For Dr. Ebeneze Spamers, opening Takurua Vets is the fulfilment of a dream she could never have predicted as a child growing up in sunny South Africa. If you had told ten-year-old Ebeneze that she would one day own a veterinary clinic in Christchurch, New Zealand, she would have laughed you off and gone back to braiding her pony’s mane.
Ebeneze graduated from the University of Pretoria in 2014, driven by a lifelong passion for animals and a desire to practise medicine with care, integrity, and heart. In 2018 she made the move to New Zealand with her husband Abram and their rescue cat Riley, and over the years their family has grown to include their daughter Illya - making life busier, louder, and more meaningful in all the best ways.
Over the past decade, Ebeneze has practised in a range of veterinary clinics around the world, with the last seven years spent here in Canterbury. That time has given her a deep understanding of the needs of local pets and their families, and has shaped the kind of clinic she always hoped to build - one that feels personal, compassionate, and grounded in excellent medicine.
Choosing a Te Reo name for the clinic was an important part of that journey. With the generous support of the Tuahiwi Marae, the clinic was named Takurua Vets, a reflection of both the cultural heritage of Aotearoa and the values that underpin the practice.
Ebeneze’s vision is simple but ambitious: to create a place where pets receive the highest standard of care in an environment that feels calm, welcoming, and genuinely supportive. Together with a small, dedicated team - and with Abram managing the business side of the clinic - she is committed to building a practice that clients trust and that staff are proud to be part of.
She looks forward to meeting you and your furry family members, and to being part of your pet’s journey for years to come.
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc)
Radioactive Iodine (I-131) Certified Veterinarian
Fear Free Certified Professional
PennHIP Certified Veterinarian
Ebeneze has a particular interest in cases where fast, thoughtful diagnosis and practical treatment make the biggest difference. Her clinical focus includes soft tissue surgery - including exploratory laparotomy (“ex-lap”) for foreign body obstructions - as well as complex dentistry and oral surgery. She also enjoys diagnostic imaging and medical workups, using abdominal ultrasound and digital x-ray to investigate problems like vomiting, abdominal pain, and unexplained illness.
She also has an interest in breeding soundness and orthopaedic screening, including PennHIP assessment for dogs. PennHIP is a recognised screening method used to assess hip joint laxity through a specific series of radiographs, helping breeders and owners make more informed decisions about breeding suitability and long-term joint health.
In urgent and emergency situations, she has a strong interest in stabilisation, safe anaesthesia, and effective pain management, with a calm, steady approach that helps both pets and owners feel supported.
