Dr Richard Wild, of Christchurch, ONZM for services to animal welfare and the veterinary sector
Dr Richard Wild has had substantial impact in improving animal welfare across New Zealand, starting at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry as a circuit veterinarian. He was founding President of the Food Safety and Biosecurity special interest branch of the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA). He led the veterinary profession’s contribution to the Government’s Business Growth Agenda. While National Animal Welfare Coordinator at the Ministry of Primary Industries, he has been instrumental in developing New Zealand’s animal welfare standards and regulations. His work was fundamental in setting up a better system for veterinary certification for transport of defective animals, and he has been central to the development and implementation of education campaigns for new regulations. Dr Wild is President of the NZVA and chairs the Animal Welfare Network Aotearoa.