What's happening in Golden Bay?

Explore the proposed changes to dog control areas in Golden Bay using the interactive map below. Each zone is colour coded for easy reference:

Green: Controlled Exercise Area

Yellow: Leash Control Area

Red: Dogs Prohibited

Purple: Time or Seasonal Restrictions

The map highlights the zoning under the draft dog control bylaw.

The black pencil icons indicate where a change from the previous bylaw is being proposed. Click on the icon to see what the change is and the reason it is being proposed.

Areas that are proposed to stay the same

On leash

• In an urban area or cemetery

Reason: Prevents nuisance issues that may be caused by dogs

• Awaroa Vehicle Access Point

Reason: Provides access for residents

Controlled Exercise Areas

• Rangihaeata Beach

Reason: There was support from early engagement for the status quo to remain, however there were also wildlife concerns raised.

• Rototai Recreation Reserve

Reason: Retains an exercise area for dogs, while protecting wildlife along the estuary.

Seasonal or Timebound Restrictions

• Tukurua Beach (camp frontage) – summer months

Reason: Busy with holiday makers over the summer months. Campground policy is: Dogs are permitted by prior arrangement from February through to November and must be on a lead at all times. Dogs are NOT permitted on the site in the months of December and January.

• Pōhara Beach from eastern camp boundary to Selwyn Street Reserve - summer months

Reason: Minimise use of this part of the beach over summer for holiday makers. Also provides a period of respite for wildlife in the area. Note that definition of summer months has changed in the draft bylaw to include November.

• Ligar Bay Beach (Prohibited in summer months except between the hours of 5am and 9am) Note that definition of summer months has changed in the draft bylaw to include November.

Reason: Minimizes dog nuisance during busy periods of the year while still providing for dog exercise in the morning and rest of the year. Consultation will include an option of making dog exercise all year round.

• Tata Beach

21st January – 19th December inclusive:

Sunset - 8:30am: Dogs prohibited.

8:30am – sunset: Controlled exercise area.

20th December to 20th January inclusive:

Sunset - 8:30am and 10am - 5pm : Dogs prohibited.

8:30am - 10am and 5pm – sunset: Controlled exercise area.

Reason: Extensive review led by Golden Bay Community Board and Councillors a few years ago resulted in the current settings which protect wildlife at times when they are more vulnerable, while allowing dogs to exercise at different times. Signage and wording in the bylaw will likely be updated to ensure clarity.

Prohibited

• The following locations within Tākaka: the Village Green, Pioneer Park, the old library site and adjacent playground.

Reason: Alternative places for dogs are available. Reduces dog nuisance in potentially busy places. - Note that the library carpark has been removed from this list.

• Onekaka Estuary

Reason: Important area for wildlife protection with limited opposing feedback.

• Pohara Beach from eastern camp boundary to Selwyn Street Reserve – summer months

Reason: Minimise use of this part of the beach over summer for holiday makers. Also provides a period of respite for wildlife in the area.

• Rototai to Waitapu Estuary foreshore (excluding Controlled Dog Exercise area at Rototai Recreation Reserve

Reason: Important wildlife protection area.

• Ruataniwha Inlet

Reason: Important wildlife protection area with alternatives close by.

• Waikato Inlet – including beach area to Ruataniwha Inlet

Reason: Important bird area with limited opposition.

• Abel Tasman National Park Foreshore Reserves on Tonga Island, Adele Island and Fisherman Island.

Reason: DOC land. In the draft bylaw it is noted that this is administered under the Abel Tasman National Park Foreshore Reserves Bylaw.

• Parapara Inlet (with the exception of the minor change to provide access from Milnthorpe to beach)

Reason: Continue to protect vulnerable wildlife in the area.