NZ Catchment Groups Thrive with ‘Source to Sea’ Approach
The most successful catchment groups in NZ are those that have 'a source to sea' approach.
A new collaboration effort, named Vet Futures Aotearoa, is seeking to solve the big issues faced by veterinary professionals, including labour shortages.
The organisation is driven by representatives from Massey University School of Veterinary Science, New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA), Veterinary Council of New Zealand (VCNZ), Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Allied Veterinary Professionals Regulatory Council (AVPRC), New Zealand Veterinary Nurses Association (NZVNA), as well as representatives from allied veterinary professional education.
NZVA chief executive Kevin Bryant says the new collaboration wants everyone involved in veterinary professions to contribute and give their perspectives on what the future might look like.
“Along with workforce development, we will be looking at how veterinary businesses maintain their viability, look after their people and continue to provide the best possible care. We’ll also be considering topics such as veterinary wellbeing, education, training and leadership,” Bryant says.
VCNZ chief executive Iain McLachlan says “a united and collaborative approach” is the only way to address the big issues being discussed by the group.
“We have to work together if we’re going to make a long-term difference for vets, allied professionals and those they serve.”
According to Jon Huxley, from the Massey University School of Veterinary Science, the group intends to move quickly and will be reporting regularly on its work.
“Being able to adequately fund an train the right number of veterinary professionals to future proof New Zealand is essential and has been brought to everyone’s attention by the Covid-19 border restrictions,” he says.
Vets, vet nurses and allied professionals are advised to keep an eye out for opportunities to get involved in Vet Futures and have their say on the issues discussed.
DairyNZ Chair Tracy Brown has seen a lot of change since she first started out in the dairy sector, with around one-third of dairy farmers now women.
Castle Ridge Station has been named the Regional Supreme Winner at the Canterbury Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
The South Island Dairy Event has announced Jessica Findlay as the recipient of the BrightSIDE Scholarship Programme, recognising her commitment to furthering her education and future career in the New Zealand dairy industry.
New Zealand and Chile have signed a new arrangement designed to boost agricultural cooperation and drive sector success.
New DairyNZ research will help farmers mitigate the impacts of heat stress on herds in high-risk regions of the country.
Budou are being picked now in Bridge Pā, the most intense and exciting time of the year for the Greencollar team – and the harvest of the finest eating grapes is weeks earlier than expected.

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