Each year, the New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA), recognises significant accomplishments, exemplary leadership and tireless commitment in our veterinary community through our prestigious NZVA awards.
This year we will be holding an Awards Ceremony on Thursday 5 June from 5.30-6.30pm in the Tākina Events Centre, Tāwhirimātea C room, Level 2. We encourage you to come along to celebrate with your fellow colleagues and join them for a drink.
Following from the Awards Ceremony there will be an Awards Celebration Dinner from 6.30-9.00pm in the Exhibition Area on Level 1 complimentary for all conference delegates. The dinner is a walk and form style dinner with various food stations set up throughout the exhibition area. Be sure to register for this when you register for conference!
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AWARD
A new award for 2025, the Community Engagement Award recognises individuals or organisations that have made outstanding contributions to community outreach and education related to animal health and welfare.
The winner for 2025 is Story Vets (Anexa Veterinary Services). Launched in 2024, Story Vets is an educational kit for year 4–8 school students designed to help attract young people into the veterinary profession.
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The Veterinary Impact Award is bestowed to individuals who have made a considerable positive impact for the veterinary profession. This year, the NZVA Awards Committee decided to present two awards. The 2025 winners are:
Ginny Dodunski – After 23 years as a production animal veterinarian, Ginny now works as the Wormwise Production Manager. In this role, she has significantly raised the programme's profile. In 2021, Ginny received the Alan Baldry Award for her service to the Sheep and Beef Cattle Veterinarians Branch of the NZVA.
Neil Chesterton – Neil has had a long and illustrious career in the dairy industry, including a focus on cow lameness and behaviour. Neil has many accolades to his name. In 2013, he was awarded an honorary Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) from Massey University and received the Golden Glove Award from the Dairy Cattle Veterinarians (DCV) Branch of the NZVA.
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The Veterinary Business Excellence Award recognises business excellence that supports employee wellbeing, workplace innovation, entrepreneurial flair, professional leadership and collaboration, and/or customer service in a way that reflects positively on the veterinary profession.
The winner for 2025 is Vet Services Hawkes Bay (VSHB), which has earned a reputation as a supportive and visionary employer, consistently prioritising the professional wellbeing and development of their staff.
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The Environmental Sustainability Award is presented to individuals, veterinary businesses or groups within New Zealand to recognise leadership and/or collaboration to improve environmental sustainability.
Lewis Griffiths (VetSalus) is the winner of the Environmental Sustainability Award for 2025. VetSalus is a leader in promoting One Health and increasing the recognition of the critical connections between animal and human life and our environment.
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The Outstanding Service Award recognises long and valued service to the NZVA, including individuals who go above and beyond for the betterment of the veterinary profession.
Stephen Hopkinson, the winner for 2025, has volunteered many hours of service to the profession. He has held numerous roles, including DCV Committee Member, DCV President, NZVA Board Member, and the inaugural Member Advisory Group Chair.
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The President's Award recognises meritorious service to the veterinary profession in the broadest sense.
The winner of the President’s Award for 2025 is Mark Bryan, who has had an extensive career dedicated to advancing veterinary science and animal welfare. In addition, Mark has volunteered 20 years’ service to the NZVA as a DCV Committee Member, Board Member and Antimicrobial Resistance Committee Chair.
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The Young Veterinarians Award honours individuals who have shown outstanding veterinary, communication and leadership skills since graduating as a veterinarian.
The winner for 2025 is Jordi Hoult. Jordi’s mentorship extends across sectors, inspiring young veterinarians and professionals to explore diverse career pathways. Jordi’s contributions have been widely recognised, including as a finalist for the 2024 Primary Industries Emerging Leader Award and the 2023 Zanda McDonald Award.