.