About the Team
Dr Sam Hurley
Poultry Veterinarian & Co-Founder, Avian Empire
Sam has spent over a decade working across every part of the New Zealand poultry sector, including hatcheries, broilers, layers, and breeders, with direct experience working alongside some of the country's largest poultry integrators. His background covers flock health management, production systems, welfare standards, and biosecurity across commercial operations of every scale.
With additional expertise in animal behaviour, entomology, and integrated pest management, Sam brings a genuinely well-rounded technical skill set to poultry health, from disease investigation and vaccination programme design through to practical, farm-level pest and parasite control. He holds a master's degree in avian medicine and is committed to evidence-based, commercially realistic advice.
Sam also contributes to the wider bird health sector through the Avian Empire Charitable Trust, supporting bird health surveillance and conservation initiatives across Aotearoa.
Jemma McLean
Co-Founder & Operations, Avian Empire
Jemma leads Avian Empire's product development, customer service, and brand strategy, including the specialised poultry product range stocked on this site. With a design background, she also oversees packaging, branding, and website development, ensuring the practical and technical work of the business is matched by clear, professional communication with clients.
Jemma works closely with commercial clients to make sure the support they receive, from ordering products to arranging vet cover, is straightforward and responsive.