Livestock farmers in Eastern Bay of Plenty are reaping the benefits of a government program that aids graduate veterinarians. Kate Mackersey, a vet from Opotiki, is one of the 33 beneficiaries of the government’s Voluntary Bonding Scheme for veterinarians. The scheme provides each participant with $55,000 in funding over five years, in exchange for their services in rural New Zealand.
“There’s a shortage of vets in rural areas,” Mackersey explains. “The program aims to attract and support graduates to work in these areas by providing funding.”
For Mackersey, the decision to join the scheme was easy. She grew up on a sheep and beef farm and always knew she wanted to work in this field. The scheme helped solidify her decision.
“Graduates often enter the workforce with a significant amount of debt. We’ve studied at vet school for five years, and that’s expensive,” she says. The scheme helps to alleviate some of this financial stress, allowing her to concentrate on her work.
Since its launch in 2009, the Voluntary Bonding Scheme has supported 449 graduate vets. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says the scheme was established to address the shortage of vets working with production animals and working dogs in rural areas.
For Mackersey, the financial aid combined with her hands-on training is proving to be an invaluable foundation for her career. “Working with farmers is rewarding, as they are passionate about their roles as guardians of animals and land. I have learned so much from them,” she says.
