On 30 June 2025, Waitomo District Council adopted the Waitomo District Dog Control Bylaw 2025 and Waitomo District Dog Control Policy 2025.

The policy was adopted in accordance with section 10 of the Dog Control Act 1996 (DCA) and took effect on Tuesday 1 July 2025. The policy must give effect to and be consistent with a Dog Control Bylaw that is approved under the DCA. The bylaw also took effect on Tuesday 1 July 2025 pursuant to section 156(2) of the Local Government Act 2002.

Following a review and consultation process (1-31 May 2025), amendments to the bylaw and policy were made including:

• All of Centennial Park is now a prohibited area for dogs, noting that on-leash dogs can be walked around the
  perimeter of the park (outside the bollards)
• Ward Street reserve will become an on-leash area only

Council will also consider future dog friendly areas and sites during the next Annual Plan/Long Term Plan.

The bylaw and policy will soon be available on Council’s website. Hardcopies can also be requested by contacting our Customer Services Team on 0800 932 4357 or email: [email protected]