End of an era for SPCA

Wairarapa SPCA chairwoman and centre manager Val Ball has resigned.

Mrs Ball said she would be leaving the SPCA on Thursday, saying it was "time for a change". She did not want to comment further on her departure but said that there were "lots of reasons".

"It is time to move on. I'm just wanting to go out from here with some dignity," she said.

In a column for Wairarapa Midweek, Mrs Ball said she began working with the Wairarapa SPCA in November 1988 and was there when the centre made its move from Rogers Lane to Ngaumutawa Rd in 2001, which she said was a big commitment from a dedicated committee.

"I have been involved at all levels of the Wairarapa SPCA since November 1988 and have served this community with a dedication towards animals and people of every walk of life.

"I worked very hard to make sure that the Wairarapa SPCA was visible in the community and that we led in many ways the commitment to bring about change in the behaviour towards both animal and child abuse," Mrs Ball said.

She said it was with "great sadness" that she was leaving and hoped the branch would develop but also keep the culture she had grown.

"One that takes in people who can work well with the animals but might not otherwise have a job to do," she said.

Mrs Ball thanked those who have supported her over the last 25 years.

"To the members, I say thank you and those that I have helped I again say thank you for being able to assist you and your pets. To everyone, I say: Continue to support this valuable part of the community as it moves on to a different direction."