Massey University Veterinary Emergency Response Team

26/06/2024

Our thoughts are with the communities of the Hawkes bay and Gisborne areas as the bad weather prompts evacuations. We understand this could be a sensitive and worrying time. As always, VERT are on standby for any animal emergency rescue so that worrying about pets is one less thing on your plate. Kia kaha

09/03/2024

New recruits means new certifications!
The VERT team attending an evening of Swift Water theory with Rescue3's Nigel Seebek before we hit the river and put it all to practice.
Keeping up with certifications allows our team to operate under the safest conditions in what can be tricky or challenging situations and on top of that are a lot of fun!
Stay tuned for the action shots.

04/11/2023

A reminder to keep an eye on your furry, feathered and scaly friends this weekend as fireworks go off around the country and bring your animals in doors if you need to.
Look out for your neighbours' animals too and paddock mates and remember that VERT will be on standby for any calls about animals in precarious situations (though we hope we don't need to be).
Pic: Responder Tracie's dog Tui receiving special treatment tonight as she hides away from all the fizz-bangs in the neighbourhood.

15/08/2023

Great weekend helping to deliver some TLAR training to the team at HUHANZ. It’s great to have more teams training in this space, and we love that Mr Ed (the mannequin) is helping to train responders safe and efficient ways to rescue large animals. Did you know he’s the only rescue mannequin in NZ? Exciting things on the horizon - watch this space 🐴 🐶 🐱

11/06/2023

This year has been a busy one for VERT and we are thrilled to be recognised at the 2023 Whatunga Tūao Volunteer Central Volunteer Recognition Event for the Manawatū /Horowhenua region.
Responder and Team Treasurer, Neroli Thomson, received the award on behalf of the team at the event on Friday.
The HUGE number of volunteer organisations in our region was amazing to see, with 72 awards given to members from over 120 volunteer organisations. Well done!
Last year, New Zealanders as a whole contributed 159 million hours of formal volunteer work - that’s a lot of mahi! We’re pleased to be doing our little bit to serve our community.

14/05/2023

This weekend one of our responders Tracie attended the Wildlife Rehabilitators Network of New Zealand (WReNNZ) conference in Auckland which was focused on emergency management, a very applicable topic in today's climate.
Tracie used her perspective of being a Wildlife Rehabilitation Technician and VERT's experiences in emergency deployments to provide considerations for wildlife rehabbers' own emergency management planning.
NZ Wildlife Rehabbers look after injured and ill wildlife out of their own resources and do amazing work in getting our unique fauna back to the wild.
Thanks to Wildlife Rehabilitators Network of New Zealand for having us and to all of the wonderful speakers and superstars in attendance.

07/05/2023

Over the weekend some of the team attended and presented at the AEIMN ANZ conference in NSW, Australia. The conference was an exciting opportunity to collaborate with stakeholders from many areas of animal rescue and response including NSW SES, Ministry for Primary Industries, British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association, HUHANZ, SPCA New Zealand, NZ Horse Ambulance Trust and many other key organisations. The discussions for the future are very exciting - watch this space!

24/04/2023

VERT is very excited to be a grant recipient from the Lindsay Foundation and wishes to extend our gratitude.
The funds will buy us a much-needed trailer for storing and transporting our rescue equipment, keep our rescue training certifications current, provide radios for efficient rescue comms and protect the team at responses by fitting us out with PPE.
A big thank you to the Lindsay Foundation, with your generosity VERT are able to continue doing what we do best and this means so much!

Check out more of the work the Lindsay Foundation do here https://www.lindsayfoundation.co.nz/

24/02/2023

Feel good Friday 🐶

The team responded yesterday when Zeus found himself trapped down a steep cliffside in Pohangina Valley, Manawatu. The team worked alongside the wonderful REST NZRT4 team, and Zeus was safely reunited with his owners 💙

Happy we could help Zeus 🥰

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VERT relies on donations to enable its full and ongoing function. Donations raised help to cover the cost of equipment and training to enable us to remain operational. To donate to our cause: https://foundation.massey.ac.nz and we thank all you wonderful people out there who have supported us recently. Thank you ☺️

19/02/2023

Hawkes Bay you are an incredible community, and it has been a privilege to assist where we can to help the animals during this devastating time.

We have been out conducting technical rescues and evacuations where required, veterinary checks, and helping the community and animals however we can.

The team has been working alongside some incredible organisations including HUHANZ, SPCA Hawke's Bay, and Animal Evac New Zealand to provide animal welfare support under the direction of the Ministry for Primary Industries.

For now, the team is back in Palmerston North after a big five day deployment to both Auckland and Hawkes Bay. We will continue to support the community and local veterinary practices, and our furry friends in need 🐶🐮🐴🐱

Kia kaha

16/02/2023

Wow what a day yesterday! We were deployed to assist with animal welfare and veterinary checks in the Hawkes Bay region. We managed to triage and evacuate over 25 animals including six goldfish to the temporary animal shelter in Hastings. We’re back out in the field today to asses and rescue more animals in need. We working under the direction of MPI alongside our friends at HUHANZ and SPCA Hawkes Bay and the local community 🐶🐮🐴

16/02/2023

It has been a long, challenging and demanding day on the ground today but it comes with success stories as more animals emerge amongst the mud and debris to be rescued. It is because of your kind donations that we are able to respond to animal emergencies and rescues.
VERT is a non-profit organisation and relies on donations to operate and ensure we can get out there and bring our animals home.
If you would like to contribute toward our rescue efforts please follow the link below and select Vet Emergency Response Team (VERT) Fund from the drop down box.
Thank you

You can make an instant online donation by completing the information below or by Direct Credit/Bank Transfer: Bank A/C Number: 02-0500-0659127-000Ref: Surname + InitialCode: Fund

15/02/2023

An updated message from MPI regarding where to refer to if there are animals affected by the weather:

•MPI is coordinating animal welfare response efforts in flood impacted areas in Hawke’s Bay.

•MPI has been made aware of horses and other animals in the Hawke’s Bay that are missing or needing assistance.

•Please contact MPI’s on-call animal welfare emergency management team directly at [email protected] or 048940132 if you need assistance with animal rescue or evacuation.

•We have received offers of temporary accommodation. Please email [email protected] or call 048940132 if your animals need to be accommodated.

•If you have a horse that has gone missing please list it for free on www.lostpet.co.nz and then share the listing on equine pages

LostPet.co.nz is provided by Companion Animals New Zealand. it is a free service and part of the largest lost pet network in New Zealand.

15/02/2023

VERT is almost at Hawkes Bay after leaving Auckland this morning to assist with the rescue efforts there. We are providing technical large animal rescue services and working along side our friends across multiple organisations already on the ground in any rescue measures that we can.
We wish everyone a safe night and days ahead.

14/02/2023

We are being contacted about the situation in the Hawkes bay area and understand we have a large equine community effected out there. We will be doing what we can to assist and will hopefully be in touch with affected parties soon and a helping hand if needed. Thank you to those who have been reaching out so far and looking out for your neighbours and friends.

Kia kaha

13/02/2023

Some of the team has deployed and are on the way to help those in Tāmaki makaurau. We also have a local team on standby for animal rescue in the Manawatu area if you need us.
Stay safe.

11/02/2023

We’re down at the Explore Esplanade Day today with Mr Ed our training mannekin, come down to site 31 by the aviaries and learn more about what we do ☺️ We also have our fundraising pet first aid kits available to purchase 🐮🐴🐶

10/02/2023

Another great resource from Civil Defence - great checklist to follow 🐮🐱🐶

We are working closely with MetService New Zealand and tracking Cyclone Gabrielle, which is due to start impacting the upper North Island from Sunday.
We encourage everyone to use this time to get prepared especially if you are in the North Island.
With potential for heavy rain and strong winds, surface flooding and slips are possible and strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures.
How to get prepared:
- Make a household plan that includes your pets, in case you need to evacuate.
- Have a grab bag with essential items ready to go.
- Be prepared for possible power outages and check emergency supplies. In a storm you could be stuck at home for up to three days.
- Clear debris and leaves from drains and gutters to help prevent surface flooding.
- Secure items like wheelie bins, trampolines, outdoor furniture, boats and trailers. Bring items inside or tie items down that could move in strong winds.
- Check on your friends, whānau, neighbours and anyone who might need your help, especially those who have already been affected by recent flooding.
- Stay up to date with the latest weather warnings from : https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home
Go to https://getready.govt.nz/en/emergency/storms/ for more tips on how to prepare.
We will keep you updated as this weather system progresses and provide further advice.

10/02/2023

Some great advice regarding Cyclone Gabrielle this weekend.

If you have pets or livestock, now is the time to ensure they can shelter somewhere safe. Move stock to higher ground if you can. Clear drains if required. If you do need to evacuate, make sure you have a plan for your pets in this instance, including a pet carrier, collar, lead, and food.

Ensure you have emergency supplies for both people in your household and your pets, including food and water for three days.

We’ve been put on standby to assist if needed during the storm - we hope we’re not, but we’re here if needed 🐶 🐱 🐴 🐮

Kia kaha everyone

Cyclone Gabrielle could be one of the most serious storms to hit New Zealand this century. Don’t get caught unprepared if you end up in the Gabrielle’s path. Sort out your essential supplies now, bring the cat inside and check in with loved ones. Change up your batteries so you can keep track of the latest weather reports and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

👉 More on this story: https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/02/10/cyclone-gabrielle-to-bring-real-memorable-impacts-niwa/

02/02/2023

Our thoughts are with the Auckland community and our team is on standby to deploy as we brace for more bad weather to this and the eastern bay of plenty regions.
Our team has been training hard throughout the year with our rope and swift water rescue and are ready to lend a helping hand.
Kia kaha to everyone effected.

15/08/2022

Practice makes perfect!
Unfortunately receiving calls about horses becoming stuck is an all too common situation for VERT.
Thankfully we have a keen volunteer to help us train for sticky situations.
Meet Mr. Ed!
Mr. Ed allows our responders to utilise our training in rope hauling systems and animal safety to fine tune our Technical Large Animal Rescue techniques.
Just check out that head gear!

Help us respond to Large Animal Emergency Rescues by donating here:

https://givealittle.co.nz/org/vert

14/06/2022

**VERT Fundraiser**
The MU Veterinary Emergency Response Team (VERT) are very excited to launch our new fundraiser – Pet Emergency First Aid kits!

These waterproof and compact kits contain easy-to-follow instructions and all the essentials you need to provide first aid for your pet. Great for your home/car or as a gift for pet-loving family & friends. Available now! Introductory price $34.95 ea. Please contact us to order.

31/03/2022

Did you see our latest rescue in the Massey news?

We were recently deployed to assist a heifer who found herself trapped down a steep riverbank. The team performed a vertical haul, and got her out to safety 🥰. A happy outcome for all involved!

https://www.massey.ac.nz/about/news/veterinary-response-team-reunites-heifer-with-family/?utm_content=1648504485&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR18a9E-2JKwenmGubJncB9c94HvmRKOj4iyujjyPDlwKPej5Ot_Pycg6ko
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VERT is a voluntary charitable organization. It relies on your generous donations to enable its full and ongoing function. To make a donation to our cause, please follow the link below: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/vert

04/02/2022

We're on standby and ready to deploy should we be required to assist down south, working alongside HUHANZ and Animal Evac New Zealand.

Thinking of everyone at this time❤️

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300511003/live-west-coast-in-state-of-emergency-as-homes-evacuated-in-westport

Torrential rain and floods are smashing the South Island's West Coast, with a state of emergency declared in Westport and some homes evacuated.

31/08/2021

The team had quite the morning rescuing a dog who found themselves stuck down Anzac Cliff overnight. Great to work alongside our colleagues REST NZRT4, and a fantastic outcome for all involved 🐶