Monday, 05 September 2022 16:55

New collaboration set to tackle big issues

Written by  Staff Reporters
NZVA chief executive Kevin Bryant. NZVA chief executive Kevin Bryant.

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.

More like this

Massey study tests impact of solar panels on grass growth

Many farmers have invested in solar energy for dairy sheds or houses, but little hard data exists on the viability of solar panels in open paddocks or the loss of drymatter this may cause. Massey University scientist Dr Sam Wilson is conducting research to get more information about this. Rural News reporter Peter Burke went to investigate.

From Nelson to Dairy Research: Amy Toughey’s Journey

Driven by a lifelong passion for animals, Amy Toughey's journey from juggling three jobs with full-time study to working on cutting-edge dairy research trials shows what happens when hard work meets opportunity - and she's only just getting started.

Featured

Owl Farm marks 10 years as NZ’s first demonstration dairy farm

In 2015, the signing of a joint venture between St Peter's School, Cambridge, and Lincoln University saw the start of an exciting new chapter for Owl Farm as the first demonstration dairy farm in the North Island. Ten years on, the joint venture is still going strong.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Quid prod quo?

OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…

Deadwood

OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter