SPCA sought two new Board members  with a natural affinity for animals, a passion for being their voice and the mix of expertise and experience to add value at the SPCA board table. The first Board member was required to have expertise in animal welfare and experience in the animal services space whilst the second role was for an experienced director with strong governance experience who could be a potential successor to the current chair.

Dr. Hanna Larsen is an animal welfare scientist whose expertise covers a broad spectrum of animal welfare issues, including farmed animals, captive wildlife, wild animals, and those used in research, testing, and teaching. She is recognised for her skills in strategic leadership, scientific research, systems thinking, and a thorough understanding of animal welfare legislation and regulatory frameworks. In her current role as Global Animal Welfare Advisor at World Animal Protection, Hannah provides technical expertise for global food systems strategies, leads international project teams, and ensures that advocacy positions are grounded in robust scientific evidence.

Colin Dawson is a highly experienced professional director with a career that demonstrates a deep commitment to both environmental stewardship and animal welfare, as well as a proven track record in governance, executive leadership, and commercial acumen. Colin was previously Chair of Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research and has held a range of significant board roles across New Zealand’s public and private sectors including leading the Boards of Upstream Medical Technologies, Tiro Medical, and Ember Wellbeing Trust. He is former Chair of the New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority. His governance portfolio reflects an emphasis on innovation, commercialisation of intellectual property, environmental protection, and the oversight of technology-driven ventures. Colin began his career with a decade in veterinary clinical practice, providing him with direct experience in animal health and welfare.

SPCA New Zealand is the country’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity, dedicated to protecting vulnerable animals from cruelty, neglect, and abuse. With 28 centres and multiple veterinary partnerships nationwide, SPCA cares for more than 30,000 animals each year. The organisation is unique in having the legal authority to investigate animal welfare complaints and prosecute offenders under the Animal Welfare Act 1999. SPCA’s work extends beyond rescue and rehabilitation, encompassing public education, advocacy, and efforts to promote responsible animal care across communities. Operating largely on donations from the public, the SPCA’s founding ethos is “to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves,” ensuring the wellbeing and humane treatment of animals in New Zealand for over 150 years.