Rotorua's SPCA is undertaking a major review of its financial and business processes as it struggles to cope during the current economic climate.
Rotorua chairwoman Debbie Van Den Broek said in a statement the SPCA had initiated a complete independent review as part of a programme called Project Sustainability, designed to provide greater efficiencies and cost-effectiveness.
The review was carried out by Auckland Company, Praxus Group, which had experience working with other charities, government departments and local bodies.
"Their work with Auckland SPCA enabled us to minimise costs by using existing resources. Similar independent reviews have been carried out at both Auckland and Wellington SPCAs and the results have been impressive.
"The SPCA Rotorua has provided shelter for homeless, abused and abandoned animals and strongly advocated their rights and welfare for 65 years. As the committee, our job is to work behind the scenes to ensure our heroic volunteers and staff have the resources they need to get on with this important work - and to lay the foundations for another 65 years of service to the Rotorua community," Mrs Van Den Broek said.
The organisation was looking at everything it did with the resources it had. "We are mindful of how our donations are spent and want as much money as possible to reach the animals and not get absorbed into administration costs. We will also be focusing on securing greater future funding.
"We have fully engaged staff in this process and we have been heartened by the staff who have welcomed the opportunity to participate and be involved in the project.
"While it is a challenging time, this review is a necessary step to ensure we identify where the organisation can be improved so that it can continue to promote the welfare of animals across the Rotorua region."
She said she could not comment further.
The committee was now looking at the review results to come up with the best plan to ensure the SPCA had the most effective structure, roles, management, and work processes to allow it to be fully sustainable within five years.
During the course of the review, SPCA Rotorua would ensure that all animal welfare services were delivered without interruption.