ACCESS DISAPPOINTING
We moved to Kerikeri six months ago and were discouraged to find so few off leash areas for dogs. Dog parks serve as a social connection both for the dog and the owner.
To find that all the local bush walks were administered by DoC and closed to dogs was disappointing. Our dog is a companion and a member of our family.
To not be able to take her on the scenic reserve walks means that we simply don’t do the walks. We don’t make this decision lightly. Like many dog lovers we also care for our environment.
The latest bylaw proposals have two approved off leash areas; one area on the east of town [Roland’s Wood] and the other site out of town at the back of the crematorium.
I don’t have issue with it being at the back of a crematorium, but I do have issues with the distance from town. Dog parks need to be located at a reasonable distance from homes for users. We have the need and demand for more dog parks in town given the environmental constraints of no access to DOC reserves.
My suggestions are more centrally located dog parks and DOC actively encouraging dog owners to undertake bird aversion training. Dog owners, like members of any community have to be responsible and caring. It is a lost opportunity not to channel these people to care for Papatuanuku [the land]. We moved to Kerikeri in 2016. We have two fox terriers and we are disappointed with the facilities in the area. It seems that DOC are too powerful.
I understand that kiwi have to be protected and I would be horrified if one of my dogs did any harm. But to counter this there must be areas where dogs can be exercised. We use Roland’s Wood which is excellent and the dogs love it. It is right round the other side of Kerikeri and 7km drive, but we don’t mind that.
It appears to me that FNDC really don’t care much about their voters who own dogs and these days there are more people who have dogs. Us oldies need our fur babies! We also are more likely to go and vote in local elections so it would good to know which councillors are dog friendly. I totally oppose changes and suggest councillors and