Walking your pooch around some of Puketāpapa’s picturesque parks and reserves could be changing – following the dog policy, bylaw and regional and local park access rules consultation.
The five-week Have You Say engagement wraps up on 23 February, with six Puketāpapa locations included in the consultation: Freeland Reserve, John Moore Reserve, Monte Cecilia Park, Smallfield Reserve, Underwood Park and Walmsley Park.
There are several changes proposed, such as dog access rules (where dogs can go off a leash, on a leash, or are not allowed), new off-leash areas recommended, as well as other wider changes to keep dogs out of places with vulnerable wildlife, and to provide places for the public to visit that are completely dog-free.
Puketāpapa Local Board chair Ella Kumar says it’s important locals understand the proposals and get involved in the consultation.
“Puketāpapa has a number of scenic and beautiful walks, and it’s important we have a mix of spaces that are dog-friendly as well as having dog-free spaces, so that our public spaces can be enjoyed by all of the community,” says Ella.
“Dogs are an important part of many people’s lives, and our parks and reserves need to reflect the needs of our residents. It’s easy to get involved in this consultation, and we want to hear from our community as it helps shape our policy and future plans.”
The dog access rules policy was last reviewed in 2019, with some areas now not suitable for dogs.
The proposed changes have been formed by early feedback from Aucklanders, interviews with groups and individuals with an interest in dog rules, and analysis of relevant data, including complaints to the council, animal management service requests and dog registrations.
Preliminary feedback from a public survey in March 2024 shows the common issues for Aucklanders are owners not picking up after their dog, packs of dogs taking up pathways, and dogs wandering off-leash in an on-leash area.
51 per cent of respondents had experienced problems when encountering four or more dogs being walked at once – the higher the number of dogs being walked, the higher this percentage was.
The consultation is wide-ranging for Tāmaki Makaurau, covering 14 regional parks and 64 local parks and beaches.
Have Your Say at the Puketāpapa Local Board office
The public consultation runs until 23 February, and includes a drop-in session at the Puketāpapa Local Board Office on 20 February, 1.30pm – 2.30pm, 560 Mount Albert Road, Three Kings.
The local board session is a chance to find out more about the proposed changes or chat to elected members that will be responsible for making the final decisions.
You can also provide feedback online at AKHaveYourSay.
Stay updated
Sign up for monthly local E news and receive the latest information and events direct to your inbox here or follow @puketapapa on Facebook here.
