New Zealand Veterinary Association
Media Release
Tuesday 18 November 2008
Vets welcome rural bonding scheme
A voluntary rural bonding scheme for veterinarians, promised today by incoming Minister for Agriculture, Hon. David
Carter, has been welcomed by the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA).
“We are delighted with the announcement that the Minister intends to have the scheme in place by the start of the next
academic year,” said NZVA chief executive Julie Hood.
“We recognise that instigating such a significant policy will take some thinking. The Association is happy to offer any
assistance that might expedite the process and get it into place.”
Ms Hood said the Association is pleased that such importance is being place on what is a crucial matter - addressing the
shortage of rural veterinarians.
“The NZVA welcomed National’s pre-election agriculture policy, which recognised the essential role veterinarians play in
maintaining high standards of animal welfare, biosecurity, and food safety.”
She said a strong and effective rural veterinary presence is critical in a country that is so dependent on primary
production for export income.
“A voluntary bonding scheme is a great start to solving the shortage, because it seeks to reward those students who are
committed to working in the rural sector once they graduate. We see this as just one part of a number of solutions to a
complex problem.”
ENDS