SPCA announces permanent closure of Waikanae Centre

The facility had shut its doors multiple times throughout the pandemic, opening only with restricted hours when Covid-19 restrictions were eased. With so few animals needing SPCA’s help in Waikanae during that time, all services were offered out of the larger and better equipped SPCA Centre in neighbouring Levin – just 20 minutes’ drive away.

SPCA Area Manager Danny Auger says although the decision has been made to permanently close the facility on Main Road, he is assuring Waikanae locals that the full range of SPCA services will continue to be offered to the community.

"Unfortunately, the Centre was no longer fit for purpose and required a significant and costly upgrade to bring it up to the appropriate standard,” says Mr Auger. “As a charity, we have a responsibility to use the donations entrusted to us by generous members of the public to deliver the best possible outcomes for the animals we care for. With this in mind, we can’t rationalise the cost of keeping the Waikanae Centre open when there are so many animals that could benefit from that spending.”

Mr Auger says that although the 'bricks and mortar' Centre is closing permanently, Waikanae’s animals and those passionate about animal welfare in the region will not be forgotten.

“During lockdowns, our animals were either moved to our Levin Centre or were cared for by our incredible foster families. With the opening of Transmission Gully, our Wellington Centre is also able to be reached a lot more quickly. We’re confident the animals in the region will be better served in our larger neighbouring Centres, which have up to date facilities.”

SPCA’s Inspectorate service remains unaffected by the closure, with Inspectors still present in the area to investigate welfare concerns and help animals in need.

"The animals of Waikanae will continue to be looked after and cared for. SPCA's ongoing work to prevent animal cruelty, educate the public and advocate for better welfare will also remain the same.We appreciate the local community’s support for the Centre over the years and encourage prospective adoptive families to visit the SPCA website where all animals in the region are available to view for adoption,” says Mr Auger.

The charity will also continue to support the community through its desexing programmes, which have a lasting impact in helping to reduce the number of unwanted and abandoned animals.