Dog Control Bylaw & Policy Review 2025

OVERVIEW

It’s time to review our Dog Control Bylaw and Dog Control Policy.

We’re seeking feedback on the Draft Dog Control Bylaw 2025 and Draft Dog Control Policy 2025 in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA 2002) and the Dog Control Act 1996 (the DCA 1996).

Under the DCA 1996, the Council is required to adopt and maintain a bylaw for dog control within the district. Additionally, the Council must establish a policy to support this bylaw, outlining the process for enforcement of the regulations that help manage public safety.

For the report on the section 155 determinations required by the LGA, see the Council report HERE (item 19, pages 87-116) which was considered at the 25 February 2025 Council Meeting: Council Agenda File 1 Review of the Dog Control Policy and Bylaw and Determinations Report.

 

THE BACKGROUND

Waitomo District Council uses a combination of education and enforcement to ensure the safety of our community.

We endeavour to find a balanced approach to managing dogs in our district, making sure everyone can enjoy our spaces safely. We understand the desire for more dog-friendly areas, like allowing dogs on the main street and creating more off-leash spaces. However, our priority is to reduce the potential risks to the public. Our goal is to keep both dogs and people safe, ensuring everyone can experience our greenspaces and town centres with peace of mind.

Council understands how much fun off -leash exercise areas are for your dog to run free. However, research shows that off-leash areas can sometimes lead to unexpected and risky situations, particularly around children.

Dogs off-leash can easily get distracted, frightened, or take off, which may put the dog, owner, and others at risk. Our priority is everyone’s safety. So, we’re proposing keeping dogs on leash’s in most areas to help prevent accidents and ensure a safer environment for everyone.

We’d love to offer more secure, fenced dog areas, but they can be costly to install and maintain. Unfortunately, this presents a significant financial challenge for our community, and it’s something we’re unable to provide for at the moment.

Council strives to create a welcoming environment for dogs and owners. The current review we’re undertaking confirms that these principles remain relevant today.

 

WHY WE'RE DOING THE REVIEWS

Regular reviews and monitoring of trends provides an opportunity for Council to check in with the community on how these documents are working and consider feedback from people living in the district.

The Waitomo District Council Dog Control Bylaw and Dog Control Policy were last reviewed in 2015. Council is required to review the existing Bylaw every 10 years as per the Dog Control Act 1996 and LGA 2002 requirements. The Policy and Bylaw are reviewed in tandem to ensure consistency between the two documents.

 

THE CHANGES WE'RE PROPOSING 

CHANGE TO THE FOLLOWING CLAUSE/S WHAT WE’RE PROPOSING ...AND WHY WE'RE PROPOSING IT
Permit and Special Owner clauses We propose updating and clarifying the permit and special owner clauses.

The changes outlined below aim to improve transparency, streamline the process, help dog owners understand their responsibilities, and enhance public safety.

  • Clarification of Permit Ownership: Currently, permits can involve two owners and are tied to the property. This update will clarify that any change in ownership—whether it involves a change of owners, dogs, or properties—will require a new application for the permit or special owner status.
  • Ensuring Accountability: Requiring inspections ensures that properties and owners continue to meet the necessary standards for responsible dog management, promoting the safety and well-being of both the dogs and the community.
  • Consistency and Compliance: This will ensure that each new owner or dog is assessed under the same criteria, reducing risks and maintaining high standards of care and control. Reapplying for the permit or special owner status will ensure continued compliance with regulations, especially when circumstances change.

We will manage this process by keeping permits up to date and aligned with any changes in ownership or property.
Ward Street Reserve We propose making Ward Street Reserve an on-leash area only.
  • Lack of Containment: Unlike Redwood Park, which is fully enclosed with secure fencing, Ward Street Reserve lacks the necessary infrastructure to safely contain dogs. Without proper fencing, there is an increased risk of uncontrolled interactions. While there is no budget for this currently, it could be considered for future LTPs if the community expresses interest in more off-leash areas.
  • Proximity to a Playcentre: With a nearby playcentre, the area is home to young children who are particularly vulnerable. Unleashed dogs can pose a risk, especially in environments where noise and activity might attract their attention.
  • Unfenced Bordering Properties: The reserve borders properties with no fencing, increasing the risk of dogs running into yards where children or family pets may be playing, potentially leading to dangerous encounters.
  • Future Development Plans: The area is undergoing further development, which will likely increase the number of people using the space. As the community grows, it’s essential that we proactively manage the safety of all visitors.

By making this reserve an on-leash area, we are prioritising the safety and well-being of children, pets, and the wider community.
Ward Street Reserve We propose making Ward Street Reserve an on-leash area only.
  • Lack of Containment: Unlike Redwood Park, which is fully enclosed with secure fencing, Ward Street Reserve lacks the necessary infrastructure to safely contain dogs. Without proper fencing, there is an increased risk of uncontrolled interactions. While there is no budget for this currently, it could be considered for future LTPs if the community expresses interest in more off-leash areas.
  • Proximity to a Playcentre: With a nearby playcentre, the area is home to young children who are particularly vulnerable. Unleashed dogs can pose a risk, especially in environments where noise and activity might attract their attention.
  • Unfenced Bordering Properties: The reserve borders properties with no fencing, increasing the risk of dogs running into yards where children or family pets may be playing, potentially leading to dangerous encounters.
  • Future Development Plans: The area is undergoing further development, which will likely increase the number of people using the space. As the community grows, it’s essential that we proactively manage the safety of all visitors.

By making this reserve an on-leash area, we are prioritising the safety and well-being of children, pets, and the wider community.
Any Prohibited dog areas Exceptions for Council-run events.

Our primary goal is prioritising the safety and well-being of park users. However, exceptions may be granted for certain events that can be held under controlled conditions.


For example: The Council has previously hosted free vaccination events at Centennial Park. This location is ideal because it allows dogs to remain safely in their vehicles while being attended to.


This exemption would also apply to other events, such as the Great NZ Muster and the Christmas parade, in Te Kūiti.
Mangokewa Reserve This will be removed from the Bylaw This will be removed from the bylaw as it’s not under WDC control. A formal review is not required to make this change.
Note the following exceptions: Beaches remain dog-friendly, with the exception of part of Mōkau Beach (as per map in schedule 1). This part of the beach is closed to dogs during the summer months due to the high number of people using the area.

KEY REASONS FOR THE PROPOSED CHANGES

Council is proposing some minor changes to both the Dog Control Policy and Dog Control Bylaw. The key reasons for the proposed changes are:

  • Increasing the need for safety within dog parks.
  • Increasing the need for safety out and about in the community.
  • Improving clarity for owners about their rights and obligations.
  • Improving clarity around Council’s responsibilities and enforcement functions.
  • Continuing to meet our obligations under the Dog Control Act 1996.

We have updated the maps in Schedule 1 to reflect the proposed changes.


For clarity, we have highlighted in yellow the area on Rora Street where dogs may be walked on a leash. This area is commonly used by visitors who stop to use the facilities, and we want to clearly indicate where dogs are allowed on-leash on the grass.

A similar yellow-shaded area is shown for Kara Park in Piopio. Please note that this is not a change to the rules—dogs are already allowed on-leash in all areas that are not specifically prohibited.

OPTIONS CONSIDERED - DOG CONTROL BYLAW

Option 1 (preferred): Continue the bylaw with the proposed amendments.

Council considers the appropriate option is to keep the current Dog Control Bylaw with the key changes described in the proposal table. This option responds to the opportunities and issues identified through the review.
Making these changes means:
A. Clarity on permit and Special Owner applications
B. Ward Street reserve becomes an on-leash area increasing public safety in the area
C. Centennial Park all areas prohibited to dogs increasing public safety in the area.
D. Standard exemptions for Council run events in prohibited dog areas.

Option 2: Continue the bylaw with no amendments.

This option would involve keeping the current Dog Control Bylaw without any amendments. This option would mean that:
E. Owners may not realise their permit or Owner status has lapsed
F. Ward Street remaining off-leash – would require more monitoring by WDC staff
G. Centennial Park southern end remains on-leash – would require more monitoring by WDC staff
H. Approval for Council events involving dogs required in each instance.

OPTIONS CONSIDERED - DOG CONTROL POLICY

The Policy must align with the Bylaw. Therefore, if any amendments are made to the Bylaw, the Policy will also be updated accordingly. If the Bylaw remains unchanged, the Policy will also stay the same.

 

NEXT STEPS

  1. A Hearing will be held on 10 June 2025. Submitters who want to speak to their written submission will be able to do so at this meeting.
  2. Waitomo District Council will analyse all feedback from written and verbal submissions.
  3. The analysis of this feedback will be presented at the Council meeting on 30 June 2025.
  4. Council will consider the feedback and decide on the Bylaw and Policy.

KEY DATES

1 MAY 2025 Submissions Open
31 MAY 2025 Submissions Close
10 JUNE 2025 Hearings, should people wish to speak to their submission
30 JUNE 2025 Deliberations: Council discusses feedback from the community. Changes are agreed, if appropriate.
30 JUNE 2025 Council adopts the final bylaw

HAVE YOUR SAY

We want to hear from you!

The proposed changes are not yet finalised, and your feedback is crucial in helping us make the best decision for our district.

These changes are intended to improve transparency, accountability, and safety for everyone, but we need your input to ensure that the final decision reflects the needs and concerns of the community.

Your voice matters! Please share your thoughts so we can make a well-informed, community-driven decision.

OVERVIEW

It’s time to review our Dog Control Bylaw and Dog Control Policy.

We’re seeking feedback on the Draft Dog Control Bylaw 2025 and Draft Dog Control Policy 2025 in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA 2002) and the Dog Control Act 1996 (the DCA 1996).

Under the DCA 1996, the Council is required to adopt and maintain a bylaw for dog control within the district. Additionally, the Council must establish a policy to support this bylaw, outlining the process for enforcement of the regulations that help manage public safety.

For the report on the section 155 determinations required by the LGA, see the Council report HERE (item 19, pages 87-116) which was considered at the 25 February 2025 Council Meeting: Council Agenda File 1 Review of the Dog Control Policy and Bylaw and Determinations Report.