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Veterinarian Pete Anderson travels across the Marlborough Sounds and into the Kaikoura back country by plane, landing in paddocks and even on a riverbed. Jack Perkins joins Anderson in the tiny Piper Cub as he flies his rounds.
Taking off from Omaka aerodrome in Blenheim they head down to Muzzle Station in the Clarence River Valley via Richmond Brook Station in the Awatere Valley and Peggioh, at the back of Ward, attending to other cases on the way. As they descend to land Anderson approaches with caution, flying in low, as he checks for roaming fence wires and hidden sheep in paddocks and tussock grass.
As they unpack the plane Anderson explains that although he has a rough idea of what equipment he should take he has learned not to pre-diagnose. By not assuming, by keeping an open mind, he says he is less likely to miss things otherwise he might miss.
Tony Strange, former farmer, local publican and casual farm worker greets them on behalf of George whose property it is. Anderson takes one look at the calf in question and diagnoses it with BVD. Unfortunately, the ulcers on the gums and tongue and the animal’s loss of weight indicate how serious the case is and recommends it be put down.
Between jobs Anderson tells Perkins about his farming background, how his father discouraged him to become a farmer and his desire to fly. He recognises that there are not many jobs that could embrace both his love of farming and flight, nor places in which he could practice. Anderson describes the territory covered ranges from the Marlborough Sounds, west across to the Nelson Lakes, down the East Coast to the Clarence Valley and inland to Molesworth.
He explains the practice doesn’t charge for travelling time, the charges are based on distance and mileage and as today, it remains cheaper for both parties if he rents the plane and attends a few jobs in one day, rather than driving. Anderson stresses the importance of not getting flustered with farmer’s being late, nor himself for being late because of delays in the day which are inevitable at times.
Their next stop is to meet Suzie and Bill at Peggioh Station where there are a couple of Herefords that require cancer eye surgery. Whilst waiting for their lift, Anderson talks about the plane crash he had three years ago which he says occurred due to severe turbulence, and fatigue on his part. The crash left him out of work for a couple of months, but he reckons he’s now a better pilot because of it.
Anderson performs the eye surgeries on two cows, literally in the field, whilst describing to Perkins what he’s doing and how he expects them to recover. The next stop is Muzzle Station, Anderson says it’s probably the most isolated farm in New Zealand. The farmer, Colin receives them on their landing strip, a shingle, braided riverbed.
One of the biggest thrills Anderson gets from his work, he explains, is seeing the successes from the vet-farmer animal health plans designed to assist farmers achieve their goals. They discuss some of the gruesome tasks a farmer vet has to deal with. As Anderson performs castrations on two colts, Colin takes the opportunity to file their hooves.
Perkins asks if Anderson thinks there is a vet’s equivalent to a doctor’s bedside manner. Anderson explains the temperament of a person is more important than technique when dealing with animals as they pick up on vibes quickly. The worst animals he’s had to handle are Wapiti stags and Big Elks - when he’s nearly had an antler in the eye and regularly gets kicked.
The sun has dropped behind the mountains as they head back to the plane and Anderson is satisfied with what's been achieved in their day.