SPCA recognises its incredible volunteers with national awards

Each year, we pay tribute to the thousands of volunteers across the country, who donate their personal time and energy to help make a difference to the lives of New Zealand’s most vulnerable animals.

The awards recognise the ongoing contribution that volunteers make to SPCA, from helping out at the Centres, to fostering animals in their own homes. Whether it’s cleaning cat huts, administration work, socialising with animals, or giving time each week to raise crucial funds through SPCA’s Op Shops, these volunteers are the beating heart of our organisation.

SPCA Chief Executive Andrea Midgen says volunteers are crucial in the essential running of Centres and Op Shops across the country, and without them, the charity would not be able to function.

“With more than 10 volunteers to every one staff member, our volunteers really are the heart of SPCA,” says Ms Midgen. “These awards are just one way we can share their incredible contributions with the rest of New Zealand. We are also thankful to our loyal partner Purina, who has sponsored these awards since 2016 and ensures all of the cats and dogs in SPCA’s care nationwide are well fed with Purina ONE. We couldn’t do what we do without their help.”

Extended lockdown periods due to the COVID-19 pandemic meant many volunteers weren’t able to help as they usually would this year. Despite this, SPCA staff and volunteers around the country nominated over 120 of our most exceptional volunteers, which were then judged by a panel of Purina and SPCA staff.

Purina Country Manager, Francois Le Berrigaud said “Purina believes people and pets are better together. It's for this reason we are so proud to celebrate and recognise the outstanding work of the SPCA volunteers as the sponsor of these awards for the seventh consecutive year. Beyond this awards celebration, Purina continues its partnership with SPCA to provide 95,000 kgs of cat and dog food per year to the animals in their care."

Six award categories put a spotlight on the different ways volunteers contribute to SPCA, and SPCA and Purina are announcing the winners to mark the start of National Volunteer Week. The winners receive a Nespresso Breville “Essenza Mini” Espresso Machine, and a large box of Purina ONE pet food.

Outstanding Young Volunteer

Lucy Cairns, Wellington

Lucy began volunteering with SPCA in 2020 in the vet care area with one shift a week, and started to pick up more and more shifts over time. We’re thrilled to have her now completing her vet nursing placement with us. When the afternoons are busy and fast-paced, Lucy is known for her calm and level-headed demeanor - when she arrives, it’s a breath of fresh air and she’s a pleasure to have around. We can’t thank Lucy enough for everything she does.

Marianne Venter, Whanganui

Marianne started with SPCA on a student placement, then continued to dedicate her time to us through her animal studies. She has become one of our most experienced and trusted volunteers, and takes on any job, large or small, with enthusiasm and a smile. Marianne also took on an amazing role as a fosterer, and is now volunteering with us for three days a week or even more when we’re short-staffed. Her work is greatly appreciated.

Fantastic Foster Family

Michelle Leadsom, Māngere

Michelle and her family have been a huge asset to the team at the Māngere Centre. They began fostering for SPCA in 2021 when the Centre had a very large numbers of rabbits. Michelle was quick to provide a wonderful, loving environment for these animals when our staff were stretched to their limits. When the rabbits return to the Centre, they’re always confident and social, and it’s easy to see that they’ve been given a fantastic start to life. Michelle also writes fantastic information about every rabbit in their return behaviour forms, which is invaluable when matching them with their new forever homes.

Yasmin Cruse, Ashburton

Yasmin is a kind, empathetic volunteer who has gone above and beyond many times to ensure the best outcome for the animals in our care. She has fostered countless animals over the years, and will always be prepared to make room in her home for cats and kittens in need. With her caring and patient nature, Yasmin is amazing with our more timid and vulnerable cats and kittens, and is brilliant at helping them gain confidence and come out of their shells.

Best Centre Volunteer Team

Hamilton (Hayley Spence, Kayla Mitchell, Annie Barry, Jaz Baid, Kellie Jewitt, Quinn Dickey, Daniel Cook)

The Volunteer team at the Hamilton Centre is made up of Hayley, Kala, Annie, Jaz, Kellie, Quinn and Daniel. This outstanding team of individuals bring high levels of positivity and enthusiasm which are extremely infectious to those around them. Over the pandemic and summer period when the Centre was stretched for staff, these volunteers have extended themselves in all areas. From fostering animals at home, training and supervising new volunteers, to coming in to work additional days, the wellbeing of the whole team was maintained thanks to their dedication.

Greymouth (Sue Stoddart, Neil Messenger)

Both Sue and Neil go above and beyond for the Greymouth Centre, taking a lot of pressure off the small team. Not only do they come in every Tuesday and clean the boarding facilities to an extremely high standard, they do a weekly rubbish run, collect newspapers and took over the monitoring of all SPCA donation boxes throughout Greymouth and Hokitika. They’re also happy to help with raffles and annual appeals! Their commitment over the years has been a huge help to the team in Greymouth.

Going The Extra Mile

Carol Osler, Kerikeri/Bay of Islands

Carol is an amazing help to our kennel team. Rain or shine, we can rely on Carol to visit the Centre and help out by taking the dogs for walks, or playing with the puppies - she even brings treats for the dogs, and coffee for the staff! Many dogs have gained confidence thanks to Carol, and she is very invested in their progression. This year she is travelling to Rarotonga and will be volunteering at SPCA over there – she’s even taken it upon herself to find donations for flea and worm treatment over there. The team is so grateful for all of Carol’s hard work.

Alan Speck, New Plymouth

Alan, or ‘Specky’ as he is fondly known by staff, helps with numerous tasks around the New Plymouth Centre. On Tuesday mornings you’ll find him in the wash up area helping with trays and dishes, before he sets off on the supermarket donation run. In the weekends he’s often seen with the lawnmower, and when animals need to be moved to another Centre he is happy to jump in the van and get this done. Everything he does takes pressure off the busy staff and allows them to concentrate on animal care. Specky is a devoted and kind volunteer, and we’re blessed to have him around.

Best Op Shop Team

Riccarton Op Shop

The lovely team running the Riccarton Op Shop are very dedicated, and this is evident with the many compliments received from customers. The team often take home items that need washing and mending, they do knitting and crafting, and bring in high quality donations from their friends and family. During the pandemic, it was very difficult to keep the shop running when short staffed – our amazing volunteers stepped up to cover vacant shifts when needed. They also ensure the shop is beautifully clean and tidy, and provide excellent service to customers.

Nelson Op Shop

The team at the Nelson Op Shop has collectively given over 70 years of service to SPCA. They work hard throughout the day, and take extra work home with them for the evening. These passionate volunteers give unconditionally, and donate many hours not just in the Op Shop, but out in the community too. With a group of incredible customer service professionals, a dedicated DIY-er, and enthusiastic teens gaining work/life skills, it's an amazing team here at the Nelson Op Shop that we’re extremely proud of.

Most Devoted Volunteer

Jay Sankaran & Suchi Mouly, Māngere

Jay and Suchi have been described by the Māngere team as absolutely irreplaceable. They are the only full time ringworm foster parents who are on call seven days a week, ready to spring in to action by coming to the Centre and taking any ringworm fosters home when needed. Jay and Suchi are in their 10th year of fostering, and their bright, kind personalities make them a joy to be around. They lighten up the day of everyone at the Centre when they visit, and we cannot imagine SPCA without them.

Andi Cossar, Christchurch

Andi has been volunteering and fostering for SPCA for over a decade within both the Wellington and Christchurch areas, and the team have called her “their rock”. She is always there to support the team both physically and mentally, and no challenge is too tough for Andi. She is willing to help out with any department with a positive attitude, and lightens the load for those around her. Whether it’s cleaning, providing animal care, or fostering at home, Andi has helped to create so many happy outcomes for felines – including many that needed behavioural rehabilitation.

Wilma Mayn, Māngere

Wilma has been helping SPCA since 1991, and is a truly devoted volunteer. Working with us on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, Wilma has her own department within the Hospital team. The veterinarians and vet nurse teams rely heavily on her in this very busy area of the Centre. Wilma is proactive and kind, making toys for the cats at home and bringing in donations of blankets and towels too. She buddies up with new volunteers to show them the ropes, and her caring nature makes everyone (both animals and staff!) feel at ease.

Colin Wheeler, Whanganui

Colin is our volunteer van driver, who has been providing transport for animals across the region for the last three years. His exceptional service is not limited to Whanganui, as he is called upon by Palmerston North, Levin, New Plymouth and Taumarunui to assist in transporting their animals to other Centres, such as Wellington. Colin also assists with Centre duties such as recycling, foster supply drop-offs, and supermarket donation collections. Every task is done with a smile, and his sense of humour is loved by the staff.