Dog owners who want to take their dogs to Pakiri Beach will need a boat or helicopter to legally do so.

Last month, dog owners were confronted by a new sign at Pakiri River Road saying dogs were prohibited at all times at what has been a well-loved dog walking spot at Pakiri Beach.

In a statement provided to Rodney Local Board chair Beth Houlbrooke, Auckland Council says the signs were erected at the request of private landowners to protect dotterels and fairy terns.

“There are dogs racing around uncontrolled, defecating and disturbing rare native birds which nest in the dunes,” it said.

Despite this, the beach adjacent to Pakiri Regional Park remains a designated ‘off-leash area’ for dogs. However, there is no land access through the park itself, as dogs are prohibited there. ... read more