Recognising the people making a difference

There are many ways to make a meaningful contribution to animal welfare. It might be through hands-on animal care and rescue, veterinary practice, research, education, advocacy, policy development or community leadership.

The Assisi Awards recognise outstanding contributions made both professionally and voluntarily. They celebrate people whose sustained commitment has created a positive and lasting difference for companion animals.

Nominees should primarily be New Zealand residents, although their contribution may have had an impact in New Zealand or internationally. Nominations may also be made posthumously.

Importantly, this is an opportunity to recognise not only those whose work is widely known, but also the people whose dedication may happen quietly, behind the scenes, and within their own communities.

Who would you like to recognise?

If you know someone whose work deserves to be celebrated, CANZ encourages you to put their name forward.

Think about the people who consistently go above and beyond for animals – those who have challenged the status quo, supported vulnerable animals, shared knowledge, strengthened their communities or helped drive positive change across the companion-animal sector.

A strong nomination will explain what the person has contributed, why their work is significant and the difference it has made to animals and animal welfare.

Celebrating excellence in animal welfare

The 2027 Assisi Awards will be presented at a gala dinner in Wellington on Tuesday 2 March 2027, following CANZ’s Turning the Tide Conference.

The evening will bring together people from across the companion-animal sector to celebrate the achievements of those working to improve animal welfare and create a better future for animals.

Take the opportunity to recognise someone whose contribution deserves to be acknowledged. Their work may have changed the lives of individual animals, strengthened a community or helped shape the future of animal welfare.

Nominations are open now. Help us celebrate the people making a difference.

Every two years, passionate animal welfare advocates are celebrated at the esteemed Assisi Awards ceremony, hosted by Companion Animals New Zealand (CANZ) to honour individuals whose dedication advances animal welfare globally.

The Award, named in honor of the Patron Saint of Animals, St. Francis of Assisi, serves as recognition of the achievements of those whose goals echo the principles of excellence in animal welfare. This year, four exceptional individuals were honored at a gala dinner held in Hamilton on March 12.

Companion Animals New Zealand Board Chair, Steven Thompson, expressed his pride in hosting the awards ceremony and acknowledging outstanding service to animals. "These winners demonstrate incredible dedication to animal welfare and serve as a shining example of the profound impact that one person can have on the lives of countless animals," said Mr. Thompson. "In a world where compassion for all sentient creatures is paramount, we are truly fortunate to have such individuals in our communities. Their work to ensure a ‘Good Life’ for animals is aligned to our work at Companion Animals New Zealand and for that, we are forever grateful for their efforts and are so proud to have celebrated them this week."

2024 Assisi Award winners:

Hartley Holder - Auckland

Driven by her passion for animal welfare, Hartley Holder founded Auckland Cavy Care at 14. Now at 25, she, alongside her mother Raylene Holder, transformed their home into a sanctuary for abandoned guinea pigs and other animals. They work together to ensure each animal receives necessary care and finds loving homes, building a strong public profile through media and educational outreach efforts. Hartley embodies exceptional dedication to animal welfare. Her dedication extends beyond guinea pigs, as she also cares for stray cats, rabbits, and other animals in need, working tirelessly to ensure their well-being.

Julia Stevenson-Renwick - Bay of Plenty

Julia Stevenson-Renwick is a beacon of compassion in Kawerau. As founder of KTown Community Animal Welfare Society, she's rallied a community of animal lovers into a formidable force for good. Julia inspires the team who rescue and provide care to many animals in need. For eighteen years, Julia has dedicated her life to caring for and rehoming needy animals, serving as a volunteer for the SPCA for fifteen of those years. She has made a profound impact on the eastern Bay of Plenty, with KTown CAW desexing more than 700 animals since its inception in December 2020. She is truly an unsung hero in the community.

Dr Helen Beattie - Dunedin

Helen's lifelong commitment to animal welfare, showcased through her diverse career spanning clinical practice, animal welfare advocacy, and leadership roles, has positioned her as a prominent figure in the veterinary community. Helen founded Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa (VAWA) and her appointment as Managing Director underscores her dedication to advancing animal welfare in New Zealand, cementing her status as a leader in the field. Helen's work drives meaningful change and champions the pursuit of A Good Life for animals across New Zealand.

Dr Hayley Squance – Palmerston North

Hayley's exceptional expertise and dedication in emergency management have earned her international recognition and admiration. With a background as a qualified veterinary technologist, she has made significant contributions as an emergency management practitioner, researcher, and educator. Hayley's leadership is evident in her founding of the Massey University Veterinary Emergency Response Team and in her work for the Ministry for Primary Industries on disaster response efforts. she has coordinated animal welfare interventions in over 50 disaster events, including earthquakes, floods, wildfires, terrorist attacks, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Her collaboration with international organizations such as the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) further exemplifies her impact and leadership in the field of emergency management.

More on CANZ Awards

The Assisi Awards are held every two years, and are one of two series of Awards held by Companion Animals New Zealand. The other, Te Tohu Maimoa (Te Tohu is te reo for 'award' and Maimoa, as a verb means 'to cherish or care for' and as a noun means 'companion animal') recognise the contribution of people involved in the well-being of Companion Animals in New Zealand. These awards are held twice a year (except in Assisi award years) and nominations focus on achievements in the previous six months. The awards are open to everyone working with companion animals: volunteers, staff, educators and officers who have improved the lives of animals.

Nominations now open for the 2027 Assisi Awards