Council, take the lead

Barely 30 minutes up the road, and dogs are welcome to wander through Picton’s town centre ... on a leash, of course.

Same goes for Nelson, while neither Christchurch nor Oamaru have a problem with dogs in the central business district.

Wellington takes the same ‘onleash’ approach.

In fact, Blenheim is one of the few centres in New Zealand that bans dogs from the CBD.

The maximum fine for noncompliance is $20,000.

There are about 10,000 registered dogs in Marlborough, and the Black Hawk National Dog Show, set down for four days in October next year, will likely bring in another 1400.

So, should Blenheim have an amnesty period during the show, to allow visitors and locals to take their dogs into the town centre?

Sarah Brown, a musician and responsible dog owner, thinks so.

‘‘As long as they are under control, the owner picks up after them and they are safe to be around,’’ she said.

‘‘I would love to be able to take my dogs into town. I often take them to cafes and shops outside of the CBD, when they are allowed.’’

Marlborough District Council environmental protection officer and animal control contract manager Jane Robertson said an exception to the bylaw could be possible.

‘‘There have been exceptions in the past, for specific dogs when SPCA have been doing collections, but never to allow just any dog to come into the CBD.’’

Out and about in Blenheim, most people reacted positively to the idea of relaxing the rules for the show.

Mrs Vercoes Diner manager Abigail Watson said that as long as the dog was well-behaved, it should ‘‘absolutely be allowed in town’’.

‘‘If I was allowed to bring my dogs to town, I would. They’re very well-behaved,’’ she said.

Vodafone assistant manager Phil Skinner was on board with dogs being in town for the event, but otherwise maintaining the status quo.

‘‘I think it’s more an essence of A girls’ college has come under fire for promoting baking and childcare as career options for its students.

A pupil from Marlborough Girls’ College, in Blenheim, is accusing it of taking a ‘‘step back in time to the 1950s’’ after baking, early childhood education and catering were highlighted in a careers information publication used to promote its careers expo this week.

‘‘We offer a number of ‘hands on’ industry-based courses, including baking, early childhood education, hospitality and catering, outdoor education and tourism,’’ the brochure reads.

A student, who asked not to be named, is ‘‘disappointed’’ to see the subjects prominently displayed. She said it gives the impression students were limited to subjects which led to professions once considered the domain of women.

‘‘The more I thought about it the angrier I got. I can’t see these subjects being offered at the boys’ college,’’ she said.

‘‘It seems hypocritical to always push us to be our best and then offer courses like this? Why is there no mention of other electives such as engineering or computer-based options?

‘‘I would like to see more courses where you are pushed to use your brain more rather than sewing or cooking. There should be options for everyone.’’

Marlborough Girls’ College principal Mary-jeanne Lynch defended the college and says it offers a ‘‘very broad and wide curriculum’’.