Off-leash changes ‘ripping apart our community,’ St Heliers dog owners say

Wednesday, 2 April 2025

Proposed changes to off-leash zones for east Auckland’s Madills Farm Recreation Reserve will block people from shared spaces, hurting social connectivity, says a local dog owner advocacy group.

Auckland Council’s proposed overhaul of dog bylaws has prompted a review of access rules for dogs in local parks.

As part of this process, the Ōrākei Local Board has proposed banning dogs from the sports fields of Madills Farm Recreation Reserve and Glover park.

Founder of Dogs of Madills, Claudia Elze, says the proposed off-leash areas are unsafe due to uneven ground that floods often and can’t be mowed in the winter. It also pushes them closer to the road.

“Our elderly can't just walk their dogs on pavement. To rest on the benches provided and allow your dog to play with other dogs on grass is vital to both human and animal for a healthy, positive life for the mental well being of us all,” Elze says.

Local Board chair Scott Milne said in a statement that the proposed changes were made to “protect and maintain” the sports fields.

“Field surfaces have previously been damaged due to digging and use when wet, which can make them unsafe for people playing sports. Repairing this damage comes at a cost to the ratepayer. This is why we are making these recommendations.”

According to the Eastern Suburbs First Aid register, 27 ankle roll complaints from children and adults were reported in the 2024 winter season.

Elze disputed the accusation that damage done to the sports field was caused by dogs, instead she suggested it was caused by the athletes.

“We don’t see any proof of damage done to the field for exercising our dogs on the flat surfaces, we do see the wear and tear after the games are played on the fields from the footwear used by the players, the cricket set ups for play, the goals being used on the fields, the bikes on the fields or the events like Round the Bays.”

She said mixed use spaces like parks are important for maintaining social connectivity and community building.

“Sadly we are now faced with a ‘them against us’ attitude that is ripping apart our community.

“When you’ve got spaces designated for one group only, other people feel cheated.“

She said park maintenance is expected regardless of the activities taking place on the park and that dog owners are “more than happy” to pay for it, even if that means a rates increase.

“As ratepayers for these fields we expect the continued use of the entire space as it is today a mixed use space for all to enjoy, that is what we pay for.“