Veterinary shortage in New Zealand

Why is there a veterinary shortage?

There are many factors influencing retention in clinical practice. The NZVA office team is acutely aware and acknowledges the realities behind issues such as remuneration, workplace culture, bullying, harassment, after hours, lack of collegial support and inflexible work environments — that all contribute to veterinarians leaving clinical practice.

The NZVA strategic plan has workforce and business sustainability as a key priority with a focus on improving retention and recruitment, mentoring and coaching.

Veterinary immigration update

The New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) continues to engage with The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and Immigration New Zealand (INZ) on matters pertaining to migrant employment. 

INZ has provided the NZVA with updated processing times for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme. Unfortunately, these have increased in recent months due to policy changes associated with the AEWV. INZ has also indicated that incomplete applications may be a contributor to the longer wait times.

INZ has advised that priority will be given to Green List roles, which includes veterinarians, for Job Checks and AEWV Applications.

To ensure employers do not face any unnecessary delays, we suggest the following:

  1. Check your current accreditation is up to date. You need a valid employer accreditation for INZ to process your Job Check and AEWV applications. You can check your accreditation status on the INZ website.
  2. Make sure you have all the relevant information before you apply for a Job Check. As veterinarians are on the Green List, employers DO NOT need to advertise the job before applying for a Job Check.
  3. Encourage migrants to read about their AEWV application requirements when you send them a job token. Please note they MUST be registered with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand BEFORE applying for the Visa.

If you have any queries about any of the above, please contact Megan Miller on executive@vets.org.nz.

Alternatively, Immigration New Zealand has an employer helpline which is open between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. Freephone from NZ landlines: 0508 967 569

Other useful information

Current vacancies

Get an idea of the current veterinary jobs available in New Zealand.

VCNZ registration

To practise as or use the title 'veterinarian' in New Zealand, you must be registered with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand (VCNZ) and have a current annual practising certificate (APC). Visit the VCNZ website to learn more.

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