Tell us a bit about yourself
I am married with two beautiful adult boys, and I live on a lifestyle block just out of Dunedin.
My work background has always been retail based. My last role prior to joining NZ Petfoods was as a sales rep selling animal products, and it was a natural progression to transit into managing the NZ Petfoods Dunedin store.
I have been with NZ Petfoods since June 2025 when I played a huge part in the set up and opening of the new Dunedin store.
Tell us about your pets
I have one dog, four cats and a bird. Our dog is Oscar who is 16 years old, quite deaf, and quite blind. He loves to come to the shop for the occasional day.
Sage is a Maine Coon and is four years old. True to the breed, she is inquisitive, nosey and loves to make her home in a box.
Willow is a Siamese Ragdoll. She is six and thinks she is a princess!
Pinot is going on fifteen and is a beautiful old soul!
Shadow is a recent addition and is a stray who has found Nirvana!!
Bird is called bird and is a cockatiel. Unsure of his age as he was my Mum's. A chatty guy!
Tell us about feeding time in your household - what's on the menu, and has it always looked like this?
My mornings and evenings are extremely busy with so many mouths to feed. With NZ Petfoods products of course! Cats eat Equal and Smart Balance biscuits with either Rabbit & Heart, Beef, or Steak & Rabbit. Oscar has our Salmon Dog roll as well as cannon bones. Oscar also loves his Duck Jerky treats and Possum Bites.
Sage and Willow have been longtime fans of NZ Petfoods products due to me being a customer before working here. Oscar and Pinot used to just get food from the supermarket.
Any favourite products, treats or supplements your pets can't get enough of?
The cats cannot get enough of Rabbit & Heart and Oscar laps up his dinner when I add Joint Guard Supplement.
What's the most common question or concern customers bring to you in-store?
The most common dilemma customers have is "why won't my cat/dog eat anything". We then ask lots of questions about their background.
What's your go-to advice for someone nervous about switching to raw?
We explain the benefits of raw feeding and advise to introduce it slowly and feed the proper amounts. We encourage them to come back with any of their concerns during the process.
Which pet rules the roost at home?
Sage is the queen of the household.
What do you love most about working with the Dunedin community and its pets?
Both owners and their animals have become really good NZ Petfoods friends. It is nice being on their journey with them!
