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This is the third podcast in the series giving the background info as to why I’m supporting NZs veterinary sector by petitioning NZs parliament to change the classification of veterinarians to that of critical workers because the way it is now isn’t working.

In this week’s episode we’ll talk about some of the other absolutely critical roles veterinarians play in the NZ economy because being a vet isn’t all cuddles and kisses from fur babies or on-farm herd pregnancy testing.  

Veterinarians play a critical role in helping to keep our country safe as well as making sure the food you eat, the milk you drink and the eggs you crack to make the typical kiwi bacon and egg pie, are all safe.

As I’ve mentioned more than a few times over the last couple of weeks, I’m petitioning the NZ parliament to change the classification of veterinarians to critical workers – just like their human doctor counterparts.

To practice as a veterinarian in NZ you need an Annual Practising Certificate.  The Veterinary Council of NZ is the issuing and regulatory body for APCs.

Since 2009, the VCNZ has sent out a questionnaire to veterinarians when it was time to renew their Annual Practising Certificate.  

As of 30 June 2019, the number of practising veterinarians increased by +3% compared with the same time in 2018. This compares with changes (relative to the previous year) of +2.7% for 2018 and +2.6% for 2017.

All information for this survey was collected voluntarily.   

International veterinary graduates

In 2019 the proportion of international graduates – that is, veterinarians who obtained their primary

veterinary qualification in a country that wasn’t New Zealand, was 30% - or 805 of 2,633 returned Qs.

When it comes to overseas-qualified veterinarians working in Godzone, the levels are similar each year.  

For example, in the 2017/18 year 776 international veterinarians worked in Godzone.

And in the 2016/17 year, there were 702 international veterinarians.

Each year since the Vet Council has been conducting its Workforce Survey, it’s been necessary to top up our workforce from overseas to the tune of around 30%.  

Thirty per cent!

Hundreds – almost a thousand – veterinarians from overseas. 

Similar to previous years, vets from the UK comprised the largest group of international graduates (268 of 2633 - representing 10%) followed by Australia (152 of 2633 at 6%). 

What a lot of townies don’t realise is that provincial veterinary clinics are major employers in their regional centres.  

MPI - the Ministry for Primary Industries - is responsible for ensuring the safety and suitability of New Zealand exports for overseas and domestic markets.

It does this by providing official assurances and certification requirements for exporting New Zealand's food and animal products to overseas markets.  

Maintaining and growing international market access for New Zealand depen

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