The #dogsofmadills are under threat

Without your help, dogs are likely to be banned from off-leash exercise at Madills Farm

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Auckland Council and the Ōrākei Local Board have proposed limiting dog access at Madills Farm, prohibiting dogs from the playing fields at all times.

Current and proposed areas where dogs are prohibited

As the playing fields make up the majority of the park, this is a de-facto ban on off-leash walking at Madills Farm. With the area near the playground already off-limits to dogs, this only leaves the path around the perimeter - far too close to the road for safe off-leash exercise. And no room to throw a ball!

If nothing is done, these changes will come into force from mid-2025.

Why is this important?

The large off-leash area at Madills Farm is an invaluable resource for local dog owners, providing:

  • Accessibility for all: The flat grounds are ideal for older adults and those with mobility challenges, enabling dog lovers of all ages to meet, socialize, and exercise their pets.
  • Safety and peace of mind: Naturally shielded from the road by a small hill, the off-leash area offers a secure space for dogs, especially puppies, to play and socialize without risk of traffic accidents. The on-field lighting also makes this a much safer space for women in the darker winter months.
  • Reduced pressure on other spaces: This designated off-leash area helps ease demand on other public spaces, like nearby Kohimarama Beach.

Anyone who has visited Madills on a weekday afternoon can see how vibrant and essential this space is as a community hub, with dogs at its heart. Restricting dog access to a small portion of the park compromises safety by forcing dogs and their owners closer to busy roads and undermines Madills Farm's role as a shared community space, reducing it to little more than a single-purpose sports facility.

What can we do?

  • Write a strong submission against these changes using this how to write a strong submission guide as reference
    You can submit online or paper submission forms are available at Louis & Phoebe Pet Boutique in St Heliers, and at the St Heliers Public Library. Submissions close on Sunday 23 February 2025.
  • Sign the petition we will circulate shortly.
  • Turn up to community meetings on this topic.
  • Join the Dogs and Friends of Madills Farm Facebook group.
  • Subscribe to email updates from us at #dogsofmadills
  • Please advise if you have personal friendships with any Councillors that may help our cause.
  • Lobby councillors on this topic - ask them why they think these Dog Bylaw changes are a good idea and talk to them about why it isn't. Contact details of Councillors is on the Auckland Council website. Remember it is all councillors making the final decision on The Dog Bylaw.
  • Lobby the Ōrākei Local Board with reasons why this should be overturned. Contact details are on the Council website.
  • Consider sharing a photo of you & your dog enjoying Madills Farm to Instagram with the hashtag #dogsofmadills. Write a short blurb about what the park means to you and that it could all be taken away, and help spread the word.
    • Click here to submit feedback to Auckland Council

    What is going on? Why are they doing this?

    One of our community members has produced a detailed document that traces the origin of these proposed changes to a plan proposed by the Orakei Local Board back in 2023. You can read her findings here - I strongly recommend you do so before making your submission. We will soon be circulating a petition calling on the Ōrākei Local Board to reject this plan, please subscribe to be notified when we launch this.

    Aren't they just banning walkers from having more than 3 dogs off leash?

    That is a seperate rule change that will apply Auckland-wide. The total ban of dogs from the fields at Madills is in addition to this.

    How is this different from the current rules?

    Currently dogs are prohibited from the sports fields while they are in use, but can access the fields the remainder of the time. This new rule will ban dogs from the fields 24/7.

    When did this happen? Who decided?

    The Ōrākei Local Board met on 12 December 2024, where a request to amend dog access to Madills Farm and Glover Park was put forward. This request came from Auckland Council Parks and Community Facilities staff. The board voted to accept the recommendations of the Council and prohibit dogs from the sports surfaces at all times. You can read the agenda and the minutes of that meeting online, as well as the assessment critera used by the Council to make this recommendation.

    Where do I find out more information about the changes?

    The Auckland Council website has more information, including maps of the proposed changes at Madills Farm and the nearby Glover Park.

    How can I get my dog onto the website?

    Please share any photos of you and your dogs enjoying Madills Farm, along with what the park means to you, to Instagram using the hashtag #dogsofmadills and it should end up on here. Help spread the word!

    I have question, can I contact you for more information?

    Send me an email at woof@dogsofmadills.nz and I'll do my best to help.

    Please subscribe so we can keep you updated

    Lastly, please consider donating to help fund the campaign

    This website and the wider outreach campaign is entirely self-funded by me. I have spent around $1200 so far on printing costs and fees associated with running the website. If you are able to donate towards this campaign, please visit my Givealittle page.