Mission to reopen centre

STAYING POSITIVE: Fleur Harlick with shop mascot Jazz.

The Wairarapa SPCA centre is not shutting for good - if its Masterton charity shop has anything to do with it.

While the embattled animal shelter was expected to close its doors yesterday, the Wairarapa SPCA Op Shop is to remain open, with its staff pledging to raise the funds needed to re-open the centre.

The Chapel St shop, which moved into a larger building in March, raised nearly $100,000 for the Wairarapa SPCA in the two years since opening through the sale of second-hand goods.

Manager Fleur Harlick says any profits the shop makes will be kept in a store account and help towards future efforts to get the shelter up and running.

"The SPCA national office have said they will need a big lump of money to get the centre open again," Ms Harlick said.

"And we're planning to accumulate that lump of money.

"For the sake of the animals, I really hope it's only a temporary closure but, in the meantime, we're going to do everything we can."

Assistant manager Ross Nixon added: "The centre's not closing if we've got anything to do with it."

Ms Harlick, who started volunteering with the SPCA as a dog walker four years ago, was "shocked" to hear of the centre's closure.

"It's been quite disappointing to hear about all the politics and egos involved - it should be about the animals.

"And, honestly, I'm not sure why they didn't appeal for financial help sooner - charities have to be proactive these days."

She said trade at the op-shop had been quieter in the wake of the controversy surrounding former manager Lloyd Warren, who was suspended last year.

But it had nevertheless remained profitable, raising $70,000 in 2014 alone, and retaining a loyal following.

With the centre closing, the foot traffic has continued - despite initial concern from the public.

"We've had people come in, and say, 'oh my gosh, you're not closing, too, are you?'" Ms Harlick said.