Management and Client Services

John ElstobĀ (Director)

 

 

Richard Campbell (Director/CEO)

Richard has spent 30 years around the agricultural industry the vast majority of this being in the animal health sector. While initially involved with product supply companies he has now spent 10 years working in veterinary diagnostics.

His original training was in microbiology and this exposure to science is very helpful in engaging with veterinarians, understanding issues and seeing opportunities. Choosing to leave the white coat behind Richard took a role as a company representative and undertook studies in business. A series of management roles saw him arrive at SVS labs just after the doors opened.

 

Rae Pearson (Manager and Molecular Biology)

Armed with a Bachelor of Health Science degree, Rae started off her laboratory career as a microbiologist, and helped set up and grow NZVP, at Massey University Palmerston North. She feels fortunate during this time to have had the opportunity to train in all the different laboratory departments as well as being involved with many research projects, before moving into the Laboratory and R&D Manager role focusing mainly on new Serology and Molecular testing.

One of Rae’s favourite quotes by Steve Jobs is, “Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.”Ā  With this and the best interests of New Zealand’s Veterinarians at heart, she was motivation to help establish SVS Labs in Hamilton. Rae is extremely proud of the lab and all the testing facilities within.Ā  Most of all, she feels honoured to be able to work with such an amazing team of experienced passionate people every day.

 

Tim Adam (Assistant Manager and Chemistry, Trace Elements and Toxicology)

Tim is an experienced biochemistry technician who joined SVS Labs as one of the original staff members that helped to set up the diagnostic laboratory. Prior to this he worked in hospital laboratories and NZVP, in its early days. Tim has extensive IT knowledge and is our go-to person for computer and software matters. He is also the knowledgeable and friendly voice that is often at the end of the phone when you call.Ā 

In his free time, Tim enjoys fishing and watching the horse races.

 

Natasha (Tash) Pledger (Accounts)

Natasha has worked with the SVS group since 2018 and joined the SVS Laboratories team in 2022. She has a Bachelors Degree in accounting and gained her Chartered Accountancy qualification in 2023.

Outside work Natasha spends most of her time with her husband and dog Ned. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling and spending time outdoors.

 

Nicola Aitken (Client Services)

Nicola is highly experienced in contract administration, looking after various cattle & deer Tb Testing contracts for over 13 years. Nicola has slotted in to the SVS Labs team to help with the M. bovis testing contracts. You will also find her helping in accounts, submission form design, client surveys, and other special projects.

Outside of work Nicola is a busy mum of two and is often found on the side lines of the soccer field or the cricket pitch.

 

Tania Omundsen (Specimen Reception)

Tania joined SVS Labs in September 2020, after spending 7 years working as a Veterinary Nurse for a mixed practice clinic in Te Awamutu. With this experience comes an existing knowledge of many aspects of the animal health industry enabling Tania to provide valuable customer service to our clients in her role within our Specimen Reception team.

When not working Tania is Mum to teenage twin boys who have quite an array of musical, drama & sporting commitments which keep them all very busy. She also has a deep passion for animals, having adopted 4 cats & a rescue dog over her years as a Vet Nurse.

Tania’s other interests include bush walks, cryptic crosswords & spending time at the beach with her children & her dog Freya.

 

Sheree Olsen (Specimen Reception)

Sheree joined SVS in June of 2022, she previously worked in a similar role in a lab in Auckland before moving to Hamilton and starting with SVS.

In her spare time, Sheree enjoys going to the beach, social outings, and spending time with her family, particularly her young nephew.