SPCA Cupcake Day returns for 2026 – bake a difference for animals in need

On Wednesday 16 September 2026, kiwis are invited to dust off their aprons, pull out their piping bags and put their baking skills to work for a great cause. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or simply keen to enjoy a cupcake or two, SPCA Cupcake Day is an opportunity to raise vital funds and awareness for animals in need across Aotearoa.

Participants can host a morning tea with friends, organise a workplace bake sale, rally their local community, or even spoil their four-legged companions with homemade “pupcakes”.

Every cupcake sold helps support SPCA’s work caring for vulnerable animals throughout New Zealand.

SPCA Partnerships and Events Manager Elinor Birch says Cupcake Day is a fun and simple way for people to make a real difference.

“SPCA Cupcake Day is one of our most-loved and well known community fundraisers because it brings people together for a good cause. Whether you’re baking up a storm in your kitchen, hosting a workplace bake sale, or sharing treats with friends and whānau, every dollar raised helps provide care, protection and a second chance for animals who need us most.”

Funds raised through SPCA Cupcake Day help support more than 55,000 animals every year who are sick, injured, abused, neglected or vulnerable. Every dollar goes directly towards SPCA’s vital services, including animal rescues, veterinary treatment, rehabilitation and adoptions.

Participants can register online and create their own fundraising page before baking and selling cupcakes on 16 September, or on another date that better suits their schedule.

Veteran Cupcake Day participant Sine Symonds has shared why she loves to take part.

“I’ve lived in rentals or other properties that were not pet-friendly for most of my adult life, and I haven’t always had tonnes of money to donate. But I have been in love with baking cupcakes for at least 15 years, so SPCA Cupcake Day is the perfect way for me to help my favourite charity,” Sine says.

“Why do I keep coming back? This is going to sound a bit nuts, but I’ve got kind of obsessed with beating my own record. My first year I made $340. Then in 2021 I got to $800, in 2022 I cracked $1,000, in 2024 I got to $1,400 and then to $1,600 in 2025.

"Now Cupcake Day 2026 is on the horizon and I can hear the distant siren call of a $2,000 goal singing my name.”

Cupcake Day proves that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact.

“Every cupcake sold helps ensure SPCA can continue rescuing, treating and finding loving homes for animals across Aotearoa. Together, we can make animal lives a little sweeter," Elinor says.

There are also plenty of incentives for people to get involved. Anyone who signs up will go into the draw to win a coveted KitchenAid stand mixer for the top individual fundraiser, but there are also plenty of additional prizes for the top community fundraiser and top workplace fundraiser.

The top workplace and community fundraisers will take home prize hampers that include $300 in PB Tech vouchers, and goodies from Milly’s Kitchen.

Fundraisers can also earn exclusive SPCA Cupcake Day rewards as they reach fundraising milestones. Participants who raise $45 will receive a limited-edition Cupcake Day animal bandana, while those who raise $100, $250 or $500 will unlock exclusive merchandise including a collectable pin, tea towel and apron.

Bakeries and cafes can also get involved as SPCA Cupcake Day Business Champions, helping spread the word while supporting animals in need.

“Not only will participants have the chance to showcase their baking talents and connect with their communities, they’ll also be helping SPCA continue its lifesaving work,” Elinor says. “We can’t wait to see the creativity, generosity and cupcake creations that New Zealanders bring to Cupcake Day this year.”

To register and create a fundraising page, visit the Cupcake Day website.