New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association
| Abbreviation | NZVNA |
|---|---|
| Established | 1992 |
| Type | Not for Profit |
| Location |
|
| Services | Professional support and advice for veterinary nurses and technologists. |
President | Laura Harvey |
| Website | www |
The New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association (NZVNA) is the representative body for veterinary nurses in New Zealand. Its purpose is to promote high standards of veterinary nursing in New Zealand.
History
The New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association was established in 1992 by a group of like minded veterinary nurses, seeking representation within the veterinary profession in New Zealand. As of October 2018 the membership of the association stands at just over 1160 members.[1][2] Veterinary nursing in New Zealand is a profession in its own right, moving away from the previous classification of paraprofessionals.
Purpose
The New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association functions as the representative body for veterinary nurses in New Zealand. It provides an annual Continuing Professional Development scheme, linked closely with voluntary registration. The association produces a quarterly journal (The New Zealand Veterinary Nurse) and a regular e-newsletter to keep members up to date with current issues in the veterinary nursing profession.[1]
Executive committee members of the association provide support to its members on a wide range of topics, including Human Resources, Wellbeing, and Professional Development.
The NZVNA set recommended wage guidelines for veterinary nurses and veterinary nursing assistants.[3][4] The NZVNA oversees Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for veterinary nurses, and provides accreditation for CPD providers.[5]
WSAVA affiliate
The New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association was the first representative body for veterinary nurses to be an affiliate member of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).[6]
IVNTA affiliate
The New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association is a permanent member of the International Veterinary Nurses and Technicians Association (which advocates communication and co-operation of veterinary nurses and technicians around the world).[7]
Regulation
In 2016, the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association implemented voluntary registration of veterinary nurses. Previously, there was no form of registration, or formal way of recognising veterinary nursing qualifications.[8]
Registration of veterinary nurses in New Zealand is now overseen by the Allied Veterinary Professional Regulatory Council (AVPRC)."Regulation". avprc.org.nz. Retrieved 15 December 2025.
Veterinary nursing qualifications were reformed following the 2014–2015 government-mandated Targeted Review of Qualifications (TRoQ). The Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6) was introduced in 2016, and updated NZQA-approved qualifications commenced in 2025."Animal Healthcare and Veterinary Nursing". The Diploma in Veterinary Nursing remains the minimum qualification required for registration."VETERINARY NURSES" (PDF).
Veterinary Nurse Awareness Week
The New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association (NZVNA) organizes Veterinary Nurse Awareness Week (VNAW) annually during the first week of October to raise visibility for the profession and celebrate the contributions of veterinary nurses."Veterinary Nurse Awareness Week". nzvna.org.nz. Retrieved 15 December 2025. The week culminates with the Vet Nurse of the Year Award, established in 2013 in partnership with Hill’s Pet Nutrition. The award recognizes veterinary nurses who demonstrate excellence in patient care, team support, professional initiative, continuing education, qualifications, and years of service."Vet Nurse of the Year Award". nzvna.org.nz. Retrieved 15 December 2025.
Vet Nurse of the Year award winners
The NZVNA and Hill's Veterinary Nurse of the Year Award was launched in 2013 to recognise New Zealand veterinary nurses who advocate and significantly contribute to the care of their patients, and who are an integral part of the veterinary health care team.
| Year | Name |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Alex Flowers |
| 2024 | Marcus Flintoff |
| 2023 | Tenneal Prebble |
| 2022 | Cherie McLean |
| 2021 | Margie Rutherford |
| 2020 | Michelle Martin |
| 2019 | Jess Byrnes-Clark |
| 2018 | Ellie Clark |
| 2017 | Alice Gasnier |
| 2016 | Kate Leveridge |
| 2015 | Wendy Jarnet |
| 2014 | Lisa Jamieson |
| 2013 | Tania Fernandez |
Past Presidents of NZVNA
| Name | Years Active |
|---|---|
| Amy Ross | 2021-2024 |
| Julie Hutt | 2011-2021 |
| Sarah O’Hagan | 2008-2011 |
| Kathy Waugh | 2005-2008 |
| Marie Hennessy | 2002-2005 |
| Jan Bedford | 2001-2002 |
| Janet Molyneux | 2000-2001 |
| Val Lee | 1997-2000 |
| Steph McPherson | 1994-1997 |
| Angela Molloy | 1991-1994 |
References
- ^ a b "NZVNA was set up in 1992 to promote the profession of veterinary nursing in New Zealand". nzvna.org.nz. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ^ "FarmChat Article – NZ Veterinary Nursing Association celebrates 15 years". farmchat.co.nz. Retrieved 23 February 2016.
- ^ "Veterinary Nurse". careers.govt.nz. Retrieved 23 February 2016.
- ^ "Salary Report 2015". nzvna.org.nz. Retrieved 23 February 2016.
- ^ "NZVNA offers support and direction to Veterinary nurses". nzvna.org.nz. Retrieved 23 February 2016.
- ^ "NZVNA | WSAVA". www.wsava.org. Retrieved 23 February 2016.
- ^ "Permanent members – International Veterinary Nurses and Technicians Association". ivnta.org. Retrieved 6 March 2016.
- ^ Harvey, Laura; Ladyman, Rebecca; Farnworth, Mark (2 November 2014). "International differences in the journey toward compulsory veterinary nurse registration". The Veterinary Nurse. 5 (9): 538–542. doi:10.12968/vetn.2014.5.9.538. hdl:10652/3130. ISSN 2044-0065.