About the NZVA

The New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) is the largest membership association representing New Zealand veterinarians. We're proud to have served and supported our members since 1923.

We are committed to safeguarding the high skills, continuing development and ethical standards of the New Zealand veterinary profession, helping veterinarians be better recognised and valued for the unique role they play in society.

Read the NZVA Constitution

Our purpose

To build exceptional working lives as veterinary professionals by providing support, resources and advocacy.

We are committed to safeguarding the high skills, continuing development and ethical standards of the New Zealand veterinary profession, and to helping veterinarians be better recognised and valued for the unique role they play in society.

Our vision

A vibrant and diverse veterinary profession key to the health and wellbeing of animals, and their relationship to people and our environment.

The NZVA endorses the broad concept of One Health, which recognises that the health and wellbeing of animals, people and the environment are inseparably connected. We also acknowledge the important role veterinarians play in the One Health discussion.

Our core values

We are inclusive, deliver high standards, and promote collegiality, taking time to enjoy each other’s company.

We are first and foremost here for our members.

Guided by our shared vision and values, agreed purpose and common goals, our collective leadership contributes to a highly trusted, valued and progressive veterinary profession.

Our governing body integrates independent input and strong representation from our Special Interest Branches (SIBs) and Regional Networks to set our priorities and drive policy, standards and decision-making.

We facilitate clear career pathways and high-quality continuing professional development (CPD), so our members can have healthy careers and lives, and our profession can be the best it can be.

We listen to each other and cooperate widely to understand and influence the critical issues facing the veterinary profession and the wider industry.

Our member priorities

Our 2024 member priorities, as agreed by the Member Advisory Group (MAG) and the NZVA Board.

  • Workforce sustainability
  • Leadership, advocacy and communication
  • One Health and collaboration


Read about our priorities

Our strategy

  • Sustainability: This means sustainability of the veterinary workforce, veterinary businesses and veterinary careers, and making sure the NZVA endures.
  • Relevance: This means focusing on connectivity and supporting our members. We want to facilitate collaboration through the profession and make sure the NZVA is adaptable to the needs of members. 
  • Advocacy: This means advocating for and with members. This could be inside the profession, with Government and other external stakeholders, and with the public.


View our 2022–28 Strategy