The year that was
Corey Regnerus is president of the Massey University Veterinary Student Association.
Regnerus has introduced systems and standards to ensure the body best represents its members.
He brought in pet education day, where vet students get to meet the people of Palmerston North and offer help and education on their family pets.
Regnerus also co-founded Vet Confessionals, a platform where vet students can confidentially share their worries and get support.
He has invented Milk E-Z, which is currently being patented, which will help dairy farmers maximise productivity and profit.
Despite the big workload of being a vet student, Regnerus is always striving to help others from his classmate and colleagues, through to the farms where he does his placements, which earned him a 2016 Kiwibank Local Hero award.
What I do is …
I am currently a final year veterinary student based in Palmerston North. I have a keen interest in community service and involvement, and feel that this is a crucial part of the veterinary industry. I have also had an active role is setting up Vet Confessionals, as one of the cofounders of the project, to raise awareness of mental health issues within the profession and begin talking about these to come up with a viable solution and support network for all veterinary professionals, from vets themselves, nurses/technicians, support staff and industry partners.
I got involved in what I do because ...
We all of course have become involved in veterinary science as we love animals, but I really enjoy the relationships with our clients as well. Being able to help is a great opportunity for anything from owning a new puppy, to helping calve a cow, through to being there to guide and support for the tough decisions of end of life care management for our family pets.
The most rewarding part is …
Being involved with people and being able to make a difference, no matter how small.
My reaction to being a Local Hero was ...
It was hugely rewarding and humbling, an absolute highlight of my life and personal achievement.
The highlight of 2016 was …
This award was absolutely a great accomplishment, but I feel I would get into trouble if I didn’t also mention that I managed to get engaged this year to a loving and supportive partner.
The lowlight was …
Other than the long and wet winter that we have had, I really can’t complain.
My perfect holiday is …
Anything outdoors with a bit of adventure, but also an opportunity to lie on the beach in the sun and just relax.
But in reality I’ll be …
Planning and scheduling a range of activities as I do enjoy a good check list and itinerary.
Palmerston North’s best spot is
The Manawatu River track. You get to experience the ever changing river banks and also meet a lot of great, friendly people and their pets.
In 2017 I’m most looking forward to …
Competing my veterinary studies and being able to get out into the real world to start working hard to continue making a difference, and hopefully encouraging others to join me along the way.