Te Tūāhoi Atawhai Kararehe o Aotearoa
A Safe Place for Animals, People and the Natural World
A Māori-led charitable trust supporting companion animal welfare, responsible rehoming and native biodiversity across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ngā Pou Tarāwaho – Our Mission Pillars
Rooted in Aotearoa as a Māori-led trust, our work is guided by these core values to protect and nurture all living beings.
Care and Respect
Manaakitanga
We extend deep care and hospitality to every animal and person we meet, fostering a community built on empathy and mutual respect.
Guardianship
Kaitiakitanga
We act as guardians for those who cannot speak for themselves, ensuring the safety and long-term wellbeing of animals and their environments.
Unity
Kotahitanga
We work in unity with our partners and communities to achieve a shared vision of a safer, more compassionate Aotearoa for all creatures.
Excellence
Rangatiratanga
Upholding the highest standards of animal care and self-determination, we lead with integrity to achieve excellence in refuge operations.
Connection
Whanaungatanga
Strengthening the bonds between people, animals, and the land, we believe that we are all interconnected in our journey toward healing.
Leadership
Ārahitanga
As a Māori-led trust, we provide guidance and vision, modeling how ancestral wisdom can solve contemporary welfare challenges.
Our Charitable Purposes
Companion Animal Welfare
Rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming, veterinary care, desexing, microchipping, vaccinations, foster care, adoption programmes and responsible pet ownership.
Native Biodiversity
Supporting protection and restoration of native fauna, conservation partnerships, predator control education, and mātauranga Māori-informed biodiversity care.
Community Education & Outreach
Animal welfare education, support for low-income pet owners, Māori community programmes, and awareness about stray and unwanted animals.
Volunteer & Community Help
We invite you to share your time, compassion, and unique skills. Together, we can create a safer, more resilient community for animals and people across Aotearoa.
Foster Carers
Open your heart and home to provide temporary care for animals in transition.
Donation Collection
Help coordinate the collection of food, bedding, and supplies for our fosters.
Transport Helpers
Help us move animals safely between fosters, clinics, and their new homes.
Animal Care Support
Hands-on help with feeding, grooming, and socialising rescued animals.
Fundraising Support
Lend your creativity to help us secure the vital funds needed for our mission.
Event Support
Assist with community outreach events and adoption fair logistics.
Admin & Social Media
Maintain our digital presence and help with the daily operations of the trust.
Community Education
Help us spread awareness about animal welfare and native biodiversity.
Support Our Mission
Help us protect animals and restore hope.
Your support funds: food, bedding, flea and worm treatment, desexing, microchipping, vaccinations, vet bills, transport, foster supplies, enrichment and emergency care.
Our Story
About the Trust
Aotearoa Animal Refuge (Te Tūāhoi Atawhai Kararehe o Aotearoa) is a Te Tiriti-based, Māori-led charitable trust dedicated to companion animal welfare and native biodiversity. Founded in 2022 and reimagined in 2025 to align with our maturing vision, we operate under Māori leadership with a steadfast commitment to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The Trust has a proud history of service, having been formerly known as Kasie Kat Rescue Trust before evolving into its current form.