Gratitude for a heartwarming high tea in Tauranga

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr Mariska van der Colff for hosting a beautiful high tea fundraiser in Tauranga in June 2025, raising $1,000 in support of SPAW’s vital work.

A dedicated veterinarian and repeat SPAW volunteer, Mariska has served on missions in both Tongatapu and Vava’u – and she will lead our upcoming clinic on Tongatapu this August. Her continued commitment, both in the field and at home, is deeply appreciated.

Guests enjoyed an afternoon of delicious treats, warm drinks, raffles and a lively quiz – bringing together friends, family and community supporters in a spirit of generosity. We’re also deeply grateful to Holy Trinity Tauranga for donating the venue, and to everyone who contributed to the success of the day.

This event represents more than a donation—it’s a reflection of the enduring kindness and collective support that keeps SPAW thriving.

Similar Posts

  • SPAW returns to Tonga

    SPAW returned to Tonga during October, our first trip to the South Pacific after nearly three years of disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic. After suffering a devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami earlier this year, it was critical that we made Tonga our first stop. During the trip SPAW worked with Host-a-Vet Vava’u to host…

  • Volunteer stories: Natalie Knight

    Natalie Knight, a veterinary nurse at Warkworth Vets north of Auckland, completed her diploma in veterinary nursing at Auckland Unitec in 2010. She had long aspired to join a SPAW team and seized the opportunity in 2023 when a position opened at the Vava’u clinic. After a rewarding experience, she was eager to apply again…

  • Michelle and Mani: the long road home – Part 2

    By Michelle Schmanski, Vet Nurse Back in New Zealand, I began the complicated process of bringing Mani home. After reading the Ministry of Primary Industries’ (MPI) import requirements, I was overwhelmed. I booked quarantine in Auckland, submitted Mani’s MPI permit application and began organising flights with a freight company in Samoa. Everything seemed on track….

  • 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…