Mō Mātou — About Us
About the Trust
Aotearoa Animal Refuge is a Māori-led charitable trust dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of animals across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Kaupapa — Our Mission
Why We Exist
We believe every animal deserves safety, dignity, and a loving home. Guided by the values of kaitiakitanga — guardianship of the natural world — we work to rescue animals in need, rehabilitate them with expert care, and find them permanent, loving homes. We also protect native biodiversity by responsibly rehoming domestic animals that pose a risk to native wildlife.
Kaitiakitanga
Guardianship
We hold ourselves accountable as guardians of the animals in our care and the natural environment they share.
Manaakitanga
Compassion
Every animal is treated with dignity, patience, and aroha — from the moment of rescue through to their forever home.
Whanaungatanga
Community
We are stronger together. Our work is built on the generosity of volunteers, fosters, donors, and community partners.
Tūāhuatanga
Integrity
We operate transparently as a registered charitable trust, ensuring every koha is applied directly to animal welfare.
Ā Mātou Mahi — What We Do
Our Work
Rescue
We respond to animals in crisis — surrendered, abandoned, or at risk — and bring them into our care network.
Rehabilitate
Animals receive veterinary care, desexing, microchipping, vaccinations, and the time they need to heal and trust again.
Rehome
We carefully match animals with families who are ready to provide a safe, permanent, and loving home.
Educate
We promote responsible pet ownership and raise awareness about the impact of domestic animals on native wildlife.
Protect Biodiversity
By rehoming cats and other predators responsibly, we help protect Aotearoa's unique native species.
Build Community
We foster a network of volunteers, fosters, and partners united by a shared commitment to animal welfare.
Te Tūāhoi — The Trust
A Registered Charitable Trust
Aotearoa Animal Refuge is incorporated under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957 and registered with Charities Services New Zealand. We are governed by a board of trustees committed to responsible, transparent stewardship of the trust's resources.
- Charity Registration: CC60429
- NZBN: 9429050712700
- Incorporated under: Charitable Trusts Act 1957
Whakapā Mai — Get in Touch
Contact Us
Te Tūāhoi Atawhai Kararehe o Aotearoa · CC60429 · NZBN 9429050712700