Published on 17 Feb 2025

Veterinary Workforce Revolution: Review of Veterinarians Act 2005

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Stephanie James Senior Consultant Contact me

New Zealand's veterinary sector underpins both our economy and our way of life. With the second-highest rate of pet ownership globally and a vital role in agricultural production, veterinarians ensure animal welfare while safeguarding our primary exports.

However, the system is under significant strain. The Veterinarians Act 2005 has failed to keep pace with modern practice, creating acute workforce challenges such as severe shortages exacerbated by Covid-19 border restrictions, rising stress levels and levels or burnout and limited oversight of veterinary practices.

Allen + Clarke conducted a comprehensive review that balanced economic imperatives, international obligations and best practice, animal welfare considerations, and professional wellbeing.

Our analysis revealed that the fundamental problem with the Act was its exclusive focus on veterinarians, which constrained the entire veterinary workforce. Over 95% of survey respondents confirmed significant staff shortages and poor mental health within the industry. With all responsibility falling on veterinarians, allied professionals with qualifications and expertise were underutilised, leading to inefficiency and job dissatisfaction.

Options for Meaningful Reform

We identified three potential options for reform. After thorough assessment against six key objectives, we determined that full regulation (Option 3) represented the preferred approach to ensure the veterinary sector is supported by clear, efficient and future-focused legislation that maintains integrity and protects professionals, the public and animal welfare. 

Options we considered were:

  • Website Generic Icons 1200x1200 GREEN 31 Voluntary Registration - amending the Act to introduce a voluntary registration system for AVPs, similar to the UK model.
  • Website Generic Icons 1200x1200 GREEN 31 Partial Regulation - mandating AVP registration and requiring the registration of veterinary clinics and practices.
  • Website Generic Icons 1200x1200 GREEN 31 Full Regulation - comprehensive reform with mandatory AVP registration, redefining scopes of practice, extending disciplinary proceedings and licensing veterinary clinics.
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A Strong Case for Change

The review found strong support within the sector for regulating AVPs and veterinary practices, with 80% of submitters considering the lack of professional regulation for AVPs to be an issue, and over 60% believing veterinary practices should be regulated. 

By delivering this comprehensive analysis Allen + Clarke equipped VCNZ with the evidence needed to make a robust case to Ministry for Primary Industries for modernising the Veterinarians Act 2005, ensuring New Zealand's veterinary sector is prepared to meet future challenges while maintaining high standards of animal care and welfare. 

Our final case for change provided MPI with compelling evidence that:

  • The current system creates inefficiencies where veterinarians are overworked and AVPs are underutilised. 

  • New Zealand's approach is out of step with international standards and obligations. 

  • Without reform, pressures on the system will increase, exacerbating risks to animal welfare and public confidence. 

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