Nominations have now closed for May 2025

Te Tohu Maimoa

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 (except in Assisi award years) and nominations should focus on achievements in the previous 6 months. 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:

1.     Collective & Effective (Working together to create a Good Life)

2.     Quality & Integrity (Striving for excellence)

3.     Respect & Compassion (for pets, the planet and other people)

Nominations are open to high profile welfare advocates and unsung heroes. We look forward to your nominations!

Maimoa, as a verb means 'to cherish or care for' and as a noun means 'companion animal'.

Te Tohu is te reo for 'award'

Please submit nominations for Te Tohu Maimoa using the form below. Make sure you explain which Companion Animals NZ core value has been exhibited by your nominee.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page for award announcements.

Our previous winners can be found here.

Our June 2025 Te Tohu Maimoa Winners

Maria Alomajan (Auckland) – Owner, Canine by Nature 
Awarded for: Commitment to education and canine behaviour training 

Maria Alomajan has shown unwavering dedication to improving canine welfare through education - locally and globally. As the owner of Canine by Nature, Maria integrates ethical, evidence-based behaviour training into every aspect of her work. Her belief in agency for all animals, force-free approaches, and empathetic dialogue drives her mission to empower both pets and people. 

Her impact spans continents. A two-part lecture series for vet nurses through NZVNA and Vet Education reached over 1,300 participants worldwide, helping professionals better support puppies and their guardians. Maria also provides expert behavioural content for PD Insurance and DOC’s Lead the Way programme - creating practical, accessible media that raises awareness of dog behaviour and care. 

Maria continues to mentor others in the field, offering guidance and emotional support within the behaviour community. Her work is a powerful example of how education can uplift both animal welfare standards and the people who care for our pets. 

Rukmini (Mini) (Manawatū) – Owner, Māmā Mini's
Awarded for: Tireless community rescue and support work 

Known affectionately as "Mini", Rukmini is a tireless force for good in the Manawatū animal welfare community. Whether responding to calls about found animals, rescuing pets or offering practical support to those struggling to care for their companions, Mini is always ready to help. 

She works closely with local services offering vital care for abused and neglected animals. Her initiatives – such as food drives for pet guardians in need and low-cost microchipping events – break down barriers to responsible pet care and provide dignity to both pets and people. 

Mini’s community describes her as strong, caring, generous – and a true rescue warrior. 

Charlotte Koppes (Bromley, South Island) – DogWatch 
Awarded for: Dedication to enhancing foster environments and mentorship 

At DogWatch in Christchurch, Charlotte Koppes has transformed foster care through innovation, compassion, and tireless mentorship. Her work has directly improved neonatal care, in-shelter microchipping practices, and outcomes for foster placements. 

Charlotte goes out of her way to support new foster carers – offering one-on-one guidance and emotional support to ensure each placement succeeds. Her training and encouragement have helped build a strong, resilient foster network that provides vulnerable animals with the best start in life. 

Charlotte uplifts those around her, while her thoughtful, hands-on support reflects deep respect and compassion. From shelter innovation to nurturing community, Charlotte’s impact is both measurable and deeply felt.