"My dog wouldn't..."
Dear dog owner, I am a member of a small group of volunteers, ‘Friends of Kaitawa Reserve’, who help the Council look after the Reserve; weed-busting, planting and general maintenance.
When I see a dog running free, I politely introduce myself to the owner and point out that there is a good reason that there are signs at every entrance stating that dogs must be kept on a leash. The good reason is that the bush is dotted with poison bait stations and if their dog finds and eats a dead poisoned mouse, rat or stoat, that will be Fido’s last meal. About half of the owners immediately leash their dog and the rest say, “Thanks, but that’s OK – my dog wouldn’t.”
With respect, unless you are keeping visual contact 100% of the time and your dog is highly trained to instantly obey voice commands no matter the distraction and temptation, like a police dog*, then you are speaking on behalf of your animal erroneously. Every dog, whatever the breed and no matter how small, is genetically 99% wolf. All canines share the powerful instinct to hunt but they also are natural scavengers [see ‘Island of the Sea Wolves’ on Netflix – the typical wolf diet is mice and scavenged meat] and their sense of smell is up to 1,000,000 more powerful than ours [Google it]
So, again with respect, the likelihood is that your dog would. So please keep your loved pet on a leash when in the Reserve. Thank you.
*Q] What’s got four legs and an arm?
A] A police dog
Woof, Mike
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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73% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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17.5% Hmm, maybe?
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9.5% Yes!
THE WAIKANAE BEACH CHRISTMAS MARKET 2025
WHEN:-
Sunday 14 December - 10am - 1pm
LOCATION:-
Waikanae Beach Community Hall
22 Rauparaha Street,
Waikanae Beach
FUN FOR THE KIDS:-
Guess who's making an appearance at around 11am? He'll be flying out again around 12ish so make sure you take a photo of the kids with him! He may even have a few Christmas treats in his sack!
DISCOVER UNIQUE AND QUALITY ITEMS:-
With Christmas just around the corner, this is a great opportunity to do your Christmas shopping at the market where you'll find a huge variety of high-quality, reasonably priced Christmas gift ideas. You'll discover handmade treasures and local creativity by highly talented stallholders where every piece tells a story.
GIFTS FOR THE KIDS:-
Meet local author Mik Peryer (the "Waikanae Birdman") and view his many children's adventure books along with Jane and her handmade crochet toys, along with Helen and her huge range of awesome handmade children's dress ups and dolls clothes etc.
MEET UP WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY:-
Meet up with family and friends and enjoy a Sunday outing with a visit to this great, friendly community market.
Don't miss it... support local!
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