Te Tūāhoi Atawhai Kararehe o Aotearoa
“A gift handed down, for the wellbeing of animals and the natural world.”
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.
Registration No.
CC60429
NZ Business No.
9429050712700
Charitable Trust
Te Tūāhoi Atawhai:
Verified Credentials
Aotearoa Animal Refuge is incorporated under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957. Our registration with Charities Services and official business identity ensures transparency and accountability in all our guardianship work.
Charities Services
CC60429
Registered Charitable Trust
NZBN Registration
9429050712700
Official Business Number
Kaitiakitanga – Guardianship
We act as guardians for those who cannot speak for themselves, ensuring the safety and long-term wellbeing of animals and their environments.
Kotahitanga – Unity
We work in unity with our partners and communities to achieve a shared vision of a safer, more compassionate Aotearoa for all creatures.
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.
Manaakitanga – Care and Respect
We extend deep care and hospitality to every animal and person we meet, fostering a community built on empathy and mutual respect.
Rangatiratanga – Excellence
Upholding the highest standards of animal care and self-determination, we lead with integrity to achieve excellence in refuge operations.
Whanaungatanga – Connection
Strengthening the bonds between people, animals, and the land, we believe that we are all interconnected in our journey toward healing.
Ārahitanga – Leadership
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.
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.
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.
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.
Governance & Accountability
Aotearoa Animal Refuge is committed to transparent, ethical leadership. Our governance framework ensures that every decision we make prioritises the welfare of animals and the integrity of our charitable mission.
Aotearoa Animal Refuge is governed by a Board of Trustees.
The Board has 3 trustees.
Māori representation is prioritised.
The Board meets at least four times per year.
Funds are applied only to charitable purposes in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Annual returns are filed with Charities Services.
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, Aotearoa Animal Refuge operates under Māori leadership with a steadfast commitment to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Our expanded purpose bridges the vital connection between companion animal welfare and the protection of native biodiversity. By fostering community-led stewardship, we work to ensure a thriving environment where both domestic animals and indigenous species can flourish together in safety across the landscape of Aotearoa.
The Trust has a proud history of service, having been formerly known as Kasie Kat Rescue Trust and later Pawsitive Rescue before evolving into its current form.
Help us protect animals and restore hope.
Your kindness provides more than just survival; it offers a lifeline for creatures in need. Join us in our Māori-led mission to nurture life across the landscape of Aotearoa.
Your support funds: food, bedding, flea and worm treatment, desexing, microchipping, vaccinations, vet bills, transport, foster supplies, enrichment and emergency care.