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New dog walking rules from 1 August 2025
New dog rules are being introduced to ensure everyone can safely enjoy the city’s outdoor spaces—people, pets, and wildlife alike. Following strong community feedback, updates approved by the Governing Body for regional rules and local boards for local rules include revised on-leash, off-leash,… View moreNew dog rules are being introduced to ensure everyone can safely enjoy the city’s outdoor spaces—people, pets, and wildlife alike. Following strong community feedback, updates approved by the Governing Body for regional rules and local boards for local rules include revised on-leash, off-leash, and dog-free areas in parks across Auckland, along with new guidelines on how many dogs can be walked at once.
From 1 August 2025, new rules on where you can walk your dog on-leash and off-leash at regional parks, local parks and beaches will take effect. You can find the list of changes below, and our where you can walk your dog webpage will be updated with the new dog access rules from 1 August.
From 1 January 2026, dog owners will be able to walk up to four dogs (two off-leash), while registered walkers can walk up to 12 dogs under clear conditions. These changes aim to strike a fair balance between the needs of dog lovers and other users of our shared spaces.
Why are the rules changing?
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The rules are part of Auckland’s Dog Policy and Bylaw. Councillor Josephine Bartley is chair of Auckland Council’s Regulatory and Safety Committee. She says regularly reviewing the rules helps to keep them clear and up to date so everyone can enjoy our shared spaces safely.
“We’ve listened to feedback from Aucklanders and looked to strike a fair balance – both on the number of dogs that can be walked at once, and how we manage dog access across our regional parks.
“We know how much Aucklanders love getting out with their dogs, particularly in our beautiful regional parks. Our dog rules aim to carefully accommodate these needs as well as those of others who also want to use shared outdoor spaces safely and freely.
“We also need to take care of vulnerable, native wildlife. Dogs are clearly an important part of our lives – by the end of 2024, more than 135,000 dogs were registered in Tāmaki Makaurau. But our regional parks are also home to native species like the northern dotterel and critically endangered fairy tern, and unfortunately, dogs do pose a threat to these birds and their habitats.
“Thank you to everyone who took part in this consultation. We received a huge amount of feedback and it’s very encouraging to see so many people help shape the decisions that affect our communities. Striking a balance with these rules helps everyone to enjoy our shared outdoor spaces together,” she says.
The changes at regional parks made by the Governing Body and changes to local parks made by Local Boards will come into effect from 1 August 2025, and the new limit on the number of dogs that can be walked at once comes into effect from 1 January 2026.
Bylaw pup-dates: What dog owners need to know
Where are dog walking rules changing?
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From 1 August 2025, new rules on where you can walk your dog on-leash and off-leash at regional parks, local parks and beaches will take effect.
Dog access rules at the following regional parks will be changed: Auckland Botanic Gardens, Hunua Ranges, Long Bay, Mahurangi, Pākiri, Shakespear, Tāpapakanga, Waitawa and Whakanewha Regional Parks
Dog access rules at the following local parks will be changed:
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Gooseberry Flat, Pah Beach and Sandhills Reserve in the Aotea/Great Barrier Local Board area
the status designated dog exercise areas (various) and Kawakawa Bay Beach in the Franklin Local Board area
near Howick Historical Village at Lloyd Elsmore Park in the Howick Local Board area
Sulphur Beach Reserve, Gold Hole Reserve, Kauri Glen Reserve, Kauri Park, Kauri Point Domain, Muriel Fisher Reserve, Soldiers Bay, Søren G Christensen Reserve, 54 Tonar Street and Te Ara Awataha Greenway in the Kaipātiki Local Board area
Freeland Reserve, Monte Cecilia Park (implementation delayed until further notice), Smallfield Reserve, Walmsley Park and Underwood Park in the Puketāpapa Local Board area
Parry Kauri Park, Snells Beach, Vera Reserve Baddeleys Road, Baddeleys Creek Reserve and Pigeon Place Accessway and Wonderview Road Esplanade in the Rodney Local Board area
Rosedale Park in the Upper Harbour Local Board area
Big Oneroa Beach and Blackpool Beach in the Waiheke Local Board area.
No changes to dog access rules will be made at the following local parks (the proposed changes were rejected in response to public feedback):
Big Manly Beach and Tindalls Beach (Hibiscus and Bays Local Board)
Leigh Scenic Reserve, Soldiers Bay Reserve (Kaipātiki Local Board)
Madills Farm Recreation Reserve and Glover Park (Ōrākei Local Board)
John Moore Reserve (Puketāpapa Local Board)
Ontetangi Beach (Waiheke Island Local board).
The decision on dog access at Te Ārai Regional Park is scheduled to be made on 28 August, and the implementation of the decision to change the rules at Monte Cecilia Park has been delayed until further notice.
Can I let my dog off-leash at any of these parks?
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While the leash is being tightened in some parks, a number of the parks that have been reviewed have large areas where you can exercise your pup off-leash as long as they are under control. You can find out more in the Policy on Dogs.
There are plenty of great places to walk your dog in Auckland. To find out more here or at the Auckland Council website.
How many dogs can I walk at once?
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Following public consultation, Auckland Council is introducing new rules about how many dogs can be walked at once. They reflect the ability of qualified dog walkers to walk a higher number of dogs:
Qualified dog walkers can walk up to 12 dogs at once, on or off-leash, as long as they are kept under control. To walk up to 12 dogs, qualified dog walkers must register with the council and follow the conditions attached to their registration.
Other dog owners can walk a maximum of four dogs at once, with two off-leash, as long as they are kept under control.
The new rules will be introduced on 1 January 2026, to give time for the council to set the conditions and for industry to prepare and adjust to the new requirements. More information on the registration process and conditions will be published on the council’s website later this year.
Councillor Bartley says the new system aims to support all dog walkers to use Auckland’s public spaces responsibly.
“We have listened to public feedback and recognise, for example, that commercial dog walking is a growing industry with many walkers regularly using Auckland’s public spaces.
“To support this to be done in a safe and responsible way, we are introducing a registration system. This will allow qualified dog walkers to walk a higher number of dogs, as long as they keep them under control and stick to the conditions, so we can all enjoy our public places,” she says.
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Live stronger for longer
Stay active and keep doing the things you love.
Join a strength and balance class near you. With classes to suit every pace and ability, and trained instructors to guide you through, it’s a great way to keep healthy and make new friends. So you can live stronger for longer, and keep living the … View moreStay active and keep doing the things you love.
Join a strength and balance class near you. With classes to suit every pace and ability, and trained instructors to guide you through, it’s a great way to keep healthy and make new friends. So you can live stronger for longer, and keep living the life you want. Find a class near you today.
Keep What You Love, Store What You Need, Let Go of the Rest
The phrase "Keep What You Love, Store What You Need, Let Go of the Rest" is a guiding principle for decluttering and simplifying one's life. It encourages intentionality in keeping possessions, focusing on what is truly cherished, practically useful, and letting go of what is not. … View moreThe phrase "Keep What You Love, Store What You Need, Let Go of the Rest" is a guiding principle for decluttering and simplifying one's life. It encourages intentionality in keeping possessions, focusing on what is truly cherished, practically useful, and letting go of what is not. This philosophy can be applied to various aspects of life, including physical possessions, relationships, and even past experiences.
Applying the principle:
Keep What You Love:
This involves identifying items that hold significant sentimental value or are truly cherished and used regularly. These are the items that bring joy and add value to your life.
Store What You Need:
This refers to items that are necessary for daily life or occasional use but don't necessarily evoke strong emotions. These can be stored in a way that is accessible when needed but doesn't clutter the living space.
Let Go of the Rest:
This involves parting with items that are no longer needed, used, or loved. This can include items that are broken, outdated, or simply cluttering up space. Letting go can be freeing and allows for a more minimalist and organized environment.
Benefits of adopting this principle:
Reduced Clutter:
By letting go of unnecessary items, you can create a more organized and visually appealing living space.
Increased Clarity:
Simplifying your surroundings can lead to a clearer mind and reduced stress.
More Freedom:
Fewer possessions can mean less time spent cleaning, organizing, and managing belongings, allowing for more freedom to pursue other interests.
Stronger Relationships:
Applying this principle to relationships can involve prioritizing meaningful connections and letting go of toxic or draining relationships.
Growth and Transformation:
By letting go of past mistakes and regrets, you can create space for personal growth and a more positive outlook on the future.
If you need the freedom that more space in your life brings get a quote now.
kiwiselfstorage.co.nz...
Call 09 625 6161
4c Carr Road, Mt Roskill, Auckland
kiwiselfstorage.co.nz...
Workshops with Jane Wrigglesworth at Epsom Community Centre
Join us for two hands-on workshops at Epsom Community Centre with herbalist and author Jane Wrigglesworth:
Details:
• Saturday 16 August
• $15 per workshop or $25 for both
Workshop 1: Hands-on Herbal Balm Workshop
• 10–11.30am
• Learn to make a soothing balm for cuts, … View moreJoin us for two hands-on workshops at Epsom Community Centre with herbalist and author Jane Wrigglesworth:
Details:
• Saturday 16 August
• $15 per workshop or $25 for both
Workshop 1: Hands-on Herbal Balm Workshop
• 10–11.30am
• Learn to make a soothing balm for cuts, scrapes and skin irritations, and take home your own tin.
Workshop 2: Natural Lipstick & Lip Gloss Making
• 12–1.30pm
• Craft your own lip colours using natural ingredients and plant-based pigments to create personalised shades.
Register Now – spaces are limited!
enrolmy.com...
National Advisory: Tsunami activity – expect strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore
New Zealand may experience strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore following a magnitude 8.7 earthquake off the East Coast of Russia at 2025-07-30 11:25 AM.
Strong currents and surges can injure and drown people. There is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, … View moreNew Zealand may experience strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore following a magnitude 8.7 earthquake off the East Coast of Russia at 2025-07-30 11:25 AM.
Strong currents and surges can injure and drown people. There is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, and anyone in or near the water close to shore.
People in or near the sea in the following areas should move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries.
AREAS UNDER THREAT:
ALL COASTAL AREAS OF THE NORTH ISLAND, GREAT BARRIER ISLAND, THE SOUTH ISLAND, STEWART ISLAND, and the CHATHAM ISLANDS (updated: 3.02pm, 30/07/2025)
ADVICE FOR PEOPLE IN AREAS UNDER THREAT:
STAY OFF THE BEACHES AND SHORE AREAS
People on boats, live-aboards and at marinas should leave their boats/vessels and move onto shore. Do not return to boats unless instructed by officials.
There is no need to evacuate other areas unless directly advised by local civil defence authorities. Coastal inundation (flooding of land areas near the shore) is not expected as a result of this event. We are advising people to:
- Move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries.
- Do not go to the coast to watch the unusual wave activity as there may be dangerous and unpredictable surges.
- Listen to local civil defence authorities and follow any instructions.
- Share this information with family, neighbours and friends.
- Strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges will continue for several hours and the threat must be regarded as real until the Civil Defence states otherwise.
The situation may change as new information becomes available. Listen to the radio or TV for updates, or check www.civildefence.govt.nz...
What you need to know about today’s nurses strike
What’s happening?
Nurses are going on strike TODAY.
============================
About 36,000 nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants will be off the job from 9am Wednesday to 9am Thursday.
Last-ditch negotiations on Monday failed to reach an agreement.
There will be pickets and marches … View moreWhat’s happening?
Nurses are going on strike TODAY.
============================
About 36,000 nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants will be off the job from 9am Wednesday to 9am Thursday.
Last-ditch negotiations on Monday failed to reach an agreement.
There will be pickets and marches throughout the country.
Why are nurses striking?
===================
Nurses are concerned about staffing levels and safety.
The latest pay offer was also dismissed as a “massive backward step”.
Health NZ is offering a 3% pay rise over 27 months, plus two lump sum payments of $325.
The counter-offer from the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZO) seeks a 5% pay rise over two years, along with $2000 flat rate increases for senior positions. The union also seeks to restore a Tikanga Māori allowance.
“The average salary for both senior and registered nurses, including overtime, professional development recognition programme allowance, and penal rates, is $125,662,” Health NZ said.
“We believe the offer we have made to the union is a fair one given our current financial constraints.”
NZNO chief executive Paul Goulter said: “Members also need a wage offer that enables them to meet the rising cost of living without them and their whānau going backwards financially for the important mahi they do.”
In a statement, Health NZ said: “We are disappointed that the New Zealand Nurses Organisation is taking strike action when there is a fair offer on the table.
“We are concerned about the impact strike action will have on patients who are waiting for planned care.”
Safe staffing tops nurse priorities
===========================
Goulter said the latest offer from Health NZ ignores concerns about safe staffing.
“Patients are at risk because of short staffing. Nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants are stretched too thin and can’t give patients the care they need. This is heartbreaking for our exhausted members who became healthcare workers because they want to help people.”
A safe staffing agreement was dropped from negotiations with Health NZ.
Figures obtained by NZNO from Health NZ show surgical hospital wards were short-staffed more than half of all day shifts last year.
Health NZ said in its statement it seeks to keep nurses and patients safe.
“While we are aware of NZNO’s commentary in recent weeks we would like to reassure New Zealanders that Health NZ is completely committed to safe staffing.
“For us, safe staffing in a busy hospital environment includes the skills mix of the staff, the way care is provided, strong clinical judgment, flexibility and thoughtful decision making from our experienced leaders on the frontline. We take responsibility for operational and patient safety decisions seriously as we are accountable for the safety of patients who access our services.”
Goulter said the key issue was making sure there was enough staff to “ensure patient safety”, which was “foremost in the minds of our members” during negotiations.
“While, obviously, there’s a wage element, we’re trying to do our best to ensure we get staffing that’s appropriate to meet what patients need and we seem to have come up short on that,” he told RNZ.
Negotiations began last October but the union said bargaining had stalled over “big ticket items” centred on public safety.
Nurses also walked off the job for eight hours in strike action in December.
“We are striking because patient safety is at risk every day due to chronic understaffing and under-resourcing,” Wellington nurse Hilary Gardner said.
“We simply don’t have enough nurses to provide the level of care our patients need and deserve. It’s not safe and it’s not fair – for patients, their whānau, or the staff trying to care for them. We’ve raised concerns time and time again, but nothing changes. So now we’re taking action to stand up for safer care.”
What happens if I need medical help
=============================
Acute and emergency services will still be provided, including maternity care, intensive care, ambulance services and emergency departments. Patients already in hospital will still receive ongoing care.
“The public can be reassured that we have an agreement with NZNO for life-preserving services support throughout the strike and our hospitals and emergency departments will remain open,” Health NZ chief executive Dr Dale Bramley said.
“To maintain patient safety, most clinics will be closed. However, if you have a hospital appointment, please come to your appointment unless we have contacted you directly to reschedule.”
However, most appointments for the strike days will be rescheduled.
“It is estimated that 4300 planned procedures and specialist appointments would have to be postponed should the 24-hour strike action on July 30 and 31 go ahead,” Bramley said.
Aged residential care, St John Ambulance, GPs and hospice services are not affected by the strike and will operate as normal.
Anyone unsure about whether they need emergency department care should contact their GP or call Healthline 0800 611 116 for free advice.
What’s next?
==========
The union does not rule out further action if its concerns aren’t addressed, Goulter said.
“Our members have indicated this strike is just the beginning and they are in it for the long haul.
“Our members don’t take this action lightly. They are striking because they are exasperated with being short-staffed and their patients being put at risk because Te Whatu Ora refuses to resource safe staffing levels and instead staffs to an arbitrary budget set by the Government.
“The public know that when there aren’t enough nurses, patients wait longer to get the care they need. Critical observations and treatments may be delayed, errors are more likely and health outcomes worsen. A lack of nurses has reduced numbers of elective surgeries for years and contributed to longer waiting times and the current backlog.
“Any member of the public who has been to a hospital recently knows the reality for patients and the nurses, midwives, healthcare assistants and kaimahi hauora who care for them.”
====================================================
Check your details!
If you have a power account and live in central, east or south Auckland, a dividend payment may be coming your way in late September. Look out for the Entrust pack in your letterbox or email inbox. Check we have your correct details and let us know of any changes by Friday 8 August by email, mail … View moreIf you have a power account and live in central, east or south Auckland, a dividend payment may be coming your way in late September. Look out for the Entrust pack in your letterbox or email inbox. Check we have your correct details and let us know of any changes by Friday 8 August by email, mail or through the secure web link in your email or letter.
Garage Sale - Grey Lynn - Sunday
Garage sale this Sunday (03/08/2025).
Starts at 10am (will not go ahead if it rains).
Left of the Farro carpark, Westmoreland Street West, Grey Lynn.
On July 22 1987, New Zealand's first Lotto went on sale 🎉🎉
Imagine checking your ticket and realising that you have won big ...
Tell us your dreams - what is the very first thing you would do with the winnings?
Would you make that silly purchase you have always wanted, but could never justify?
Call the bank and immediately pay off your mortgage? … View moreImagine checking your ticket and realising that you have won big ...
Tell us your dreams - what is the very first thing you would do with the winnings?
Would you make that silly purchase you have always wanted, but could never justify?
Call the bank and immediately pay off your mortgage?
Stop by the SPCA on the way home and make a donation?
Buy a captain's hat, open up Trade Me and browse "boats for sale"?
Why Coding? – Free Kids Coding Webinar (Ages 8–14)
Curious about how coding can help your child?
Join us for a fun, FREE 1-hour online webinar where kids explore the world of coding through interactive activities/projects.
This session is perfect for beginners — no prior experience needed!
✅ Learn how coding builds creativity, logic … View moreCurious about how coding can help your child?
Join us for a fun, FREE 1-hour online webinar where kids explore the world of coding through interactive activities/projects.
This session is perfect for beginners — no prior experience needed!
✅ Learn how coding builds creativity, logic & problem-solving
✅ Live demo: create an animation or simple game
✅ Parents Q&A included
✅ Hosted by TechBuds – Coding for Kids
Register at www.revelationit.co.nz...
Poll: Are the guidelines around when a child is too sick for school clear?
A few weeks ago, the Neighbourly team shared a round of complaints over our morning cuppa about the challenges of juggling runny noses and work commitments.
After reading Flip Grater's opinion piece, Playing germ roulette with our kids’ health, we felt a collective sense of relief - … View moreA few weeks ago, the Neighbourly team shared a round of complaints over our morning cuppa about the challenges of juggling runny noses and work commitments.
After reading Flip Grater's opinion piece, Playing germ roulette with our kids’ health, we felt a collective sense of relief - another parent shares our niggling worries.
We wanted to check in with our online neighbours: do you feel the same way? We are all busy, and keeping children home from school is sometimes impossible given other responsibilities. Busy lives and the apparent loss of collective energy around monitoring cold symptoms have led to more students and staff in shared spaces with sniffles and coughs.
But what do you think? Is this a concern?
We want to know: Are there clear Guidelines on when to keep kids off of school?
Should we be having a nuanced conversation about risk management, and how to better support working families?
Share your opinion with us below!
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55.8% Yes - The messaging about when to keep kids home is consistent.
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35.4% No - I want guidance. An illness response flowchart for my fridge would be handy
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8.8% It is more complicated - share your thoughts below.
More than 100,000 New Zealanders can’t keep warm in their homes over winter as they struggle to afford heating and pay their power bills.
Which companies offer hardship discounts?
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Only a few power companies provide discounts for customers facing hardship, according to a survey conducted for this series by Common Grace.
Mercury said it excluded 135 households from the April 1 price increase and… View moreWhich companies offer hardship discounts?
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Only a few power companies provide discounts for customers facing hardship, according to a survey conducted for this series by Common Grace.
Mercury said it excluded 135 households from the April 1 price increase and froze their prices. It supported about 2000 customers a month experiencing financial hardship. Globug, owned by Mercury, gave the same answer.
Contact has its “HandUp programme”, which it says gave individual payment options and discounted energy to customers in need. It said it also offered short-term energy credits for customers needing immediate relief, and full debt forgiveness to clear long-term, unmanageable debt.
“In 2024, this programme assisted 3500 households, and in the last year, almost $500k of support has been offered.”
Genesis, and now-defunct Frank, pointed to the Power Shout scheme, wherein 328,830 hours of free power were supplied to 4205 vulnerable customers.
Toast, a not-for-profit social retailer, has up to 300 customers who have been referred by its community partners specifically for discounted power.
“Toast provides them with all-year lower pricing than their previous retailer and also aims to discount their tariffs by 30% over winter months. They estimate these discounts will amount to $70,000 off standard Toast tariffs during winter 2025,” the company said.
The remaining companies that responded to the survey said they did not provide discounted power.
Meridian said, “In our experience, discounts are not the way to help people transition out of energy hardship.”
Meridian has its Energy Wellbeing Programme. It provides customers with budgeting support, in-home assessments and tailored support to make their homes healthier, easier and cheaper to heat.
“In some cases, this involves providing items like curtains, insulation, or heat pumps. With more than 2500 households already assisted, we have found this to be a far more sustainable solution.”
Pulse did not offer discounts for hardship: “Our priority is to keep electricity pricing as low as we can for all customers. This year, as an example, from 1 April we only flowed through changes in network services charges and did not change our energy rates.”
Nova said it did not offer discounts for hardship, preferring to work through its support teams.
Ecotricity did not offer discounted power, but was “committed to supporting customers in hardship by offering flexible payment options, working closely with them to manage arrears and connecting them with external support services where appropriate”.
Electric Kiwi pointed to its daily free hour of power. Pre-pay service Wise said it did not offer discounted power to people in hardship because that was difficult to define.
Switch Utilities said it did not offer hardship discounts because the issue was “wider than those in immediate hardship”.
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Choice News Tuesday: Little spotted kiwi rediscovered on mainland Aotearoa
Kiwi pukupuku (the little spotted kiwi) have been rediscovered in the wild on mainland Aotearoa New Zealand for the first time in five decades!
The pukupuku is the smallest and one of the most vulnerable kiwi species. Only around 2000 birds remain on offshore islands and predator-free … View moreKiwi pukupuku (the little spotted kiwi) have been rediscovered in the wild on mainland Aotearoa New Zealand for the first time in five decades!
The pukupuku is the smallest and one of the most vulnerable kiwi species. Only around 2000 birds remain on offshore islands and predator-free sanctuaries, and are the descendants of just 5 birds which had been translocated to Kapiti Island from South Westland in 1912.
The March discovery in the remote Adams Wilderness Area, on the West Coast, is definitely choice news.
Ka pai to the amazing investigation team: DOC biodiversity ranger Iain Graham and his conservation dog, Brew!
We hope this news brings a smile!
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