Breakfast served again for Motueka dog walkers

September 26th, 2014
[DOC press release]

Motueka dog owners are once again being invited to a free breakfast while taking their dogs for a walk at the Motueka foreshore.

Breakfast for dogs and their owners will be provided between 8:30am and 11:00am on Saturday 4th October, accompanied by a chance to learn fascinating facts about birds of the Motueka foreshore and sandspit.

The event is being organised by the Department of Conservation, Tasman District Council, and Birds NZ (Ornithological Society of New Zealand) to increase awareness of how dogs and shorebirds can easily co-exist. This follows on from a successful event in March this year.

Breakfast will be served at The Kumaras carpark, which is at the seaward end of Staples Street in Motueka. A presentation at 9:00am will provide an overview of current dog by-laws, an introduction to the birds of the area, and how to enjoy the area without conflict.

DOC's Motueka Conservation Services Manager Mark Townsend says that the organisers want to encourage use of this area as a shared space for people, dogs and birds.

"Sharing of the Motueka foreshore and sandspit can be easily achieved. If people keep their dogs on the wet sand they can be sure they won't disturb any nesting birds.

"Many people are aware of the godwits, which are roosting migratory birds, but the sandspit area is also important for nesting birds such as the banded dotterel and variable oystercatcher.

"The Motueka Sandspit area is the second-most significant shorebird site in Tasman after Farewell Spit, and one of eight internationally important sites in the district."

DOC staff and volunteers from Birds NZ will provide information and pictures of the relevant bird species. Tasman District Council staff will also be on hand to explain the dog control by-laws and answer questions.

Food for the breakfast is being provided by Motueka New World, Purina PetCare and Animates.

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