Volunteering with SPAW for the first time was an incredibly rewarding experience. It was a privilege to help the animals in Tonga and witness the impact our work had on the local community. I first heard about SPAW when Siobhan Marshall appeared on Celebrity Treasure Island and I’ve followed the organisation ever since — watching…
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…
I have volunteered multiple times with SPAW but this experience was nothing short of incredible. We had a hardworking, adaptable and positive team of eight vets and nurses who worked extremely well together to treat hundreds of animals in what were very challenging conditions. Torrential rain, high winds, a power outage, having no water at…
In May Nicole Doriguzzi joined our field trip to Tongatapu, bringing her vast experience in animal welfare. She manages the desexing caravan at the Masterton SPCA, providing essential care to sick animals before rehoming them. In 2019, she founded Ellie’s Canine Rescue and Rehome and since then, she and her team of dedicated volunteers have…
Hannah McInally is a Vet Nurse from Queenstown. Hannah was one of the team that went over to Samoa in March and she shared her volunteer experience with us. “I was first inspired to volunteer with SPAW as a colleague had volunteered previously and this was my second SPAW trip. I had a pretty good…
Dr Cathy Pollock BVSc is a Veterinarian from Lyttleton. Cathy was one of our team leads on our March trips to Samoa and she shared her volunteer experience with us. “I was fortunate to participate in the SPAW Samoa clinic in March 2025. The field trip was my third with SPAW. Each time I have…
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…
Animal Welfare Emergency Management training took place in Auckland this month. Gina Kemp from The Ministry for Primary Industries conducted the training, which saw participation from various welfare agencies and government representatives. The course was run with support from IFAW. The training aimed to equip participants with the skills to assist in providing animal welfare…
SPAW was invited to a hui with animal welfare management groups from across New Zealand on Thursday 10 July 2024 in Wellington. This group operates under the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), focusing on animal welfare and emergency responses during disasters. SPAW’s founder, Karen Schade, attended and shared her thoughts: “Attending this significant hui at HUHA’s…
“This marks my fourth volunteer journey with SPAW, having visited Tonga and Samoa twice each. My dedication to this cause stems from more than just the allure of an island destination; it’s not solely about enjoyment. Indeed, the experience is rewarding but also comes with its share of overwhelming moments, heartache, and strenuous effort. However,…
