NZVA Award 2019 winners
Each year, the NZVA recognises significant accomplishments, exemplary leadership and tireless commitment in our veterinary community, through our prestigious NZVA Awards.
We are delighted to announce the NZVA Awards winners for 2019.
Ron Jackson won an Honorary Life Member award
Ron Jackson has demonstrated huge professional competence in clinical practice and in international epidemiological work.
He started practice as a veterinarian in 1958, completed a PhD in 1994 and then gained specialist registration as a veterinary epidemiologist. He established a veterinary practice in Alexandra, servicing an extensive area. This practice is now part of the VetEnt group.
In his mid-fifties, Ron decided to work with countries with less developed veterinary and animal health infrastructure. He sold his practice and did a PhD at Massey University in epidemiology. His PhD led to a more effective tuberculosis control scheme in cattle and deer in New Zealand.
Ron then got involved in numerous projects around the world for many organisations, including the World Bank. He was a leader in the One World - One Health movement. Many NZ and overseas veterinarians and scientists have testified to the impact his work has had on human and animal health and the systems that support them. He published 65 peer reviewed veterinary science papers.
Ron’s work on the regional and special interest branches of the NZVA, time on Council and President of the NZVA in 1979-80 and his continuing involvement in the NZVA and professional affairs. He was also an elected member of the Veterinary Surgeon’s Board (precursor of the Veterinary Council of NZ) and the Veterinary Services Council (who establishing and fostering rural veterinary practice in NZ).
Congratulations, Ron!
Wayne Ricketts won an Outstanding Service award
Wayne Ricketts graduated with a BVSc Massey in 1981. He then worked successfully in mixed veterinary practice in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. He is currently the MPI Animals welfare emergency management coordinator for the South Island. Until recently, he was employed by the Veterinary Council of New Zealand as a professional veterinary advisor.
Wayne joined the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture, working on the import and export of animals. His interest in animal welfare during transport led to a role in the Animal Welfare Directorate as Technical Adviser to the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee. There he was closely involved the developing of the codes of animal welfare. During his time at the Ministry of Agriculture, he was Adviser to two Ministers of Agriculture. He followed this with seven years at the NZVA as the Veterinary Resources Manager. He has co-chaired the National Animal Welfare Emergency Management Advisory Group for the past 7 years.
Wayne joined World Animal Protection in March 2014 as Programme Manager Disaster Management for the Asia-Pacific region. In this role he worked with countries in the Asia-Pacific region to help them with emergency planning for communities and their animals during disasters. Wayne is a Councillor on the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and holds a membership in Animal Welfare.
Wayne also plays a huge role in the pastoral care and wellbeing of veterinarians. He is an active member of the NZVA wellbeing committee and provides outstanding support through the NZVA mentoring scheme to all veterinarians (especially young and recent graduates experiencing personal and professional problems). Wayne has worked closely with the VPIS and provided support for veterinarians struggling with complaints.
Congratulations, Wayne!
VetPlus won a Vet Business Excellence award
VetPlus is recognised by its own staff as having inspiring company values, excellent leadership/caring for staff and exemplary customer service.
VetPlus take mental health seriously. All employees complete the Gallup Strength finder to identify strengths in the team. Team leaders focus on showing appreciation to staff and letting them know they are valued. Staff recently completed a course on building personal resilience. VetPlus's staff report the VetPlus team will quickly rally to support anyone who is struggling.
The company has a clear leadership structure, giving staff a clear pathway to follow for any questions or concerns - and smooth day to day running of the practice. The business takes time to focus on leadership - understanding employees give great veterinary care and customer service when given an inspiring, supportive environment to work in.
Congratulations, VetPlus!
