Who will be crowned the winner of NZ’s favourite Cat and Dog?
Here we are New Zealand! Meet the finalists of the inaugural Southern Cross Pet Insurance Pawsies!
Our very own Lana Cochrane-Searle from More FM’s Breakfast Club had the honour of serving on the judging panel for the inaugural Southern Cross Pet Insurance Pawsies!
She was joined by renowned animal behaviourist Mark Vette and Southern Cross Pet Insurance's own Grant Sanders all of whom faced the tough task of narrowing down the incredible entries to just ten finalists.
After much deliberation, five fabulous felines and five devoted dogs have been chosen as the official finalists of the 2025 Southern Cross Pawsies.
Check them out below:
Celeste: "Celeste is the most caring cat I’ve known. Once a street cat, she now lives in luxury as a lap cat. She senses my chronic pain and fatigue — warning me on bad days and comforting me through flares with purrs and cuddles".
Daisy: "The local beach cat at Kākā Point. After breakfast, she crosses two roads on her own to spend the day by the sea. She waits on the sand while we surf, hops on our boards, joins patrols, and greets locals from her favourite post, totally unbothered by passing dogs. She’s fearless, friendly, and part of the beach crew".
Louis: "Louis is the best cat I’ve ever had. He senses when I need comfort, always curling up beside me and bringing calm to my day. We’ve got our own little routines and unspoken bond. From cuddles every night to the joy of him greeting me at the door. Just having him around makes everything better".
Maverick: "Maverick, an 8kg British Shorthair, is a fearless rule-breaker and local legend. He’s known for sneaking into homes, riding golf carts at Gulf Harbour, and demanding breakfast at 4:30 AM sharp. Despite being on a vet-ordered diet, he still charms neighbours into sneaky treats".
Ziggy: "Ziggy (Tonkinese) is more than a cat - he fetches like a dog, gallops like a horse, and chats like a person. Quirky and unpredictable, he’s always up to something: destroying toys, digging in the garden, or snoozing under the duvet. Endlessly entertaining, Ziggy is a joyful reminder of how fun being a little weird can be".
Izzy: "A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has been a therapy dog since she was 10 months old. She visits hospitals, libraries, rest homes, and schools, bringing joy and cuddles everywhere she goes. A NZ Dogs champion, she also loves beach adventures, swimming, and meeting up with her Cavalier pals".
Koto: "The Weimaraner was born with a deformed foot and recently had his leg amputated, but that hasn’t slowed him down. He’s a therapy dog who visits children’s wards and schools, showing kids that being different is no barrier to joy. He competes in obedience and scent work, once raised a duckling, and greets life with a goofy grin and endless love".
Foz: "A 2-year-old Huntaway Cross saved my life by scratching my arm and revealing a melanoma. Later, he battled cancer himself with three surgeries and came out clear. Now facing possible epilepsy or brain cancer, we’re fighting for him, just like he did for me".
Reo: "Born in Russia, imported to the UK, and eventually moved with me to New Zealand. We’ve done it all: Crufts, camping trips, beach adventures, and solo hikes. He’s my adventure buddy, my shadow, and the reason I’ve had the courage to do life on my own. Wherever we go, he makes it feel like home".
Vader: "Vader the Vizsla is a 30kg goofball who loves adventures and thinks he’s a lap dog. He’s sweet, cuddly, and always the first to comfort anyone sick or hurt, even after his own surgery. Smart, loyal, and always up for learning (especially for treats), Vader’s got the biggest heart".
Voting is now open!
Cast your vote for your favourite furry friend by midnight on Wednesday, 28 May 202 HERE. You only get one vote per category so make it count!
