Veterinary Voices

What happens when a non-veterinarian takes the helm of a veterinary practice? In this chat, Tom Dinwiddie reveals how his business background and people-first approach have transformed Wanganui Veterinary Services and Vets on Carlton into genuine Employers of Choice in New Zealand's veterinary landscape.

At the heart of Tom's management philosophy lies a refreshing commitment to autonomy and accountability. "We allow people to make their own decisions and work autonomously," he explains, sharing real examples of team members who've flourished under this approach—from the young vet who researched and recommended dental X-ray equipment to the reserved nurse who blossomed into a confident leader. 

This trust extends to equipment needs and continuing education, with the practice generously supporting veterinarians' professional interests, whether in advanced dentistry, ultrasound techniques, or orthopaedic surgery.

Beyond the clinic walls, Tom paints a vivid picture of Whanganui as "New Zealand's best-kept secret"—a place where veterinary professionals can truly have it all.  With affordable housing, excellent schools, and boundless outdoor adventures from river kayaking to mountain climbing, the area offers the quintessential New Zealand lifestyle without the constraints of big-city living. 

The clinic's success in integrating international veterinary skills is exemplified by Hein, a Dutch veterinarian who joined after falling in love with the Whanganui River during a kayak trip and has now built a life and orthopaedic skills there over ten years.

For veterinary professionals contemplating their next career move, this conversation presents a compelling alternative to the traditional vet-owned practice model—one where personal and professional growth go hand in hand, all within one of New Zealand's most liveable communities. 

Visit vetclinicjobs.com/vets-on-carlton to discover how you could be part of this exceptional team.

Could Your Kind of People recognise Their Kind of Clinic?

A job ad may catch a vet’s or nurse’s eye. But it’s their own due diligence that determines whether they apply—or keep in touch.

Culture Story Centres turn real experiences from inside your team into credible, discoverable recruitment evidence, giving vets and nurses meaningful reasons to choose your clinic.

Explore Culture Story Centres for veterinary clinics

This episode focuses on the essential steps required to become a registered veterinarian in New Zealand, emphasising the importance of understanding the registration process for overseas applicants.

Key topics include language proficiency, registration types, and examination requirements.   

• Overview of the veterinary registration process in New Zealand
• Importance of a current Annual Practicing Certificate (APC)
• Requirement for English proficiency and passing the IELTS
• Difference between general and limited registration for veterinarians
• Examination pathways for those with unrecognised (according to the Veterinary Council of New Zealand) veterinary degrees
• Overview of Massey University’s Supervised Year of Clinical Training

and something new in 2025:

• Announcement of the transition to a newsletter format with focused content

Veterinary Council of New Zealand website

Could Your Kind of People recognise Their Kind of Clinic?

A job ad may catch a vet’s or nurse’s eye. But it’s their own due diligence that determines whether they apply—or keep in touch.

Culture Story Centres turn real experiences from inside your team into credible, discoverable recruitment evidence, giving vets and nurses meaningful reasons to choose your clinic.

Explore Culture Story Centres for veterinary clinics

As we venture into 2025, understanding recruitment dynamics is critical for veterinary clinics facing staffing challenges.

Today Julie South looks into the current landscape of veterinary employment in Aotearoa New Zealand, emphasising the importance of a strong employer brand, adapting to immigration changes, and creating supportive workplaces.

Julie recaps the impactful recruitment changes in NZs 2024 and crystal ball gazes into what she believes must happen in 2025:

• Overview of recruitment trends in New Zealand 
• Analysis of immigration rule changes impacting veterinary staffing 
• Explanation of MPI's Voluntary Bonding Scheme for large animal vets 
• The significance of mentorship and new grad development programs 
• Importance of a strong employer brand in attracting talent 
• Discussion on the role of AI in recruitment strategies 
• Steps to improve visibility and attractiveness of job advertisements 
• Encouragement for existing staff to provide positive reviews

Could Your Kind of People recognise Their Kind of Clinic?

A job ad may catch a vet’s or nurse’s eye. But it’s their own due diligence that determines whether they apply—or keep in touch.

Culture Story Centres turn real experiences from inside your team into credible, discoverable recruitment evidence, giving vets and nurses meaningful reasons to choose your clinic.

Explore Culture Story Centres for veterinary clinics

Equine dental care in New Zealand is facing a crossroads, and Registered Veterinarian Dr Helen Beattie is here to shed light on the pressing need for regulatory reform. 

The current landscape allows non-veterinarians to perform complex dental procedures on horses, posing significant risks to equine welfare. 

Join host Julie South and Dr Helen as she shares her passionate advocacy against these practices, highlighting the Ministry for Primary Industries' disregard for expert veterinary advice and her relentless pursuit to safeguard animal welfare through policy change.

Regulatory challenges extend beyond equine care as veterinary nurses in the companion animal field grapple with limitations despite their training and insurance. 

Dr Helen recounts her journey back to university, driven by a desire to blend legal expertise with my passion for animals, aiming to become one of only two (as at recording) vet lawyers in New Zealand. 

Her personal narrative underscores the broader need for regulatory support to overcome bureaucratic hurdles and the fresh perspective that legally trained veterinary professionals can bring to the field.

Returning to academia as a mature student brings its own set of challenges and opportunities. Dr Helen and Julie discuss how life experience enriches both learning and work environments, while also confronting exam stress and perfectionism. 

We celebrate the unique contributions mature students and professionals bring, urging respect and appreciation for their wisdom and balance. 

Could Your Kind of People recognise Their Kind of Clinic?

A job ad may catch a vet’s or nurse’s eye. But it’s their own due diligence that determines whether they apply—or keep in touch.

Culture Story Centres turn real experiences from inside your team into credible, discoverable recruitment evidence, giving vets and nurses meaningful reasons to choose your clinic.

Explore Culture Story Centres for veterinary clinics

Today host Julie South, uncover some of the complexities of national cat management in New Zealand in this second of three part series with Dr Helen Beattie.

As a dedicated advocate for responsible cat ownership, Dr Helen shines a light on the vital role of veterinary professionals in transforming public perceptions and practices.

Julie and Dr Helen explore the myths surrounding feline reproduction, the crucial importance of microchipping and de-sexing, and the dire need for streamlined national legislation to replace ineffective local bylaws.

Their discussion reflects on a decade of progress and the delicate balance between animal welfare and environmental conservation.

Veterinarians are front and centre in the battle for effective stray cat management, and Dr Beattie shares her frustrations and hopes for the future. She shares the critical need for thoughtful trap, neuter, and return (TNR) programmes, especially near ecologically sensitive areas.

Dr Helen passionately argues that simply euthanising strays is not socially acceptable, and emphasises the need for the veterinary community to unite in supporting responsible management initiatives.   By shifting the narrative towards keeping cats safe and happy at home, we can start the conversation that benefits both native species and our feline friends.

Hear about innovative solutions like cat-proof fencing, designed to safely contain outdoor cats and prevent them from straying into vulnerable habitats.   Dr Helen compares this modern approach to the established practice of high fencing for dogs, highlighting the growing responsibilities of cat ownership.

Julie and Dr Helen also discuss the ongoing development of educational tools to support both vets and cat guardians, as well as the financial needs of these initiatives.

Links mentioned in this episode

Catfence
Catnets
Ep 215 - Banning Live Exports
Join VAWA

Could Your Kind of People recognise Their Kind of Clinic?

A job ad may catch a vet’s or nurse’s eye. But it’s their own due diligence that determines whether they apply—or keep in touch.

Culture Story Centres turn real experiences from inside your team into credible, discoverable recruitment evidence, giving vets and nurses meaningful reasons to choose your clinic.

Explore Culture Story Centres for veterinary clinics

What if you could change the fate of thousands of animals with just your voice?

Join Julie South this week as she chats with Dr Helen Beattie, the pioneering founder of Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa (VAWA). 

Today Dr Helen she shares her compelling journey in challenging the norms of live animal exports. Through her expert lens, Dr Beattie brings to light the ethical dilemmas and dire conditions faced during these inhumane journeys.

Dr Helen and Julie catch up on what she's been doing since her last guest appearance (back in ep. 069).   They talk about VAWAs mission through to grappling with the pressing need for sustainable financial models to keep such critical advocacy alive.

As we confront the harsh realities of live exports, the episode also unravels the tragic story of Gulf Livestock 1, serving as a stark warning of the perils involved.

Dr Helen and Julie talk about the political maelstrom surrounding New Zealand's anticipated repeal of the live export ban and they explore the global movement towards stricter regulations.

This conversation isn't just about the challenges—it’s about taking action. They discuss how public engagement can influence decision-making and shape policies that prioritise animal welfare.

Tune in to discover the power of advocacy and the potential for meaningful change in the realm of animal rights.

Links Mentioned Today
Dr Helen Beattie - Episode 069
Dr Helen Beattie - Episode 070
Dr Helen Beattie - Episode 071
Email Prime Minister Christopher Luxon
Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa website

Could Your Kind of People recognise Their Kind of Clinic?

A job ad may catch a vet’s or nurse’s eye. But it’s their own due diligence that determines whether they apply—or keep in touch.

Culture Story Centres turn real experiences from inside your team into credible, discoverable recruitment evidence, giving vets and nurses meaningful reasons to choose your clinic.

Explore Culture Story Centres for veterinary clinics

Join Julie South for the second thought-provoking conversation she has with Dr Jane Jones, as they uncover the nuanced experiences of Māori veterinarians and veterinary nurses in New Zealand. 

Discover how Dr Jane's collaborative research with Dr. Francesca Brown reveals the profound impact of cultural narratives and the challenges faced by Māori professionals in expressing their identity within the veterinary field. 

Listen to them chat about the significance of respecting cultural practices like tikanga, especially in contexts involving death, and explore the broader implications of kaupapa Māori research. 

Dr. Jones shares her hope that future Māori veterinary professionals will continue this vital dialogue, reflecting her commitment to honouring cultural perspectives.

Julie and Dr Jane also explore the shared experiences of Māori and Pasifika communities in both human health and veterinary sectors, emphasising the importance of trust, empathy, and understanding cultural contexts. 

Their conversation sheds light on the financial hurdles these communities face in accessing care and the need for cultural safety in veterinary practice. Drawing on personal stories, they discuss the importance of self-reflection in overcoming biases and assumptions and underscore the necessity for the veterinary sector to engage meaningfully with Te Tiriti o Waitangi. 

The episodes wraps up with a hopeful note on community unity, inspired by the peaceful Hikoi event, as they advocate for a more inclusive and respectful veterinary practice in New Zealand.

Could Your Kind of People recognise Their Kind of Clinic?

A job ad may catch a vet’s or nurse’s eye. But it’s their own due diligence that determines whether they apply—or keep in touch.

Culture Story Centres turn real experiences from inside your team into credible, discoverable recruitment evidence, giving vets and nurses meaningful reasons to choose your clinic.

Explore Culture Story Centres for veterinary clinics

Dr. Jane Jones, a pioneering voice in veterinary narratives, invites us into her world as she navigates the complexities of qualitative research in veterinary science.

With a unique focus on the experiences of Māori veterinarians and vet nurses in Aotearoa, New Zealand, Dr Jane's research journey unveils the challenges and rewards of exploring a field with sparse literature.  

Her collaboration with Associate Professor Dr Francesca Brown and her dedication to learning Te Reo Māori highlight not only her personal growth but also her commitment to enhancing cultural sensitivity within veterinary practices. 

Through this episode (part one of two), you're offered a thoughtful reflection on the intersection of Māori culture and veterinary science, as Dr Jane shares the profound impact of indigenous perspectives on animal care.

We further explore how integrating te reo Māori into veterinary consultations has sparked varied reactions and why understanding Māori views on animals can transform welfare practices. 

Dr Jane provides insights from key studies and interviews, unveiling themes of cultural visibility and safety within the profession. 

As host, Julie South, and Dr Jane delve into broader historical trends - including language loss and educational struggles among Māori communities - this episode challenges us to reconsider the role of indigenous perspectives in building trust and improving outcomes in veterinary care. 

Join Julie South and Dr Jane Jones for a thought-provoking chat that not only enlightens, but also inspires, a rethinking of our approach to cultural dynamics in the veterinary world.

Could Your Kind of People recognise Their Kind of Clinic?

A job ad may catch a vet’s or nurse’s eye. But it’s their own due diligence that determines whether they apply—or keep in touch.

Culture Story Centres turn real experiences from inside your team into credible, discoverable recruitment evidence, giving vets and nurses meaningful reasons to choose your clinic.

Explore Culture Story Centres for veterinary clinics

In this episode of Veterinary Voices, host Julie South delivers invaluable insights for new veterinary graduates (vets and nurses) preparing for their first job interviews. 

With career expo season in full swing across New Zealand, this timely discussion provides practical, actionable strategies to help fresh graduates stand out in the competitive veterinary job market.

Key takeaways include:

• How to craft standout applications that catch employers' attention
• Essential pre-interview research techniques
• The STAR framework for answering behavioural questions
• Professional presentation tips that make a lasting impression
• Strategic questions to ask during interviews

Whether you're a recent graduate or preparing for a career transition, this episode offers concrete steps to help level the playing field in veterinary job interviews. 

Julie's experienced perspective and practical advice make this a must-listen for anyone looking to launch their veterinary career with confidence.

Perfect for:

• New veterinary graduates
• Veterinary students preparing for the job market
• Career changers within the veterinary industry
• Hiring managers wanting to understand candidate perspectives

Listen now to gain the competitive edge you need in your next veterinary job interview.

Links mentioned today:

Episode 075 - 11 Job Interview Questions to Ask
Episode 041 - Massey University Job Interview Q&A

Could Your Kind of People recognise Their Kind of Clinic?

A job ad may catch a vet’s or nurse’s eye. But it’s their own due diligence that determines whether they apply—or keep in touch.

Culture Story Centres turn real experiences from inside your team into credible, discoverable recruitment evidence, giving vets and nurses meaningful reasons to choose your clinic.

Explore Culture Story Centres for veterinary clinics

Episode 211 of Veterinary Voices, hosted by Julie South, features an in-depth conversation with Catherine Neazor Brady, a seasoned New Zealand licensed immigration consultant. 

Catherine and Julie look at the latest changes in New Zealand's immigration policies and their significant impact on the veterinary industry.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Immigration Processing Improvements:
   • Immigration New Zealand has reorganised into operational centres, leading to faster processing times.
   • Priority processing for skill level one jobs and Green List roles, including veterinarians.
   • Job checks for priority categories now processed within weeks instead of months.
2. Accredited Employer Work Visa Review:
   • Ongoing review of the scheme with potential changes to wage requirements.
   • Possible shift from median wage requirement to minimum wage plus a factor or market rate.
   • Implications for veterinary nurse recruitment and retention.
3. Partner Visa Changes:
   • From 2 December 2024, Partnership Work Visas will become fully open with no conditions or pay requirements.
   • This change makes it easier for partners of veterinary professionals to find work in New Zealand.
4. Visa Application Fees and Processing:
   • Discussion on the recent fee increase and its impact on application numbers.
   • Insights into application approval rates and common issues causing delays.
5. Single Parent Visa Applicants:
   • Special wage threshold requirements for visa applicants with dependent children.
   • Minimum annual earnings of $43,322.70 required to support dependents on a visa.

This episode provides crucial information for veterinary practices considering hiring overseas qualified professionals looking to work in New Zealand.

Discover how to navigate the complex immigration landscape, understand recent policy changes, and prepare for potential future developments in New Zealand's veterinary sector immigration policies.

Catherine's previous episodes
Episode 203
Episode 204

Could Your Kind of People recognise Their Kind of Clinic?

A job ad may catch a vet’s or nurse’s eye. But it’s their own due diligence that determines whether they apply—or keep in touch.

Culture Story Centres turn real experiences from inside your team into credible, discoverable recruitment evidence, giving vets and nurses meaningful reasons to choose your clinic.

Explore Culture Story Centres for veterinary clinics