Veterinarian Dr Robert Mills named Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit

Taranaki veterinarian, Dr Robert Mills, has been named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to wildlife conservation.

Dr Mills has contributed significantly to conservation and wildlife care in Taranaki on a voluntary basis. In 2000, he developed a native bird care and treatment programme as CEO of New Plymouth Vet Group. Since then, he and his team have cared for hundreds of birds including ones brought in by the Department of Conservation, Wildbase Hospital Massey University, and the public. His work means that species such as the kororā/little blue penguin, ruru and kereru are able to receive care locally, which reduces the stress of travel to other regions.

Dr Mills is a valued member of the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA). He served as President of the NZVA Taranaki Regional Branch from 2000 to 2003 and Secretary from 2004 to 2007.

Congratulations Rob, from all your fellow veterinarians!