Te Tohu Maimoa recognises the contribution of people involved in the well-being of Companion Animals in New Zealand. The awards are held twice a year, presented by Companion Animals NZ, and nominations should focus on achievements in the previous 6 months.
We are proud to announce the November 2024 Te Tohu Maimoa winners…
Rachael Maher
Founder of Paws4Life
Rachael Maher has been running Paws4Life for over a decade, dedicating herself to rescuing and caring for abandoned, injured, and stray cats and kittens. Her shelter is constantly full, reflecting her tireless 24/7 commitment to meeting the community's needs. Beyond her rescue work, Rachael has participated in meetings with the SPCA and Hamilton City Council, advocating for cat desexing and the humane treatment of strays. The Paws4Life Facebook page offers a glimpse into the continuous influx of strays ready for adoption, showcasing the incredible impact of her efforts.
Annette Buckley
Founder of Feline Fix
Annette Buckley’s work in animal welfare reaches far and wide. With a focus on controlling the stray cat population, she has helped desex over 760 cats since Feline Fix was formed. Her work includes running impactful Facebook campaigns and providing crucial support for urgent medical treatments, reflecting her dedication to reducing unwanted litters and improving the lives of vulnerable animals.
Zoey Jackson
Education and Engagement Officer, Waikato Pound Pups (WDC)
Zoey Jackson’s dedication to dog welfare shines through her work with Waikato Pound Pups. From her involvement with the ‘Take the Lead, Don’t Let Them Breed’ campaign to hands-on education in local schools, Zoey actively champions responsible pet ownership. Her ‘Dirty Dog Challenge’ and ‘Pound Pups Pool Parties’ fundraisers are not only fun but also crucial in supporting desexing and rehoming initiatives. With an extensive online community of over 26,000 followers, Zoey’s creative and passionate approach makes her a beloved advocate for dog welfare in the Waikato community.
Sarah Christie
Founder of Pet Whisperer Rescue
Sarah Christie, founder of Pet Whisperer Rescue, has dedicated herself to supporting stray and lost cats in Auckland through initiatives such as colony feeding, trap-neuter-return programmes, and rehoming rehabilitated strays. Her collaboration with local businesses and the provision of desexing vouchers have made responsible pet ownership more accessible. Sarah’s tireless advocacy continues to make a meaningful impact on Auckland’s rescue efforts and the lives of countless cats.
“The quality of the nominations in this round were amazing! It was certainly hard to come up with a shortlist for our judging panel as there were so many passionate individuals doing great things for the animals!
A big congratulations to our November winners who very much deserve this recognition and we hope know how appreciated their contributions are.”