New dog park proposed for Heathcote, but some locals concerned about noise
A new fenced dog park has been proposed for the Christchurch suburb of Heathcote as part of a plan to open all of Birdsey Reserve to the public.
The new park would occupy Birdsey Reserve across the road from Heathcote Valley Primary School and the Heathcote Cricket Club and not far from the Lyttelton Road Tunnel.
The 3.5-hectare site rises from Bridle Path Rd. Under the proposal, it would contain two fenced dog areas, one for medium and large dogs, and the other for small dogs. Both would contain agility equipment.
The rest of the reserve would be planted in natives and fruit trees. Walking tracks, benches and signs would complete the landscaping plan.
Heathcote ward councillor Sara Templeton said she had received “some emails” opposing the dog park “due to the well established community ecological restoration project happening there”.
At a community consultation meeting in Heathcote early in November, noise from barking dogs was raised. The council had never received a noise complaint about a fenced dog park, the spokesperson said. Dog parks are typically open 24 hours.
Consultation on the proposal has closed. It was a “temperature check” by the council, engagement adviser Hannah Ballantyne said. If it was positive, a bid for funding would be made up the chain of command at council.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
85.5% Yes
-
13.4% No
-
1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Railing planters
To gain extra growing space, make and hang these easy-to-build planters on almost any wooden fence or deck railing. Use Resene FX Blackboard Paint so you can easily identify what plants are in each. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.