A well-loved Māori warden has been recognised for his efforts supporting Animal Welfare during the floods in Māngere by Companion Animals New Zealand.
Thomas Henry, from the Ōtāhuhu Māori Wardens Association, was given the Te Tohu Maimoa award for his efforts in reflecting Companion Animals NZ values of Respect and Compassion, as well as Collective and Effective.
Maimoa, as a verb means 'to cherish or care for' and as a noun means 'companion animal'.
Te Tohu is te reo for 'award'.
The Wardens are often out and and about in the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board area ensuring the community is safe and providing assistance where need be. Thomas is one of many volunteers who were on the ground during the recent floods. The board is pleased to see one of their own people win the award.
Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board Chair says, “This comes as no surprise given the amount of work matua Thomas does in the community, looking after animal welfare alongside others was a Godsend as Thomas and the team made a real commitment to look after flood affected pets and their whanau.”
Companion Animals New Zealand offer a range of services to support their aim of continually advancing the understanding, quality, and adoption of responsible companion animal guardianship in New Zealand.
Te Tohu Maimoa recognises the contribution of people involved in the well-being of Companion Animals in New Zealand.
The awards are held twice a year and nominations focus on achievements in the previous six months.
Māori Wardens helping out during the Māngere floods
We had the pleasure of interviewing Thomas who says, “The Māori Wardens are grateful to be winners of the Te Tohu Maimoa awards. Our roles were to work alongside Animal Welfare SPCA and Auckland Animal Control and go into all the areas that where affected by the floods, and door knock or drop food into those areas, and pick up any Animals that were lost.”
Thomas with one of the animals he helped
“It was our responsibility to make sure the wellbeing of Animals and owners were all safe”, adds Thomas.
Operations Centre during the floods in Māngere with Clr Josephine Bartley (second from left)
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 Companion Animals New Zealand core values of Collective & Effective, Quality & Integrity, and Respect & Compassion.
During the recent weather events in the Auckland region, Thomas worked tirelessly collaborating with key organisations involved in the animal welfare response.
Dr Sarah Olson, Welfare Manager of Companion Animals New Zealand says, “Thomas is a valued member of his community. His kindness and compassion provided support and reassurance to members of the flood-impacted communities of Auckland and his outreach work was instrumental in addressing the welfare needs of people and their animals in the affected communities.”
The team responsible for taking care of the Animals during the floods in Māngere
Congratulations to Thomas Henry and a special thank you to his fellow Māori Wardens from Ōtāhuhu Māori Wardens Association, for all their mahi in our communities.
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