Vets welcome rural bonding scheme

New Zealand Veterinary Association
Media Release

Tuesday 18 November 2008

Vets welcome rural bonding scheme

A voluntary rural bonding scheme for veterinarians, promised today by incoming Minister for Agriculture, Hon. David Carter, has been welcomed by the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA).

“We are delighted with the announcement that the Minister intends to have the scheme in place by the start of the next academic year,” said NZVA chief executive Julie Hood.

“We recognise that instigating such a significant policy will take some thinking. The Association is happy to offer any assistance that might expedite the process and get it into place.”

Ms Hood said the Association is pleased that such importance is being place on what is a crucial matter - addressing the shortage of rural veterinarians.

“The NZVA welcomed National’s pre-election agriculture policy, which recognised the essential role veterinarians play in maintaining high standards of animal welfare, biosecurity, and food safety.”

She said a strong and effective rural veterinary presence is critical in a country that is so dependent on primary production for export income.

“A voluntary bonding scheme is a great start to solving the shortage, because it seeks to reward those students who are committed to working in the rural sector once they graduate. We see this as just one part of a number of solutions to a complex problem.”

ENDS

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