NZVA Board

Grant was formerly Head of the Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences at Massey University, Dean of Science at the University of Auckland, and Vice-Chancellor of Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. He is currently Chair of the NZVA Board.

Earlier in his career, Grant worked in private veterinary practice before undertaking clinical, teaching and research roles at the University of Missouri, the University of California, Davis, and Massey University. He also qualified as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and a Fellow of the Australasian College of Veterinary Scientists.

Throughout his career, Grant has held governance and advisory roles for Crown Research Institutes, research commercialisation companies, research institutes, joint graduate schools and economic development agencies. In 2015, he was awarded the Australasian Green Gown Award for leadership in sustainability.

Kate is a graduate of the University of Queensland and a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. She has worked in Australia, the US and Aotearoa in clinical practice and in tertiary education for undergraduates, postgraduates and blended learning. Kate has strong relationships with colleagues from Aotearoa and overseas. She is currently Programme Lead for the Master of Veterinary Medicine at Tāwharau Ora – School of Veterinary Science, Massey University.

Kate joined the NZVA Board in 2018. Before that, she was involved with the Companion Animal Veterinarians Branch (CAV) since 2005, serving as a committee member from 2007 to 2014 and a member of the CAV CPD advisory group since 2006. She also served as a member of the Scientific Programme Committee for the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Conference in 2013, and a member of the NZVA Antibiotic Steering Group. In 2016, Kate was awarded the CAV Annual Service Award.

Katie is a dedicated equine veterinarian, serving as a director and owner of South Wairarapa Veterinary Services. With extensive experience in the veterinary industry, she possesses a deep understanding of its intricacies. Katie has served on the NZVA Member Advisory Group (MAG) and been a Wairarapa Regional Network committee representative. She is currently a member of the Veterinary Council of New Zealand (VCNZ) Professional Standards Committee (PSC).

Katie is pursuing a qualification as a chartered governance professional through the Chartered Governance Institute of New Zealand, further enhancing her understanding of effective governance. She has previously undertaken leadership training through Women in Leadership, Australia.

Katie has actively promoted sustainability, culture and wellness initiatives within her business, recognising the challenges faced by veterinarians today. She believes in the importance of collaboration within our profession and is enjoying contributing to the NZVA's leadership.

Born and raised on a sheep and beef farm in Te Matau-a-Māui (Hawke’s Bay), Will graduated as an adult student in 2010. He has worked in production animal practice and as a veterinary supervisor at the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Since 2018, Will has worked at Beef and Lamb New  Zealand where he is Senior Manager for Technical Policy.

Will is also an Initial Investigating Veterinarian and enjoys helping with final-year examinations at Massey University. Until June 2025, he is the President of Sheep and Beef Cattle Veterinarians Branch of the NZVA.

Annabel graduated from Massey University in 2005 and moved to North Canterbury to work in mixed practice. She lives with her husband and three children on their sheep farm in the Hurunui district. Annabel has served six years on a school board (three of those as Board Chair) and has developed a strong practical understanding of governance and the vital, proactive role that boards play.

Annabel currently works in clinical dairy practice, with a special interest in milk quality. She enjoys the close working relationship that develops between client and veterinarian in dairy practice. She has a strong desire to see all veterinary professionals feel well-supported in their roles and able to perform to their best ability.

Jenny is an early career veterinarian from Massey University's BVSc2023 class. She is enthusiastic about contributing to the future of skilled and compassionate veterinary professionals. Jenny is currently practicing in a general practice veterinarian role and undertaking a rotating internship with Veterinary Information Network (VIN).

She brings her knowledge and understanding of the health profession in Aotearoa from her previous career as a pharmacist, which contributed to her commitment to helping the future generation of veterinarians feel heard, understood and supported.

Rob has worked in mixed animal practice since graduating from Massey University in 1980. He is the CEO of the New Plymouth Veterinary Group, where he continues to have a significant clinical role. Extremely conscious of the pressures faced by veterinarians, Rob is a mentor to veterinarians of varying ages.

During his career, Rob has continued professional/academic development and is a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. He also completed a Master of Veterinary Medicine with distinction from Massey University. In 2022, Rob became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to wildlife and conservation.

Service is important to Rob. He has held positions within the NZVA's Taranaki Regional Network, VCNZ's Complaints Assessment Committee, and both primary and secondary school boards. He was elected to the NZVA Board in 2023.

Corey is a dedicated veterinarian with a rich background in animal welfare, biosecurity and organisational leadership. Corey joined the NZVA Board as an Appointed Board Member in 2020, starting with representation from a recent graduate and industry perspective; he now serves as an Appointed Governance Board Member.

in August 2023, Corey took on a new challenge as the General Manager of Animal Services at SPCA New Zealand, where he oversees national operations and strives for improved outcomes for both animals and their communities. His professional journey encompasses clinical practice, regulatory roles and strategic leadership, underscored by a commitment to mental wellbeing within the veterinary profession.

Corey has contributed to veterinary research and publications in cattle health (failure of passive transfer in calves, hoof confirmation), camelid exotic disease testing (Q fever), and canine arthritis treatment (use of canibinoids). In addition to his written contributions, Corey has actively engaged in public discussions on animal welfare, participating in TV, radio and podcast interviews to raise awareness and educate the public and peers on responsible pet ownership and issues facing the veterinary profession.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Corey enjoys life on a lifestyle block with his husband and two kids, Evander and Willa. Their home is shared with an array of rare and unique animals, including ostriches, bees, llamas, dwarf goats, tortoise and customary farm cats and dogs.