Record Number of Graduate Vets to Support Rural NZ Communities through Voluntary Bonding Scheme

“The Government is committed to enhancing primary sector productivity and delivering direct benefits to farmers and rural communities,” Mr. McClay stated.

Thirty-five graduate veterinarians will begin work in rural communities across New Zealand this year as part of the Government’s Voluntary Bonding Scheme (VBS) for Veterinarians, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard announced today. This intake marks the largest in the scheme’s history, reflecting a renewed commitment to supporting rural areas and enhancing the primary sector’s productivity.

“The Government is committed to enhancing primary sector productivity and delivering direct benefits to farmers and rural communities,” Mr McClay stated. “Supporting 35 new vets across 28 rural areas strengthens on-the-ground support for our hard-working farmers and producers.”

The Voluntary Bonding Scheme, launched to address the shortage of rural veterinarians, offers each participant $55,000 over five years. In return, the veterinarians commit to focusing on production animals and working dogs—roles that are critical for the health and productivity of livestock across the country. This support is especially significant as rural areas often struggle to attract and retain skilled professionals.

Associate Minister Hoggard emphasized the dual benefits of the program, noting, “Incentivising vets to practice in rural regions addresses the rural vet shortage while ensuring livestock health, which is critical to boosting primary sector productivity. Upholding the highest standards of animal care is essential to our agriculture sector’s success and reputation, and this programme ensures farmers have access to the best possible animal care.”

With many new vets starting their careers in these rural communities, the scheme also helps recent graduates reduce student debt while gaining unique experience. “Vets are vital to rural economies,” Mr. McClay added. “With this scheme, we’re not only bringing essential skills to rural areas but also helping young vets pay down their student loans while serving communities that rely on healthy, productive animals.”

Feedback from previous VBS participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting the rewards of working in close-knit, supportive communities while gaining hands-on experience in diverse animal care environments. “The scheme allows us to help build the next generation of rural vets,” McClay highlighted, “ensuring that farmers have consistent access to animal health services, which is a backbone of the agriculture sector.”

The Government’s commitment to expanding the Voluntary Bonding Scheme aligns with its broader goals of supporting rural New Zealand and ensuring the resilience of the agriculture sector. By increasing the number of skilled veterinarians in rural communities, the program helps sustain the health and productivity of the nation’s livestock and provides essential support to farmers across the country.