Volunteer stories: Larissa McKechie, Head Nurse, Dunedin Emergency Vet Clinic

Tongatapu, August 2025 was my first SPAW experience. I had worked with Geoff Neal in clinic in New Zealand, where I heard countless stories about these trips – both from Geoff and Victoria as well as Zoetis staff who had returned glowing with excitement. Their passion was contagious, and it inspired me to finally join the team.

After years in specialty medicine, I wanted to reconnect with the fundamentals – strip away the bells and whistles of referral hospitals and rely solely on my knowledge and skill set. This trip offered exactly that, and more than I ever expected. I returned feeling both empowered and humbled.

Having known many people who’d done these trips, I arrived with an open mind – and my expectations were absolutely met. Friends had told me, “Island medicine is some of the most rewarding you’ll ever do,” and now, I wholeheartedly agree.

Before arriving, I had doubts: Would I be good enough? Fast enough? Could my South Island body handle the heat? And what if something went wrong – how would I cope without the fancy equipment? But those fears quickly faded. Our team, though strangers at first, clicked effortlessly. We faced one challenging case, and even without high-tech tools, we managed it beautifully.

Meeting the team was a highlight. I’m a big personality, and I worried I might overwhelm my more reserved teammates, but we found our rhythm and balanced each other well. Working with a non-Kiwi vet was an unexpected bonus, offering fresh perspectives on treatment styles and everyday cases.

The local helpers from TAWS, VSA, MAFF and others were incredible. Around day three, they began to open up, and it was heart warming to see their confidence and pride grow. In their villages, they rallied everyone they could to come for treatment, lighting up the room with their energy and care.

We were treated like royalty – especially when it came to food! I never felt out of place or unwelcome. I was encouraged to learn, make mistakes (even with language and pronunciation), and grow without judgment. One of my favourite moments was watching Didi from MAFF blossom throughout the week. She was attentive, engaged and by the time we reached her village, she was confidently placing IVs and diving into tough cases with joy and purpose.

One unforgettable case involved a dog with vague symptoms – tachycardia, fever, lethargy. We discovered she’d eaten Umu stones. That moment, as Geoff milked charcoal rocks from her intestines, reminded me that lifesaving interventions don’t always require high-end equipment. Sometimes, it’s just skill, instinct and teamwork.

While I was prepared for low animal welfare standards, the human living conditions were harder to witness. The poverty was confronting – housing well below New Zealand’s minimum standards, limited access to healthy food and basic medical care. Geoff shared stories of hospitals unable to provide even minimum welfare due to lack of supplies. Yet despite this, the people were some of the happiest, kindest souls I’ve ever met. That speaks volumes.

This experience wasn’t defined by one moment – it was a tapestry of lessons. I learned to trust myself as a nurse, to embrace imperfection and to find beauty even in hardship. Those who have the least often give the most. How can you choose just one takeaway from that?

To anyone considering it: do it. It’s not easy—it’s physically demanding – but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. I left with a deeper understanding of the world, renewed confidence in my skills and a bunch of new friends I hope to adventure with again.

Also… don’t go back to work the next day. Take a few extra days off—you’ll be tired. Learn from my mistake 😊