Dogs could have to be kept on a lead or partially banned from four local reserves and beaches, if new proposals to amend local dog access rules are adopted by Rodney Local Board after public consultation next year. Auckland Council’s senior policy manager for regulatory practice, Paul Wilson, told the board’s December meeting that to prevent the spread of kauri dieback and protect vulnerable birds at four sites, the following changes were being proposed: • Parry Kauri Park, Warkworth: Change from off-leash to on-leash, to prevent dogs going off track and spreading kauri dieback. • Snells Beach: Change from on-leash with prohibited time and season rules to prohibited north of Sunburst Reserve boat ramp (between September 1to March 31), and on-leash in all adjoining reserves, to protect shorebirds.
• Vera Reserve, Baddeleys Creek Reserve and Pigeon Place accessway, Baddeleys Beach: Change from from off-leash to on-leash, to protect kiwi moving into the area from Tāwharanui Park. • Wonderview Road Esplanade, Leigh: Reduce access from off-leash to on-leash, to protect vulnerable blue penguins nesting along the coastline. These new local suggestions will all be open for public feedback with other proposed dog control bylaw changes in the New Year.
