By Webfit News
Auckland, 10 July 2026
Veterinarians and veterinary teams from across New Zealand have been recognised for their contribution to animal health, farming, biosecurity, food safety and community wellbeing in the 2026 New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe Awards.
The annual awards celebrate professionals whose work has strengthened veterinary care and delivered long-term benefits for farmers, pet owners, animal welfare organisations and communities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
NZVA President Dr Robert Mills MNZM said the awards reflected the depth of expertise and leadership within the profession.
“These awards celebrate veterinarians and veterinary teams whose work goes well beyond clinical excellence,” Dr Mills said.
He said the 2026 recipients demonstrated how veterinary professionals contribute not only to animal treatment, but also to public health, food production, farming systems, biosecurity and stronger communities.
Roger Marchant Receives Honorary Life Membership
Kāpiti Coast veterinarian Roger Marchant has been awarded Honorary Life Membership following a career spanning clinical practice, government service and professional leadership.
His work has included contributions to disease eradication, biosecurity, food safety and the development of a bobby calf assurance programme.
According to the NZVA, his efforts have had a lasting influence on New Zealand’s veterinary and agricultural sectors.
Mr Marchant has also held governance and service roles within the New Zealand Veterinary Association, contributing to the development and direction of the wider profession.
The award recognises both the technical importance of his work and his long-term commitment to supporting veterinary standards in New Zealand.
Christchurch Couple Recognised for Business Excellence
Christchurch veterinarians Barbara and Murray Pringle have received the Veterinary Business Excellence Award.
The couple have been recognised for nearly five decades of service to veterinary practice, community care and professional leadership through Marshall & Pringle Petmed.
They were early adopters of veterinary technology, including one of New Zealand’s earliest automated X-ray processing systems.
Barbara and Murray Pringle also helped establish the Christchurch After Hours Veterinary Clinic during the early 1990s, improving access to urgent veterinary care outside standard clinic hours.
Their approach to staff wellbeing was also highlighted by the NZVA.
Employees have been supported through funded health insurance, flexible work arrangements and professional development opportunities. Some team members have remained with the practice for several decades.
The award reflects the role that strong workplace culture, investment in staff and long-term planning can play in building a successful veterinary business.
Scott McDougall Wins Veterinary Impact Award
Waikato-based veterinarian Scott McDougall has received the 2026 Veterinary Impact Award for his work improving dairy cattle health, welfare and productivity.
Dr McDougall has spent close to 30 years at Anexa Veterinary Services and has played a major role in the development of veterinary research and practical tools for dairy farmers.
His research and innovations have helped improve clinical decision-making and farming outcomes in New Zealand and overseas.
In 2017, he became the only Southern Hemisphere recipient of the American Dairy Science Association Award for milk quality research.
Dr Mills said Dr McDougall’s work would continue to influence the sector for years to come.
“Scott’s work will have a lasting impact across the sector, reflecting his dedication to excellence, innovation and high professional standards,” he said.
The award highlights the close relationship between veterinary science and New Zealand’s dairy industry, where improvements in animal health can also support productivity, farm sustainability and food quality.
Auckland Pharmacologist Honoured for Antimicrobial Stewardship
Auckland-based veterinary pharmacologist Dennis Scott has received the 2026 Antimicrobial Stewardship Award.
His work has focused on promoting responsible antimicrobial use and strengthening awareness of antimicrobial resistance across the veterinary profession.
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern in both human and animal health. It occurs when bacteria and other microorganisms become less responsive to medicines designed to treat infections.
Mr Scott has contributed to the development of an antimicrobial usage reduction approach through the NZVA Industry Branch and the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists Pharmacology Chapter.
He has also served as President of the NZVA Industry Branch.
His international contribution includes serving as a member of the World Veterinary Association Advisory Group on Pharmaceutical Stewardship.
The award recognises his role in supporting evidence-based prescribing, clinical decision-making and responsible medicine use.
Karen and Hamish Atkinson Receive First Community Engagement Award
Christchurch veterinarians Karen and Hamish Atkinson have become the inaugural winners of the NZVA Community Engagement Award.
The pair have served the New Brighton community through their veterinary clinic since 1991.
Their work has been recognised for combining professional care with strong community commitment, particularly during periods of hardship.
Following the Canterbury earthquakes, which caused major damage across New Brighton, Karen and Hamish continued providing veterinary services while also dealing with the impact on their own family and community.
The NZVA said the couple had also developed practical ways to help clients facing financial hardship access care for their animals.
New Brighton includes areas experiencing significant socio-economic pressure, making affordable and accessible veterinary care especially important.
“As inaugural winners, Karen and Hamish exemplify the spirit of the new award through their professionalism, compassion and commitment to animal health, welfare and community wellbeing,” Dr Mills said.
Their recognition reflects the wider role veterinary clinics can play as trusted local institutions, particularly during emergencies and difficult economic periods.
The Wider Role of Veterinary Professionals
Veterinary work is often associated mainly with treating pets and farm animals, but the profession has a much broader impact.
Veterinarians contribute to:
- Animal welfare and disease prevention
- Food safety and quality assurance
- Biosecurity and disease control
- Farming productivity and sustainability
- Public health
- Responsible medicine use
- Community resilience and emergency response
The 2026 award recipients represent different areas of the profession, from rural research and pharmaceutical stewardship to business leadership and community support.
Together, their work shows how veterinary expertise supports both everyday animal care and larger national priorities.
Full List of 2026 NZVA Award Winners
Honorary Life Membership Award
Roger Marchant
Veterinary Business Excellence Award
Marshall & Pringle Petmed, Barbara and Murray Pringle
Antimicrobial Stewardship Award
Dennis Scott
Community Engagement Award
Karen and Hamish Atkinson
Veterinary Impact Award
Scott McDougall
Recognition Beyond the Clinic
The 2026 NZVA Te Pae Kīrehe Awards recognise professionals who have made a difference well beyond the consulting room.
Their contributions include improving dairy cattle outcomes, strengthening biosecurity, supporting vulnerable communities, promoting responsible medicine use and building workplaces where veterinary professionals can thrive.
For farmers, pet owners and communities, the awards also provide a reminder that veterinary care is not limited to treating illness.
It is closely connected to food systems, public health, animal welfare, scientific research and the resilience of local communities.
Reference
New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe, “New Zealand’s Award-Winning Vets for 2026”, press release issued 10 July 2026.
