Auckland residents are being encouraged to have their say on proposed changes to the city's dog access rules, which affect where dogs can be walked across the region. The five-week consultation period, which began on 20 January, runs until Sunday, 23 February.
The proposed changes are part of a regular review of Auckland's dog policy, Dog Management Bylaw, and local dog access rules. These revisions aim to strike a fair balance, ensuring that public spaces are accessible to both dog lovers and those who prefer dog-free areas, while protecting vulnerable wildlife.
Councillor Josephine Bartley, chair of Auckland Council's Regulatory and Safety Committee, highlighted the importance of preserving Auckland’s variety of public spaces. “We are so lucky to have a variety of public spaces to share in Tāmaki Makaurau. It’s important we maintain a balance that respects everybody’s right to use them,” she said. “The changes being put forward aim to keep a good mix of dog-friendly and dog-free spaces so there are places for dogs, and anyone who is not a dog person, to enjoy. This will also help to protect vulnerable wildlife, like endangered shorebirds nesting on our beaches, and kauri in specific places.”
The proposals also aim to address emerging concerns related to the walking of multiple dogs at once. To ensure safety and fairness, a limit on the number of dogs that can be walked at the same time is being proposed. "This aims to respond to the concerns in a way that’s fair and reasonable, without imposing unnecessary restrictions. Ultimately, everyone should feel safe and welcome to visit Auckland’s parks, beaches and public spaces – this is at the heart of these proposals," said Bartley.
What Are the Proposed Changes?
The key changes involve the addition of new off-leash areas, modifications to existing dog access rules, and the introduction of dog-free zones in certain parks and beaches. The changes span 14 regional parks and 64 local parks and beaches, covering areas like:
Central/West Auckland
- Muriwai Regional Park (change to policy wording only)
- Whakanewha Regional Park (Waiheke)
- Gooseberry Flat and Pah Beach (Aotea Great Barrier Island)
- Sandhills Reserve (Aotea Great Barrier Island)
- Madills Farm Recreation Reserve and Glover Park (Ōrākei)
- Monte Cecilia Park (Puketāpapa)
- Big Oneroa Beach (Waiheke)
- Blackpool Beach (Waiheke)
North Auckland
- Long Bay Regional Park
- Mahurangi Regional Park
- Pākiri Regional Park
- Shakespear Regional Park
- Te Ārai Regional Park
- Wenderholm Regional Park (change to policy wording only)
- Soldiers Bay Reserve (Kaipātiki)
South Auckland
- Ambury Regional Park (change to policy wording only)
- Auckland Botanic Gardens
- Hunua Ranges Regional Park
- Clevedon Showground Reserve (Franklin)
- Kawakawa Bay Beach (Franklin)
One significant change involves the number of dogs allowed on walks. Under the new rules, people will be able to walk a maximum of six dogs at once, with only three allowed off-leash. For example, dog walkers could have three dogs off-leash or three off-leash dogs with an additional three on-leash, or all six dogs on-leash.
What Does the Data Say?
The proposals are based on feedback from Aucklanders, interviews with key groups, and data collected from complaints, animal management service requests, and dog registrations. Data shows that multiple dogs being walked together is a growing concern for Auckland residents, with issues such as dogs not being kept on leashes in on-leash areas and packs of dogs blocking pathways.
How Can You Have Your Say?
Residents can view the full list of proposed changes for the policy and bylaw review (including regional parks) and provide feedback through the consultation process. From now until Sunday 23 February, Aucklanders can participate online or at one of 23 engagement events held across the region. The full list of changes and engagement details are available on AKHaveYourSay.nz.
Councillor Bartley stressed the importance of community involvement in shaping these rules: “Testing these changes with Aucklanders is key to making sure we have it right. If this is important to you, I strongly encourage you to have your say online, or at one of the many engagement events being held across the region.”
Whether you’re a dog owner or simply enjoy Auckland’s parks and beaches, this is your chance to ensure the rules work for everyone. Make your voice heard!
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