Dog park access up for public consultation

Simpler dog access rules at popular dog parks and foreshore beaches in three Auckland suburbs now rests in the public’s hands.

The decision was made last Thursday night, when the Puketāpapa Local Board voted in favour of public consultation for restrictions on dogs in public spaces.

The parks specifically targeted are the foreshore parks and beaches in the Lynfield, Waikowhai and Hillsborough area.

Dog access for Lynfield, Waikowhai, and Hillsborough parks and foreshore beaches could be restricted. Photo: Supplied

Under current rules, dogs are prohibited from being off-leash from 9am to 7pm during summer (Labour weekend until Easter Monday), and under control on-leash from 10am to 4pm on sand, and off-leash in water.

Additionally, the current winter rules state that dogs must be under control on-leash from on sand, and under control off-leash in water from 10am to 4pm.

The proposal would simplify dog access to being under control on a leash from 10am to 5pm during both summer and winter, for sand and water.

Board member Michael Wood said they would be conducting a review across all of their dog access areas within the board area “with a specific focus on the foreshore area”.

“We’ll get submissions from the community, hear what they say, and make a final decision,” said Mr Wood.

The board identified a potential threat to native birds in the area, such as the pied shag, and the wrybill. Some of the more at-risk birds nest in open areas, which dogs could quickly locate and potentially destroy.

Board member David Holm said the threat to wildlife was the reason for the consultation, and they will be working with both the public and ecological consultants to rectify the situation.

“Some officers have proposed that because of bird life on the Manukau Harbour that dogs be banned and divided into two areas,” said Holm.

“We’ll get a lot of feedback on this and we’ll reach a decision for both dog owners and the safety for wildlife.”

Dog owner Jessica Brown, who regularly uses the Waikowhai Park, was frustrated with the proposed regulations for dog access.

“It’s kind of annoying because then you can’t bring your dogs there and you have to go to other places [further away],” said Ms Brown.

“Can the birds fly? If the birds can fly, then that’s stupid because they can just fly away from the dogs.”