Massey University welcomes Government boost to train more domestic veterinarians

Minister Simmonds says, “The veterinary workforce plays a key role in our biosecurity, animal welfare, food safety, and export industry. Increasing the number of places for veterinary science will help strengthen New Zealand’s domestic veterinarian workforce pipeline."

As Aotearoa New Zealand’s only veterinary school, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s School of Veterinary Science Tāwharau Ora also welcomes the Government’s commitment to increasing veterinary training capacity from 2030.

Massey currently has 175 veterinary training places each year, comprising 125 places for domestic students and 50 for international students. From 2027, the number of domestic places will increase to 140, while the total number of places at Massey will remain at 175.

The Government’s commitment means the overall number of veterinary training places in New Zealand can increase from 2030, if further growth in capacity is required.

To support this transition, the Government will provide Massey University with a $6 million grant, phased across five years under section 556 of the Education and Training Act 2020. 

Vice-Chancellor Professor Pierre Venter welcomes the increased investment, which will open the door for more New Zealanders to study at Massey’s world-leading veterinary school, ranked 14th globally and number one in the world for employer reputation.

“With a worldwide shortage of veterinarians, this change will support New Zealand to create a more sustainable veterinary workforce for the future,” Professor Venter explains.

“This endorsement and financial grant from the Government recognises Massey’s strength in this area and the impact that our University has in supporting New Zealand’s primary industries, strengthening rural communities, and contributing to the country’s social and economic prosperity. 

“New Zealand’s strong focus on primary production requires consistent veterinary care, and this commitment by the Government enables Massey to complete the long-term planning required to ensure we meet capability demands.”  

Professor Jon Huxley, Head of the School of Veterinary Science, says it is positive to see that Massey’s recent expansion of the veterinary school buildings including the opening of Ngā Huia, a $70 million veterinary research and teaching facility on the Manawatū campus, will be further utilised by domestic students.

“Veterinary students at Massey enjoy a new curriculum, new buildings and now an increased domestic class size. This new cohort will learn in our world-class teaching spaces, from lecturers that are advancing knowledge in animal health, medicine, disease and care.”

Veterinary Science has been a cornerstone of Massey’s scientific offering since 1964. As Massey approaches its centenary in 2027 and delivers its new strategy, People, Place, Possibility, supporting New Zealand’s primary industries remains a key focus. Massey last increased its Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) places in 2023, adding 25 domestic places to reach 125. Due to accreditation requirements, the next significant increase will begin in 2030, following the graduation of the current expanded cohort in 2029.