Kudos for Nga¯ Kur¯ı Auau
The Far North District Council’s dog microchipping and neutering project (Nga¯ Kur¯ı Auau) was highly commended at the Society for Local Government Managers’ 2018 Local Government Excellence Awards in Auckland last week.
The project was a finalist for the Better Policy and Regulation Award, which was won by the New Plymouth District Council’s draft digital district plan.
Judges commended the FNDC project, describing it as an excellent example of a communitybased solution.
“The mantra ‘caring before compliance’ struck a chord with us — modern regulation is about working with people to resolve issues,” they said.
Praise also came from Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta, who said Nga¯ Kur¯ı Auau was the project that stood out for her.
Council CEEO Shaun Clarke said the achievement showed that the Far North District Council punched well above its weight.
“I was extraordinarily proud of our staff and our district when our teams took out what is effectively the silver medal at these prestigious awards,” he said.
“Achievements like this help to change perceptions, not just of the council but of our district across the local government sector. I salute our staff who created and delivered this project and earned kudos for the Far North.”
Nga¯ Kur¯ı Auau, a collaboration involving the council’s animal management, community development and communications teams, was designed to promote responsible dog ownership by urging owners to microchip and neuter their pets during one-day events in Kaikohe and Kaitaia last year. The ‘Chip ’n Snip’ days have so far resulted in more than 200 dogs being neutered.
Animal management officers say the events have already had an impact, with fewer callouts for wandering and aggressive dogs, and fewer unwanted puppies ending up in the council’s pounds.
The Department of Internal Affairs provided $15,000 for the event in Kaikohe, while Kaitaia’s was funded by the council.