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New Spokesbird for New Zealand
Sirocco the 'spokesbird'.
New Zealand’s world famous parrot – Sirocco the kākāpō – has been officially recognised as a conservation ambassador by the Prime Minister John Key.

To launch New Zealand’s involvement in the International Year of Biodiversity and in recognition of Sirocco’s own celebrity status the 12-year old kākāpō has been named New Zealand’s “Official Spokesbird for Conservation”.

Sirocco, one of only 124 kākāpō remaining in the world, was catapulted into stardom after featuring in the BBC’s “Last chance to see” programme. This saw a huge rise in popularity of kakapo and interest from people wanting to know more about New Zealand’s unique native wildlife.

“Sirocco was an obvious choice for the role – he has a huge worldwide following and he demonstrates the importance of looking after the very special nature that makes New Zealand so different”, said Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson.

She added: “New Zealand is home to the world’s only flightless and nocturnal parrot, the last surviving member of a dinosaur family and the world’s smallest marine dolphin - we have so much unique native wildlife in every nook and cranny across the country. This is our biodiversity to protect and Sirocco can help spread that message.”

For more information, see Sirocco’s new website: www.spokesbird.com

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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
CMA to host webinar exploring provisional decisions

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is to host a webinar for veterinary professionals to explain the details of its provisional decisions, released on 15 October 2025.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Officials will discuss the changes which those in practice may need to make if the provisional remedies go ahead. They will also share what happens next with the investigation.

The CMA will be answering questions from the main parties of the investigation, as well as other questions submitted ahead of the webinar.

Attendees can register here before Wednesday, 29 October at 11am. Questions must be submitted before 10am on 27 October.

A recording of the webinar will be accessible after the event.