Dogs deserve freedom

Four dogs sitting on grass at a park, with people and other dogs in the background.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT,
Be their voice

From Freedom to Restriction

Monte Cecilia Park — in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau — remains one of Auckland’s most loved dog-walking destinations. It’s a daily meeting ground for children, neighbours, and dog lovers alike, a place where community thrives.

On 1 August 2025, the Communities and Residents (C & R) majority on the Puketāpapa Local Board voted to remove Monte Cecilia Park’s small off-leash “bowl” and impose an on-leash-only rule across the entire park, disregarding over a thousand community voices.

But the community pushed back. We took action — and we won a crucial interim order from the High Court that stopped the board from enforcing the on-leash rule. For now, the park stays open, off-leash, and full of life!

People at Monte Cecilia Park are holding a large cardboard sign about lead safety for dogs, with some dogs on leashes nearby and trees in the background.

Since that vote, Monte Cecilia has joined five other local parks—including Underwood, Freeland, and Walmsley Reserves—soon to be designated “on‑leash only” under the new Puketāpapa dog access rules, despite strong community backing for off‑leash areas elsewhere.

Local dog‑walking advocates emphasise that Monte Cecilia is far more than a pet exercise spot—it’s a vibrant hub for social connection. In February, teachers, police, young mothers, academics, and recent immigrants stood before the Board to highlight the park’s unique bowl-shaped terrain, where dogs play safely and neighbours mingle freely.

Council Staff and a dog walking assessment recommended a middle-ground solution—better signage, boundary markings, and peer-to-peer compliance. However, the Board ignored this and opted for a total ban instead. City Vision board members argued that this heavy-handed choice punished responsible dog owners for the actions of a few. They had proposed workable alternatives, such as a fenced zone, but those suggestions were dismissed in a 4–2 vote.

Born in Monte Cecilia’s beloved off-leash “bowl,” this movement has become a formidable force—proving that when a community’s cherished meeting place is taken without regard for due process, people unite to demand transparency, accountability, and a voice at the table.

It’s time to take a stand.

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Four dogs sitting on grass in front of a colorful 'Welcome Poochella' sign at a dog event, with people and tables in the background.
A young boy petting a large brown and white Saint Bernard dog in a park with several other people and trees in the background.
People and dogs waiting in line at an outdoor dog training or competition event in a park with green grass, trees, and a partly cloudy sky.
A happy dog lying on green grass with a toy in its mouth, and a yellow dog standing behind it outdoors.