04/02/2026
Off lead dogs are a major issue in New Zealand's native bush reserves because they pose a severe threat to ground-dwelling, flightless, and nesting native wildlife that are particularly vulnerable to predators. The instinctual urge for dogs to hunt, chase, or simply investigate wildlife can cause significant stress, injury, or death to protected species, even if the dog is usually well-behaved.
What you as dog owners do makes a difference.
Please follow our ‘dogs on lead only’ signs. Failure to comply can and should lead to conviction under the Dog Control Act or the Wildlife Act, to protect our native wildlife.
Also look out for signs warning about toxins used in predator control – they’re there to keep your dog safe, as well as native wildlife.
