Animal lover bequeaths estate proceeds to charity
A Rotorua woman has bequeathed proceeds from the sale of her home to the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind
(RNZFB) Guide Dog Services and the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
The late Nita Paterson, who passed away in August, dedicated her life to the welfare and care of animals.
Her great nephew Kevin Stanley said his earliest memories of his ‘Great Aunt Nita’ were of her numerous adopted dogs
which she rescued and cared for at her Mangakakahi home.
Mr Stanley said: “Nita spent much of the 1980s volunteering her time with the SPCA. Her last pet dog, Ted, passed on
when Nita was 84, and she reluctantly realised she could no longer care for any more pets adequately.”
Mr Stanley said when she could no longer care for animals herself, Nita began sponsoring RNZFB guide dog puppies.
“She loved the progress reports, photos and news of successful dogs being placed with new owners that were sent to her
from the Foundation,” he said.
“And there was disappointment tinged with sadness at news of dogs in training that did not make the grade. Nita retained
this enthusiasm right up to the end and this is reflected in her humble and generous bequest to this worthy
organisation.”
Nita’s two bedroom property is now up for sale by auction on December 8 and is being marketed by Bayleys. The property
has a 2011 capital valuation of $118,000.
Bayleys Rotorua salesperson Anne Pitcher said the property would suit an owner wishing to breathe new life into a
well-loved home.
“This is a great opportunity to not only take on a property where there is plenty of opportunity to add value, but to
also support such a worthy cause,” Ms Pitcher said.
Some 40 percent of proceeds generated by the sale of Nita’s home will go to the RNZFB Guide Dog Services. A further 10
percent will be donated to the SPCA.
“As principal sponsor of Guide Dog Services, Bayleys has funded the breeding and training of 100 puppies, and we are
extremely pleased that Nita choose to support this worthy cause through her estate,” Ms Pitcher said.
ENDS