Voluntary Bonding Scheme for Veterinarians

New Zealand Veterinary Association
Media Release

22 February 2009

Government Voluntary Bonding Scheme for Veterinarians

The New Zealand Veterinary Association is pleased to support the recently announced government policy on voluntary bonding of veterinary graduates in under-staffed rural areas.

“This initiative will help to alleviate the critical shortage of veterinarians in areas of the country that are more remote and difficult to staff” says NZVA President Richard Wild.

“While we acknowledge that the shortage of rural professionals including doctors and veterinarians is a complex and multi factorial issue we congratulate the government for acknowledging the issue and initiating some actions to address the problem”.

The Veterinary Association has been working in collaboration with the Veterinary Council and Massey University for several months to assist government officials develop the framework and eligibility criteria for the scheme.

“We recognise that this first year of the scheme will need to be closely monitored and reviewed to ensure that it is meeting the needs of the all stakeholders including government, livestock producers, veterinary practices and rural communities.”

Dr Wild says the Veterinary Association) is enthusiastic about working closely with government over the coming year to monitor and refine the scheme based on the feedback and uptake.

“There are several other aspects to the issue that also need to be addressed and the Association wants to work in collaboration with Government, Massey, the Veterinary Council and the livestock and farming industries to develop a coordinated strategy that will lead to a long term fix to rural shortages.

The issue of veterinarians re-entering production animal practice after returning to New Zealand from their OE, and the availability and regulation of veterinary technicians to work alongside vets need to be considered.

“The supply of veterinarians available within New Zealand and their work preferences, and improving the communication between vets and livestock producers regarding the demand for veterinary services are also areas that will need to be considered.”

ENDS

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