Tears as stalwart bows out

It was a tearful farewell as Wairarapa SPCA centre manager and chairman Val Ball handed over the reins to Tina Goodin last Thursday.

After 25 years working at the centre, Mrs Ball is leaving the SPCA but says she will continue to work for the community.

"I'm happy to talk to groups and offer my skills in any way I can. I'm certainly not going to sit at home and be filled with self-pity," Mrs Ball said.

Ms Goodin will take over as centre manager, with Ross Nixon to assist her.

Margaret Priest will be taking over as manager of the SPCA feline centre.

Mrs Ball says the appointments have been made by her.

She said the changeover process would be difficult but "Tina will get there and she's got my 100 per cent support, as do Ross and Margaret".

About 30 people turned up to a farewell lunch at the SPCA, with many bearing gifts. "I can only be delighted that so many have come to wish me well," Mrs Ball said.

She said she was proud of the national and public awards she has received for her work over the years.

The highlight of her SPCA career was the move from Rogers Lane to the new centre on Ngaumutawa Rd in 2001.

She has also loved "watching animals heal, watching people heal as they work with animals, and watching volunteers become stronger and confident and realise their own capabilities.

"The volunteers are all a mighty bunch of people."

Mrs Ball urges the community to continue to support the SPCA.

"It's very hard to say goodbye but it's got to happen for the good of the centre," she said.