Paws for thought about beach access

Dog owners are being asked to take the lead and be responsible around popular Far North beaches and coastlines over the busy holiday period.

Areas with nesting sea birds or sensitive kiwi habitats are particularly at risk from dogs and signs detailing dog access are clearly posted at reserves and most beaches.

Animal Management Officers (AMOs) will be on duty throughout the holiday period, responding to urgent complaints, caring for dogs in shelters, and conducting random checks at popular beach destinations.

With more AMOs in place over the summer, dog owners can expect increased attention to help ensure safe and respectful beach experiences for everyone. The AMOs will remind dog owners of their responsibilities and enforce dog access rules.

Far North coastlines are home to several at-risk seabirds and stricter dog control rules are applied at some beaches during the nesting season. The New Zealand dotterel (tūturiwhatu) are found only in Aotearoa and particularly vulnerable at this time of year when they nest above the high tide line. Once widespread, the population is now estimated to be around only 2500. You can find out more about the tūturiwhatu on the Department of Conservation website.

Taupō Bay, on the east coast between Totara North and Mangōnui, is one of the district’s most popular beaches and a favourite nesting ground for tūturiwhatu. Dogs are prohibited all year along the southern part of the beach where dotterels nest. Dogs can still use the rest of the beach with some extra restrictions over the summer period.

You can visit our website for more information about where you can walk your dogs.

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Anyone can report stray or aggressive dogs at any time of day or night by calling the council on 0800 920 029. Please provide as many details as you can including the type of dog involved, the time and location of any incidents. Animal Management staff are on duty throughout the summer holiday period.