Catherine Neazor Brady - New Zealand licensed immigration advisor with over 20 years of experience in both recruitment and immigration - chats with host, Julie South of VetStaff.

Catherine and Julie discuss the intricacies of immigration for veterinary professionals looking to work in New Zealand.

Key topics covered in the episode include:

1. Recent changes in New Zealand's immigration landscape, particularly the fee increases set to take effect on October 1st. Catherine explains these changes, their rationale, and compares them to similar fees in other countries like Australia.
2. The distinctions between temporary and permanent visas, detailing the requirements and processes for each. Catherine elaborates on the "green list" for high-demand occupations, which includes veterinarians, and how this impacts the visa application process.
3. Employer obligations when hiring overseas veterinary professionals, including costs, responsibilities, registration fees, and job check requirements. This information is valuable for both clinics looking to hire international talent and for veterinary professionals seeking to understand their potential employers' perspectives.
4. Recognition of overseas qualifications, particularly for veterinary nurses. Catherine explains the assessment process conducted by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and discusses how work experience can sometimes substitute for formal qualifications in certain visa applications.
5. The importance of working with licensed immigration consultants, highlighting the complexities of the process and the potential pitfalls of attempting to navigate it alone.

Throughout the episode, Catherine's unique combination of recruitment and immigration expertise provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the entire process, from initial job search to successful visa acquisition.

This informative discussion offers valuable insights for both potential immigrants and employers, providing a solid foundation of knowledge about the current veterinary immigration landscape in New Zealand.

Contact Catherine Neazor Brady:
Neazor Brady Immigration Consultants
Catherine at Linkedin

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

Curious about why only 26% of Kiwi veterinary nurses plan to stay in their profession until retirement?

Join Julie South as she catches up with Associate Professor Laura Harvey, the President of the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association, who sheds light on this pretty grim statistic.

Julie and Laura talk about the unique challenges faced by New Zealand’s veterinary workforce, from rural and cultural dynamics to the impacts of poor remuneration.

With insights backed by the Boehringer survey, Laura provides a comprehensive look into the factors contributing to the high turnover rate and what can be done to support these essential healthcare professionals.

Julie and Laura also tackle the operational dynamics within veterinary clinics, emphasising the importance of distinguishing between the roles of veterinary nurses and receptionists.

With real-world examples from VetStaff, we illustrate how small clinics can thrive by clearly defining these roles, leading to significant improvements in efficiency and growth.

Packed with practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the intricacies of veterinary nursing as a profession in New Zealand veterinary clinics.

Tune in for an episode that promises valuable insights and actionable advice!

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

Kevin Bryant, CEO of the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA), joins Julie South of VetStaff, us to share his passion and commitment to supporting veterinarians throughout their careers. 

From students to retirees, Kevin highlights the NZVA's pivotal role in championing the entire veterinary team.  

Often confused, listen as Kevin talks about the vital distinctions between the NZVA and the Vet Council (VCNZ), clarifying their unique roles and contributions to the veterinary sector in New Zealand.

Discover the extensive advocacy work spearheaded by the NZVA to improve animal welfare and veterinary practices. 

Kevin sheds light on efforts to empower trained veterinary nurses with specific dental procedures, campaigns against behaviour-modifying collars, and restrictions on public fireworks sales. 

Kevin and Julie also chat about the pressing issues of responsible antimicrobial use, veterinarians' roles in emergency responses through the One Health approach, and the crucial focus on workforce sustainability and leadership amidst economic challenges and workforce shortages. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of veterinary practice in New Zealand or who are considering moving to New Zealand to work as a veterinary professional.

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 in this milestone episode of the Vet Staff podcast as she reflects on an incredible journey spanning 199 episodes, five continents, 100 countries, and 1400 cities. 

From its humble beginnings during New Zealand's 2020 lockdown to becoming a global platform for veterinary professionals, the podcast has defied the odds in a world where 90% of podcasts never make it past their third episode.

Julie shares a bit of the hard work, dedication, and passion that have fuelled the podcast's success, and she expresses heartfelt gratitude to loyal listeners around the world.

As the podcast evolves into "Veterinary Voices," Julie is excited to introduce a new chapter that continues to celebrate the veterinary profession in New Zealand and beyond.

In this episode, Julie previews the exciting line up of guests for the upcoming "Veterinary Voices," including Kevin Bryant, CEO of the New Zealand Veterinary Association, and Associate Professor Laura Harvey, President of the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association. 

With engaging conversations and inspiring stories, the new series promises to highlight the best of the veterinary industry in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Don't miss out on this exciting transition! Hit the follow button on your favourite podcast app to stay connected and be part of the next 199 episodes celebrating veterinary excellence.

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 the key to skyrocketing your veterinary practice's productivity lies in the counterintuitive strategy of slowing down?

Today, Julie South takes you on a journey through the art of effective time management that is so opposite to what you'd expect, it's paradoxically pretty amazing!

Discover how the Pomodoro technique—working in focused intervals with strategic breaks—can transform your workday.

Hear success stories and discover how you can implement similar work rhythm strategies in smaller veterinary practices.

You're guaranteed you'll find practical tips on setting aside time for special projects and upskilling your team, drawing inspiration from Atlassian's "Ship It Days."

Feel the power of achieving a flow state and get actionable steps to create distraction-free zones and extend deep work sessions gradually.

Julie shares the roadmap she uses for reorganising clinic rosters to suit your team's preferred working hours. By building teamwork and showing early wins, you'll discover how to overcome resistance and cultivate a happier, more creative, and resilient workforce.

Forget working harder; discover how working smarter can lead to a more adaptable and skilled veterinary team. Join Julie in this episode and embrace these innovative strategies to elevate your practice today!

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

How familiar are you with the "protective" laws involved in reference checking?

Julie South from VetStaff explores the complexities of reference checks in New Zealand's veterinary profession. Prompted by an unusual request, she examines the legal risks of mishandling references, stressing adherence to the Privacy Act and Fair Trading Act.

Key Takeaways:

1. Legal Boundaries: Julie emphasises the importance of understanding the legal framework of reference checks, highlighting the consequences of Privacy Act breaches and the need for explicit consent.
2. Reference Checking: Learn how to verify reference authenticity and "triangulate" sources for reliable information, with practical tips for lawful checks.
3. Exit Agreements: Explore how exit agreements and non-disparagement clauses can lead to misleading references and how to uncover the truth.
4. Workforce Assurance Standards: Julie discusses standards by the NZ Public Service Commission to improve reference quality and prevent unchecked employee movement, advocating for similar standards in the veterinary sector.
5. Advice for Employers: The episode provides ten essential questions for reference checks and guidance on documenting feedback to avoid disputes.

Why Listen?

This episode is essential for veterinary professionals in hiring or job-seeking. 

Julie offers insights into the legal and ethical aspects of reference checks, helping listeners navigate recruitment confidently. Whether refining your hiring process or understanding your rights, this episode provides practical advice and discussions to enhance your understanding of New Zealand's veterinary recruitment landscape. 

Listen today to arm yourself with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of reference checks in New Zealand, protecting your professional journey and building a fair recruitment environment.

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

Ever wondered if a career as a locum vet or vet nurse in New Zealand could be your next big move...?

This week VetStaff's Julie South explores the (sometimes) thrilling possibilities and (dreaded) daunting challenges of locuming in New Zealand's veterinary clinics.

From the (apparent) attractive perks of higher hourly rates and (perceived) flexible schedules to the potential pitfalls like financial instability and fleeting workplace relationships, she lays it all out. 

Discover how locuming can offer personal growth, the chance to test out different clinics, and the opportunity to work in varied settings. However, Julie also highlights the less glamorous side of the equation, such as unpredictability and the administrative burdens that come with the territory. 

Whether you're seeking adventure or need stability, Julie's analysis gives you the insights you need to make an informed decision.

Building meaningful connections within the veterinary community is essential, and in this episode, Julie invites you to connect with fellow veterinary professionals like your hosts, Julie South and her colleague, Tania Bruce. 

Share your location, leave reviews, and connect through VetStaff's website start building your supportive and connected workplace.  

Discover how to be the best version of yourself in your veterinary career while making impactful connections along the way. Your involvement not only helps us grow but also supports our mission of enhancing vet clinics' online presence. Tune in to discover how you can contribute to and benefit from this vibrant community.

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

Can focusing on trivial tasks be sabotaging your productivity?

Discover how displacement activities, those sneaky forms of procrastination, trick you into feeling accomplished while keeping you from tackling crucial tasks. 

In this episode of the Vet Staff podcast, Julie South unpacks the psychological discomfort behind these behaviours and the misleading dopamine hits they provide. 

By understanding how common distractions like organising the medicine cabinet instead of updating patient records can stifle your efficiency, you'll gain valuable insights into your own work habits.

Julie shares practical strategies to combat these distractions, such as chunking tasks and implementing the two-minute rule, to help you regain control. But that's not all; she emphasises the power of workplace support and collaboration. 

By sharing these insights with your colleagues, you can create a more positive and motivated work environment. 

Because your thoughts and experiences are important to Julie, she invites you to connect with her, and strive together to become the most productive versions of ourselves. 

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your productivity and workplace morale!

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

Ever wondered why some meetings feel like a waste of time while others drive real results? 

Discover the secrets to conducting powerful and efficient veterinary clinic meetings that will transform your practice's productivity. 

This episode of the Vet Staff Podcast reveals strategies to streamline your meetings with clear agendas, proper scheduling, and ensuring the right team members are present and prepared. 

Learn how skilled facilitation can navigate diverse personality dynamics and keep discussions focused on truly important topics, avoiding the common pitfall of "bike shedding."

We'll share proven techniques to generate active participation and accountability, transforming your meetings from dreaded obligations into valuable tools for enhanced communication and collaboration. 

By prioritising agenda items and engaging all attendees, you'll ensure meaningful outcomes and a culture of accountability that extends beyond the meeting room.

Whether you're a clinic manager or a team member, these insights will help you optimize your meetings and boost overall efficiency in your veterinary practice. Don't miss this chance to revolutionize your meeting practices and elevate your clinic's performance.

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

Is your clinic still struggling with the post-pandemic workforce transformation?

Discover how to turn these challenges into opportunities by understanding the concept of psychological safety and its profound impact on new hires and annual performance reviews.

Join Julie South, Certified DISC Trainer and Resilience Coach, as she introduces the juniority benefit, the swoosh pattern of psychological safety levels over time, and the peak-end rule cognitive bias. 

This episode is packed with insights on how these elements can shape your onboarding processes and yearly evaluations, ultimately enhancing your clinic’s performance and morale.

Drawing parallels between the veterinary and airline industries, Julie explores how early retirements of experienced mentors have created significant training gaps. 

Julie shares recent studies and expert insights on building a psychologically safe environment that promotes learning, collaboration, and peak performance. 

Whether you're a practice owner, manager, or new team member, this episode offers actionable strategies for creating a supportive and thriving workplace, ensuring your team is equipped to handle the complexities of their roles with confidence. 

Tune in to transform your clinic’s dynamics and elevate your team’s potential.

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