Harry Blundy is originally from England. He grew up in a small area just north of Auckland where his family raised sheep and beef cattle.
The rural lifestyle was what really got him thinking about becoming a vet.
He completed his veterinarian studies at Massey University and after spending five years of studying at Massey and seeing many different types of practices across the country he wanted to work somewhere with a good mix of practice – generational farmers and smaller, more personal farms.
Northland seemed the perfect fit.
This is his first year out in the field as a vet and he is thoroughly enjoying the clinical practice.
Outside of work he spends most of his time surfing, fishing and pretty much making the most of what Northland has to offer.
1. What motivates or drives you?
I am motivated by constant challenges. Finding new ways through obstacles as new challenges arise is probably by biggest driving factor, both personally and professionally. As well as this, working alongside others, learning from them and helping them learn are parts of life that both bring me fulfillment and drive me to improve myself.
2. What philosophy do you live by?
I live by the rather simple philosophy that at any point you should either be improving yourself, helping others or enjoying life. If you can find a life that involves all three then you’re on the right track.
3. Why did you become a vet, what attracted you to the profession?
I first wanted to be a part of the veterinary profession because I saw it as a great way to help both people and their animals. As well as this, the magnitude of change you can set in motion with seemingly small actions, especially in the agricultural sector, was the sort of aspect that appealed to me. As I got older the academics and problem-solving became an added bonus and are now a large part of my work satisfaction.
4. How do you see the state of the industry and future of dairying?
I am optimistic about where the industry is heading. During my time as a vet I have met many interesting and motivated people from all different sectors of the industry, all of them working towards the advancement of the industry whether it be for the farmers, the animals or for the productivity of the industry as a whole.
Obviously, there are some pressing short-term challenges and the looming longer-term challenges for the industry relating to its environmental impact but with the calibre of people we have in New Zealand I am positive about the future.
5. If you weren’t a vet, what would you be doing?
A part of my job that I really enjoy is helping colleagues and the teaching aspects, especially relating to students. So, I imagine that if I wasn’t a vet I would be involved in education somehow, hopefully, still within the industry.
