Volunteer stories: Dr Helen Roberts
Dr Helen Roberts BVSc is a Veterinarian from Avondale in Auckland. Helen led our August 2024 team to Tongatapu and she shared her volunteer experience with us.
“My passion for volunteering and animals began when I started volunteering at Orana Park Zoo in Christchurch during high school. In vet school, I spent a month with orangutans in Borneo. After graduating, I volunteered in Thailand with Soi Dog and participated in a desexing weekend in Vietnam. As a New Zealander, I’ve always felt connected to the Pacific Islands. I’ve known about SPAW since vet school and found the idea of visiting a new Pacific country and sharing my veterinary skills appealing.
“There are no permanent veterinarians in Tonga and I was excited about the prospect of exploring a new country, as I love adventures. I anticipated the work would be hot and exhausting but ultimately rewarding. Volunteering offers a unique opportunity to experience a new country and engage with locals beyond the tourist perspective. It’s an eye-opening journey. The knowledge that you’re contributing, even in a small way, to positive change is immensely rewarding.
“The veterinary team consisted of a fantastic mix of vets and nurses. The local Tongan and expat volunteers were incredible, dedicating their time to ensure the clinic’s success. Working in Tonga felt different from New Zealand due to the minimal animal welfare laws, which limited my ability to protect my patients’ welfare as I am accustomed to. The local attitude towards dogs also differed significantly however I appreciated meeting enthusiastic pet owners who spent an entire day waiting for their animals’ turn at the clinic, demonstrating their dedication and love for their pets.
Tonga’s need for veterinary care is critical. During the week, we treated over 400 animals which further reiterates that SPAW’s efforts are imperative to ensuring animals have access to veterinary medicine in the Kingdom of Tonga.”
