Auckland Council is on the brink of implementing new regulations that will impact dog owners and their four-legged friends on Great Barrier Island.
A proposal currently under consideration will see dogs banned from certain areas of Pah Beach, while simultaneously establishing a new off-leash area at Medlands.
The proposed changes are part of broader adjustments across Auckland, designed to enhance ecological conservation.
Currently, the stretch from the public toilets to the southern headland of Pah Beach welcomes dogs, but only on a leash.
Meanwhile, from the northern headland of Pah Beach to the northern playground end at Gooseberry Flat, dogs have been free to frolic without restraints.
The new proposal tightens up where tails can wag freely: leashed dogs will still be welcome southwards of Blackwell Drive around Pah Point Reserve headland, extending up to the northern playground on Gooseberry Flat Beach.
However, the northern area of Pah Beach northwards of Blackwell Drive will become a no-go zone for canines.
The proposed changes also include designating Sandhills Reserve at Medlands as an off-leash area for dogs, where they’re currently required to be leashed.
Islanders and visitors are encouraged to paw through the full details of the proposed changes, which are laid out in a briefing document for public review, which can be accessed and commented on through the Auckland Council’s consultation portal at akhaveyoursay.
