Te Tohu Maimoa recognises the contribution of people involved in the well-being of Companion Animals in New Zealand. The awards are held once a year (except in Assisi award years) and nominations should focus on achievements in the previous 12 months.
The awards are open to everyone working with companion animals: volunteers, staff, educators and officers who have improved the lives of animals by demonstrating at least one of the following core values:
1. Collective & Effective (Working together to create a Good Life)
2. Quality & Integrity (Striving for excellence)
3. Respect & Compassion (for pets, the planet and other people)
We are pleased to announce the 2026 winners
VANESSA SERCOMBE
Chance 4 Change, Volunteer (Wellington)
Vanessa is recognised for her outstanding dedication to improving the lives of companion animals through her volunteer work with Chance 4 Change. From fostering and rehabilitating rescued puppies, to supporting adopters, organising fundraising events, and educating school children about responsible dog ownership, Vanessa's commitment helps create better outcomes for both animals and the people who care for them.
Vanessa Sercombe
Chance 4 Change, Volunteer
Balancing full-time work and family life, Vanessa gives countless hours of her own time to ensure vulnerable animals have the opportunity to find safe, loving homes. Her compassion, generosity and commitment to education embody the meaning of Maimoa – to cherish and care for companion animals. Through her quiet dedication, she is making a lasting difference not only to the lives of individual pets, but also to the communities that support them.
“Vanessa is a guardian angel for homeless and dumped pets!”
SAM STEWART
Coast to Coast Cat Rescue, Founder (Kawakawa)
Sam has made an outstanding contribution to cat welfare in Northland. Through her leadership in cat rescue, desexing initiatives, community education, and responsible rehoming, Sam and her dedicated team of volunteers help hundreds of vulnerable cats each month find the care, safety, and loving homes they deserve.
SAM STEWART
Coast to Coast Cat Rescue, Founder
From rescuing and rehabilitating unwanted kittens to championing desexing, microchipping and responsible ownership, Sam's work addresses both immediate welfare needs and the long-term causes of cat overpopulation. She also supports older members of her community through the Companion Cat Programme and regularly travels to Auckland for adoption events—all while balancing family life and employment. Her dedication, compassion, and tireless advocacy have made a lasting difference for thousands of cats and the people who care for them.
“She deserves all the recognition in the world.”
KAREN WILKES
Kitty Kingdom North Canterbury, Owner (Rangiora)
Karen is a truly deserving recipient of Te Tohu Maimoa for her outstanding commitment to improving the lives of cats in North Canterbury. Through her tireless work rescuing, trapping, desexing, microchipping, feeding, rehabilitating, and rehoming stray and unwanted cats, Karen demonstrates exceptional compassion and dedication every day.
KAREN WILKES
Kitty Kingdom Nth Canterbury, Owner
Karen's compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to vulnerable cats are evident in everything she does. Often responding at any hour to help injured, sick, lost, or distressed animals, she works tirelessly alongside a small volunteer team to improve outcomes for stray and feral cats across North Canterbury. Despite limited resources, Karen's dedication has changed the lives of countless cats, making her a true unsung hero in her community.
“She is as close to an animal angel that I have ever met.”
NATE BALL & ALYSSA O’CONNOR
Catnap Café, Owners (Christchurch)
Nate and Alyssa run an outstanding local business that is making a genuine difference to the lives of cats and kittens in their community in Christchurch. Working closely with local rescue organisations, they provide a safe, enriching, home-like environment where rescued cats and kittens can adjust to life off the streets, build confidence, and develop the social skills needed to thrive in a family home, while they await adoption.
NATE BALL & ALYSSA O’CONNOR
Catnap Café, Owners (Chch)
Their dedication has helped more than 200 rescue cats find loving forever homes through a careful matching process that pairs each cat with the right owner. Beyond the direct impact on the animals in their care, they have also played an important role in educating the wider community. By giving local café visitors the opportunity to interact with rescue cats and learn about adoption, they have helped raise awareness of animal welfare issues and promoted adoption as a positive alternative to purchasing pets. Their commitment to both animal welfare and community engagement has earned widespread admiration, including recognition as a 2025 Prospa Local Business Hero for their dedication to community and business excellence. They were also awarded the ASB Good as Gold award in August 2024.
“They are highly praised by the community.”
“The calibre of this year’s nominations was truly outstanding, and it is incredibly heartwarming to see the dedication, compassion, and commitment of so many people making a difference for companion animals across Aotearoa. Each nominee represents the incredible mahi happening in communities every day, and we are thrilled to recognise this year’s very deserving winners.”
