Mary Bowron Named Best Sheep and Beef Vet of the Year
B+LNZ's Wormwise veterinarian Mary Bowron has won the Best Sheep and Beef Vet of the Year Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to New Zealand’s sheep and beef sector.
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.
Waikato milk processor Tatua has again declared a record milk payout to farmer shareholders, leaving other processors in the dust.
A Labour-led Government won’t be bringing back the controversial freshwater rules of 2020.
National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.
New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.

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