After almost three months without a warranted inspector, SPCA Otago has two new inspectors on its staff.
Inspector Alex Walker (37) started work in Dunedin last week after five years at SPCA Canterbury.
He filled in at the Dunedin office for a week last year, so knew a little about the area and the work involved.
Mr Walker was pleased with the "wonderful offer of employment'' from SPCA Otago.
"This is a job where I think we can make a positive difference. Being part of a team where we can make a difference is very rewarding.''
A change of scenery and promotion to a senior inspector where he would mentor new inspector Sophia Tinirau, was also a drawcard.
In the last week, he had been out in the field and experienced Dunedin and the surrounding areas.
Miss Tinirau (27), also from Christchurch, had just completed her studies at Unitec Institute of Technology in Auckland and was new to the industry.
She started with SPCA Otago yesterday.
"I like starting fresh in a new community,'' she said.
She was looking forward to being able to educate people and being a "voice for the community''.
SPCA Otago chief executive Sophie McSkimming said the reason it had taken so long to get the new inspectors appointed was due to Mr Walker's commitments to SPCA Canterbury.
"We had him for quite a long time, but he gave Canterbury quite a bit of notice. It's nice that Alex has come down [and] it's nice to have a fully functioning inspectorate team again. We're just excited about it.''
