Thirty graduate vets will receive a financial boost from the Voluntary Bonding Scheme for Veterinarians to help ease the shortage of veterinarians working with production animals in our regions, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) announced today.
"Since it began 11 years ago, our Voluntary Bonding Scheme for Veterinarians has made a huge difference in attracting graduate vets to rural areas that are traditionally challenging to staff," says Steve Penno, director investment programmes at MPI.
"This year we've added a new provision, enabling graduates to work part-time in an eligible practice after taking parental leave."
This year's successful recipients will receive funding of $55,000 over 5 years – a total of $1.65 million.
"The graduate vets will be working with production animals, such as cows, sheep, and working dogs, which are essential in our primary industries," says Mr Penno.
"MPI is delighted to support the vital role vets play in our regions."
Find out more about the voluntary bonding scheme for vets
Locations of successful applicants
Region |
Number of graduates |
Towns/cities |
---|---|---|
Canterbury |
7 |
Geraldine (3), Ashburton (1), Oxford (1), Timaru (1), Temuka (1) |
Northland |
1 |
Otamatea (1) |
Otago |
3 |
Oamaru (2), Balclutha (1) |
Taranaki |
3 |
Stratford (1), Manaia (1), Ōpunake (1) |
Waikato |
4 |
Ōtorohanga (1), Taupō (2) Tokoroa (1) |
Gisborne |
1 |
Gisborne (1) |
Auckland |
2 |
Papakura (1), Helensville (1) |
Bay of Plenty |
4 |
Edgecumbe (1), Ngongotaha (1), Murupara (1), Rotorua (1) |
Hawkes Bay |
1 |
Waipukurau (1) |
Manawatū-Whanganui |
2 |
Raetihi (1), Whanganui (1) |
West Coast |
2 |
Greymouth (1), Hokitika (1) |
Total |
30 |
|