3 April 2019

Dogs of every size will gather – with their humans – for the regional council’s annual ‘Paws at Pākōwhai’ fun event at Pākōwhai Regional Park this Saturday 6 April from 10 am – 12 noon.

“Pākōwhai is the only regional park where dogs are allowed off leash, and it’s very popular place for dog owners to let their dogs socialise, so this event supports this aspect of the park,” says Russell Engelke, HBRC’s Team Leader Open Spaces.

“Dog owners are very respectful of the park and the opportunity to let their dogs be dogs, so the event is also a thank you to the regular dog walkers for taking care of this space. They are pretty good at keeping an eye on the park and letting us know when work may be needed.”

Details and updates are available on Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s Facebook page under Events

Dog agility displays by Napier Dog Training Club will inspire both dogs and owners. A dog agility course is a special feature in the park to encourage dogs to have more fun.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council staff will also use the event to farewell the park caretaker Theo Rood, who has looked after the park for around 20 years, and talk about park developments.

Hastings District Council’s dog control team will be on hand to provide advice on exercise and dog control.

Pet Evac, which is the civil defence organisation for animals, and Pet First Aid will be promoting their services.

Other dog focussed services such as veterinarians, pet supply stores, kennel facilities and dog trainers will be at ‘Paws at Pākōwhai’ to talk to dog owners about any issues of interest.

There will be plenty of spot prizes and treats for the canines, while their humans can enjoy a free sausage sizzle. Barista coffee can be bought on site (cash is advisable).

The park is managed by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council but Hastings District Council manage the car park area where they increased the capacity when the new roundabout was constructed with safer park access.

Overflow parking for the ‘Paws at Pākōwhai’ event on Saturday is in the Ngaruroro car park on Farndon Road. This had been used for park access when the road works were underway, and access through to the park is via the cycle trail under bridge, where it’s advisable to keep dogs on leash until safely in the park.

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