A new era for the SPCA

NEW BEGINNING: Kaitaia SPCA centre manager Heather Smith with Bay of Islands manager John Logie (right) and Mayor John Carter at the opening of Kaitaia's new facility at Awanui.

The Kaitaia branch of the SPCA is in the process of merging with the Kerikeri-based Bay of Islands branch. And that's not all that's new.

The branch hosted a convivial gathering recently to formally open its new centre, generously offered by Awanui man Jon Brennan, using facilities that he once operated as a commercial cattery/kennels. And new centre manager Heather Smith is quickly hitting her straps.

Bay of Islands manager John Logie said the new centre, on State Highway 10 just outside Awanui, was a work in progress in that parking and signage were still in the pipeline, but cats, kittens and puppies were being accepted.

"Who knows what the future will bring? Perhaps one day we will have the space for horses, guinea pigs and hedgehogs, and we will be a 'real' SPCA," he added.

Mayor John Carter, who unsuccessfully attempted to befriend the resident cat that was press ganged for the photo, said he had huge admiration for the job Mr Logie was doing.

"He is a great leader in our community and a leading champion of animal rights," he said.

He also thanked the staff and volunteers for the contributions they made, and Mr Brennan for providing the complex.

Meanwhile Mr Carter said the opening made a further contribution to a tangible turn-around that was taking place in the Far North.

"Things are starting to move. The stars are aligning. I see it everywhere, particularly up here," he said.

"What's happening here is an example of a community that's coming together. It might be a little thing, but it's an important little thing."

Mr Logie agreed that things were happening. The SPCA in the Far North had plans, he said, although it would take a year or two to reach the desired level of preventing cruelty, re-homing unwanted animals and promoting de-sexing.

Progress was being made though. Very few animals were being euthanased these days, he said, the great majority being re-homed (unless they were sick).

Volunteers were the key, and more would always be welcome, both in Kaitaia and Kerikeri.

"Even if it's just fostering an animal for a day or a weekend, every contribution helps," Mr Logie said. "If we share the load no one needs to be disappointed."