New vet graduates welcomed to the profession
MEDIA RELEASE
Published on 7 May 2025.
As 95 new veterinarians celebrate their graduation from Massey University today, the New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) says they have an exciting future.
Lucy Russell, President of NZVA Equine Branch, told the graduates they are joining a profession where they can make a difference every day.
“You have fabulous colleagues who care about the profession. And you have a very versatile degree, where you can take charge of your career and have many different career paths within this profession, from clinical practice, in Government, to research, industry, business and more.”
As New Zealand faces a shortage of experienced vets in some areas, NZVA Chief Executive Kevin Bryant says the Association is committed to helping new graduates to thrive after they start working.
“As the professional membership organisation for vets, NZVA provide resources, support and opportunities to help vets grow and develop throughout their careers.”
“We welcome these new graduates to our profession and look forward to seeing them make a difference in roles across New Zealand, and if they head off overseas we look forward to them retuning having gained valuable experience. ”
In total, 108 students finished the Bachelor of Veterinary Science Degree in 2024, but not all were able to attend today’s graduation ceremony.
The NZVA congratulates all graduates, and is pleased to join Massey University in awarding a number of prizes:
- NZVA Veterinary Clinical Studies Award – Charlotte Dargaville
- NZVA Prize for Anatomy – Hana Davis
- Veterinary Women’s Auxiliary of NZ Prize for Physiology – Michael Sole
- The NZ Equine Veterinary Association Prize – Lauren Keen
