The NZVNA Vet Nurse of the Year Award was set up in 2013 to recognize the hard work of veterinary nurses and their dedication to the veterinary nursing profession.

This award is so special to us, it has its own page. Check it out here: Vet Nurse of the Year » New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association

Every year, the Angela Payne Award, named after our first NZVNA President, goes to the best article published in the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Journal (NZVNJ) in the preceeding year, as judged by our NZVNA executive committee. This is a fabulous award to be able to recognise the hard work that goes into writing for the journal.

The winner is announced one month prior to our awards dinner. The prize? Free registration to our annual conference, which is a fantastic opportunity for learning and networking in the veterinary community.

Past winners: 

2025: Alya Zamri

Are you an amazing patient care advocate? 

The New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association (NZVNA) and Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health (BIAH) are excited to announce a fantastic new award for our members!  

Showcase your exceptional patient advocacy skills for a chance to win a scholarship that supports your ongoing efforts in patient care, along with registration and travel expenses to the annual NZVNA Conference.  

Prize Includes: 

• Up to $3000 Grant: Use this grant to further your patient advocacy through additional studies, mentorship programs, or other initiatives. 
• Round-Trip Airfare and Transport: Enjoy complimentary travel to Wellington. 
• Accommodation: Stay comfortably for the duration of the conference. 
• Full Conference Registration: Gain access to all sessions and events. 
• NZVNA Awards Dinner: Attend this prestigious event and celebrate with your peers. 

Not included: Food costs outside of the conference, travel insurance.  

How to Enter: 

1. Eligibility: Open to all full NZVNA members currently working in the NZ veterinary sector. Applicants must have confirmation from their employer of ability to attend the conference and dinner (i.e. approval for time off work) 
2. Submission: Write a short submission (500 words max) explaining how you are a patient care advocate. You might include a new process you have implemented in your clinic, or new protocols that improve patient care and wellbeing. 
3. Deadline: Complete the online form by 1 May, 2025 
4. Selection: Submissions will be judged based on originality, insight, and relevance to the topic. 

Applying for yourself? Click here; Nominating a colleague? Click here 

Terms and Conditions: See here

Past winners: 

2025: Rebekah Welsford

Are you an advocate for workplace wellbeing, and mental health support in your team? Complete the online application form here.

The New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association (NZVNA) and Royal Canin are excited to announce a fantastic new award for our members!  

Share with us how you support the wellbeing and mental health of your team and let us know what you need to take your ideas and initiatives further. You could win a scholarship that supports your ongoing efforts in ongoing efforts in workplace wellbeing OR mental health advocacy, along with registration and travel expenses to the annual NZVNA Conference.  

Prize Includes: 

1. $3000 Grant: Use this grant to further your education and/or advocacy through additional studies, mentorship programs, or other initiatives 
2. Round-trip Flights and Transport: Enjoy complimentary travel to Wellington (from another NZ destination) 
3. Accommodation: Stay comfortably for the duration of the conference 
4. Full Conference Registration: Gain access to all sessions and events 
5. NZVNA Awards Dinner: Attend this prestigious event and celebrate with your peers 

Not included: Food costs outside of the conference, travel insurance.  

How to Enter: 

1. Eligibility: Open to all full NZVNA members currently working in the NZ veterinary sector. Applicants must have confirmation from their employer of ability to attend the conference and dinner (i.e. approval for time off work) 
2. Submission: Complete the online application form here. You will be asked to complete the following sections.  
   1. Part 1: Nominee submission 
      1. Education and Professional Development 
         1. What mental health and wellness education or training have you completed? 
         2. Include accredited or non-accredited courses, CPD events, workshops, and self-development activities. 
         3. Explain how these have influenced your approach to supporting mental health and wellness. 
      2. Personal Wellbeing Practices 
         1. How do you prioritise and maintain your own mental health and physical wellbeing? 
         2. Share examples of hobbies, self-care strategies, or downtime activities that help you recharge. 
         3. Describe how these practices positively influence your professional life and inspire others. 
      3. Workplace Support and Team Impact 
         1. How do you support mental health and wellbeing within your veterinary clinic? 
         2. Provide examples of initiatives, practices, or daily actions you’ve implemented to foster a positive workplace culture. 
         3. Discuss how your contributions have improved the wellbeing of your colleagues. 
      4. Community and Industry Contributions 
         1. What impact have you had beyond your clinic in supporting mental health and wellness? 
         2. Include examples of involvement in community outreach, industry initiatives, or mentoring others. 
         3. Explain how your contributions have benefited the wider veterinary or local community. 
   2. Part 2: Testimonials 
      1. Nominees must submit at least two testimonials from colleagues, coworkers, or peers that address the following: 
         1. Examples of how the nominee has supported mental health and wellbeing within the team or workplace. 
         2. Stories or specific situations where the nominee’s actions had a positive impact on individuals or the broader clinic culture. 
         3. Endorsements of the nominee’s dedication, approachability, and contributions to fostering a healthy work environment. 
   3. These testimonials should highlight the nominee’s qualities and provide evidence of their positive influence within the veterinary profession. 
3. Deadline: Complete the online form by 1 May, 2025 
4. Selection: Submissions will be judged based on originality, insight, and relevance to the topic. 

Terms and Conditions: See here

Past winners: 

2025: Marita Godfrey