MIT and Unitec lecturer named New Zealand’s Veterinary Nurse of the Year
In Brief:
- Applied Animal Health lecturer Lauren Prior has been named the 2026 NZVNA and Hill’s Vet Nurse of the Year for her contribution to veterinary nursing, patient care and professional leadership.
- More than thirty letters of support from colleagues, veterinarians, fellow nurses and students highlighted Lauren’s impact across the profession.
- Since moving into teaching in 2018, Lauren has helped prepare the next generation of veterinary nurses at MIT and Unitec.
Announced in Auckland on Friday 9 October at the end of Vet Nurse Appreciation Week, the prestigious national award celebrates excellence in patient care, professionalism, leadership and advancing the veterinary nursing profession.
Lauren was one of three finalists for the award, earning widespread support from more than thirty colleagues, veterinarians, fellow veterinary nurses and students who submitted letters highlighting her impact across the veterinary nursing profession.
Lauren admitted being “shocked” and “surprised” at being nominated but was humbled and grateful to receive the award from Hills and the NZVNA.
“It’s particularly meaningful because it recognises and celebrates veterinary nurses in New Zealand, who give so much of themselves to their work every day, mentally, physically, and emotionally,” she says.
“There are so many fantastic veterinary nurses and veterinary teams who work incredibly hard, often without much recognition, simply because they care about animals and the people who love them. If you get the chance, thank your veterinary nurses and the wider veterinary teams they work alongside.
“I’m very grateful to my family, friends, and colleagues for their support and encouragement over the years. I’d also like to congratulate the other nominees and finalists. Hearing about their achievements was genuinely inspiring.”
Head of the School of Environmental and Animal Sciences, Associate Professor Laura Harvey, says the award is a significant achievement and a proud moment for MIT and Unitec.
“What an incredible recognition of her achievements. We are so proud of her,” Laura says.
“As NZVNA President, it was my absolute honour and privilege to be the one presenting Lauren with her award. It feels a bit of a full-circle moment, having had Lauren as a student in my class in the early days of my teaching career, to now being recognised as one of the best veterinary nurses in Aotearoa.”
NZVNA praised Lauren’s ability to combine clinical expertise with a genuine passion for teaching and supporting others.
“Lauren is an exceptional educator who has a gift for making complex concepts easy to understand, inspiring curiosity and building confidence in her students,” the association says.
Her contribution extends well beyond the classroom. Lauren has mentored students on volunteer trips to Tonga with South Pacific Animal Welfare (SPAW), helping them gain practical experience while contributing to animal welfare in the Pacific. Her commitment to these trips has earned her one of SPAW’s first Honorary Lifetime Volunteer awards.
She also continues to work with challenging anaesthetic cases at VSA&E on weekends, maintaining her connection to specialist veterinary practice.
Lauren Prior (middle) with the two other finalists for Vet Nurse of the Year and NZVNA Executive Members including current president & Head of School of Environmental and Animal Sciences Associate Professor Laura Harvey (2nd from left).
A former student described Lauren’s knowledge, kindness and genuine support as making a lasting difference throughout their Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing degree learning. The student says she consistently made time for questions, offered guidance when needed and demonstrated a strong commitment to both her students and the profession.
“Lauren embodies the qualities of an outstanding veterinary nurse: compassion, clinical excellence, leadership and a passion for education,” NZVNA says.
“Her influence extends far beyond her own work, helping to shape confident, knowledgeable and compassionate veterinary nurses for the future.”
Lauren has spent more than a decade working across veterinary nursing, specialist practice and education, combining her love of science and animals in a career dedicated to improving animal health and supporting those who care for them.
Ms Prior holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from University of Auckland and a Master of Science in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia from the University of Edinburgh.
After building her experience in frontline veterinary nursing, Lauren moved into education in 2018, joining the School of Environmental and Animal Sciences at our Mt Albert Campus.
Her work now helps prepare future veterinary nurses with the clinical knowledge, practical skills and confidence needed to care for animals and support veterinary teams.
NZVNA has supported, inspired and advanced veterinary nurses and allied veterinary professionals for more than 20 years, representing more than 1,500 members across Aotearoa New Zealand.
