Aotea residents are being encouraged to give feedback on council’s review of dog policies and bylaws including local dog access rules.
There are a few proposed changes for the motu, some which would allow our poochie pals to walk along extended areas of Pah Beach on-leash.
“With our precious populations of shorebirds on Aotea, we have to be conscious of balancing the needs of our dogs and dog owners with the conservation of our wildlife,” says Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board chair Izzy Fordham.
Another proposal is for Sandhills Reserve to become a designated off-leash area for dogs.
“To complement the work of our local conservation groups, the idea of turning Sandhills Reserve into a dog exercise area would need to factor in measures such as fencing to protect the surrounding biodiversity,” says Izzy.
As well as looking at local dog access rules, the consultation covers recommendations to set a limit to the number of dogs a person may walk at one time, and clarify existing rules in the policy and bylaw.
Key dates
Online information session
Monday 10 February, 5-6pm
If you’re keen to hear more about what the proposed changes mean for the island, register here for the online session at least three business days in advance.
In-person ‘Have Your Say’ event
Tuesday 11 February, 2:30-3:30pm
Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board Office, 81 Hector Sanderson Drive, Claris
If you’d like to discuss your views with elected members, register here for the in-person session.
Have your say
Find the consultation material and submit your feedback online at akhaveyoursay.nz or at the Great Barrier Island Service Centre or Have Your Say event before Sunday 23 February 2025.
