About Fiona - Founder of Newflands Pet Wellness & Hoki Oil Pioneer

 

Why I Do What I Do 

“From vet nurse to sustainable pet wellness pioneer — how one dog changed everything.” 

My love for animals began before I could even walk — literally in the pram. Since those earliest days, animals have been an integral part of my life. As I grew, that connection deepened, evolving into long days spent riding my pony, Whiskey, along the Sandspit in Howick, with my dog, Sam, trotting faithfully beside me and the salt air filling my lungs. 

That profound connection with animals shaped everything that followed — from training as a veterinary nurse to becoming a Newfoundland dog breeder, to working in education and supporting children who needed extra help. At every stage, I carried with me a passion for care, connection, and doing things the right way — for animals, people, and the planet.

 

Rosie 

Everything changed when my beloved Newfoundland, Rosie, was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) — a serious heart condition common in the breed. Our vet recommended fish oil as part of her care. However, in 2009, I couldn’t find a product on the market that met my standards — something natural, traceable, and made right here in New Zealand. 

So I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. 

Drawing on my veterinary nursing background, I began researching, formulating, and testing. It wasn’t easy, but after months of trials and refinements, I developed a fish oil made from New Zealand Hoki — the first fish species in the world to be certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). That mattered to me. I sought a solution that was not only effective but also ethical and environmentally sound. 

When I saw the results in Rosie — smoother movement (she had incredible movement naturally), shinier coat, fewer arrhythmias — I knew I had something special.

 

Newflands is Born 

In 2010, I officially registered Newflands, and our signature Hoki Oil became New Zealand’s first fish oil supplement for pets. From day one, our mission has been clear: 

• Enhance pet wellness using natural, effective products 

• Support local ecosystems and communities through sustainable sourcing 

• Do it all with heart, honesty, and purpose 

Today, Newflands offers a full range of natural pet supplements, treats, and care products — all designed to improve life for the animals we love. Each product is crafted with intention and backed by years of hands-on experience, science, and a genuine love for what we do. 

My future is to deepen the research behind our products and ensure everything we offer delivers real results. Because for me, it’s never been about buzzwords or shortcuts — it’s about building a legacy of care, one pet at a time.

 

Welcome to Newflands — where your pet’s wellbeing is our passion, and our story is still being written.