Dedicated professionals honoured with NZVA Awards
MEDIA RELEASE
Published on 5 June 2025.
Photo shows award winners (from left): Lewis Griffiths (VetSalus), Brendan James (Vet Services Hawke's Bay), Neil Chesterton, Mark Bryan, Jill Harrison (Story Vets), Stephen Hopkinson, Jordi Hoult, Ginny Dodunski, Caroline Robertson (Vet Services Hawke's Bay).
Environmental sustainability, science and welfare advancements, and an innovative programme to promote careers in the veterinary sector were among achievements celebrated at the New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) awards for 2025.
Presentations to dedicated professionals from across the industry were made by Minister Andrew Hoggard and outgoing NZVA President Kate Hill at the awards celebration event at Tākina Convention and Exhibition Centre on Thursday 5 June.
NZVA President Rob Mills said the annual awards recognise the many significant accomplishments, exemplary leadership and tireless commitment in the veterinary community countrywide.
The event included the Community Engagement Award, a new category for 2025, which recognises individuals or organisations that have made outstanding contributions to community outreach and education related to animal health and welfare.
The winner was Story Vets (Anexa Veterinary Services). Launched in 2024, Story Vets is an educational kit for year 4–8 school students designed to help attract young people into the veterinary profession.
This year the NZVA Awards Committee announced two winners in the Veterinary Impact Award category, for individuals who have made a considerable positive impact for the veterinary profession.
Ginny Dodunski spent 23 years as a production animal veterinarian and now works as the Wormwise Production Manager. In this role, she has significantly raised the programme's profile. In 2021, Ginny received the Alan Baldry Award for her service to the Sheep and Beef Cattle Veterinarians Branch of the NZVA.
Neil Chesterton has had a long and illustrious career in the dairy industry, including a focus on cow lameness and behaviour. Neil has many accolades to his name. In 2013, he was awarded an honorary Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) from Massey University and received the Golden Glove Award from the Dairy Cattle Veterinarians (DCV) Branch of the NZVA.
The Veterinary Business Excellence Award was presented to Vet Services Hawke’s Bay (VSHB), which has earned a reputation as a supportive and visionary employer, consistently prioritising the professional wellbeing and development of their staff.
The award recognises business excellence that supports employee wellbeing, workplace innovation, entrepreneurial flair, professional leadership and collaboration, and/or customer service in a way that reflects positively on the veterinary profession.
Winner of the Environmental Sustainability Award was Lewis Griffiths (VetSalus). The award is presented to individuals, veterinary businesses or groups within New Zealand to recognise leadership and/or collaboration to improve environmental sustainability.
VetSalus is a leader in promoting One Health and increasing the recognition of the critical connections between animal and human life and our environment.
The Outstanding Service Award recognises long and valued service to the NZVA, including individuals who go above and beyond for the betterment of the veterinary profession.
Stephen Hopkinson, the winner for 2025, has volunteered many hours of service to the profession. He has held numerous roles, including DCV Committee Member, DCV President, NZVA Board Member, and the inaugural Member Advisory Group Chair.
The President's Award recognises meritorious service to the veterinary profession in the broadest sense.
This year’s winner Mark Bryan has had an extensive career dedicated to advancing veterinary science and animal welfare. He has also volunteered 20 years’ service to the NZVA as a DCV Committee Member, Board Member and Antimicrobial Resistance Committee Chair.
Jordi Hoult was named winner of the Young Veterinarian Award which honours individuals who have shown outstanding veterinary, communication and leadership skills since graduating as a veterinarian.
Jordi’s mentorship extends across sectors, inspiring young veterinarians and professionals to explore diverse career pathways. Jordi’s contributions have been widely recognised, including as a finalist for the 2024 Primary Industries Emerging Leader Award and the 2023 Zanda McDonald Award.
ENDS
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