Paw and Order is back.

Whether you love them, live with them, or prefer to keep your distance, dogs are part of everyday life in our district. 

Council has been working through the feedback you shared, shaping it into a draft - and now it’s ready for you to dig into. 

This is the moment your voice turns into dog rules. Dig in now and deliver your verdict.

What’s proposed?

Policy on Dogs – Key Changes 

Following your feedback in late 2025, we’re proposing updates to the Policy on Dogs to make it clearer, easier to understand, and better aligned with community feedback. The key changes include: 

Updated policy objectives

Updated objectives to reflect community priorities and make the Policy easier to follow including:  

• A new focus on responsible dog ownership, bringing education, enforcement, and owner responsibilities together in one place and a new section clearly setting out Council’s role and what’s expected of dog owners, based on strong community feedback. 
• Clear rules about control and leashing, so dogs must be under control at all times and on a leash in areas where leashes are required. 
• Clearer criteria for where dogs are not allowed, with more focus on keeping vulnerable users safe, protecting reserves and the environment, and reflecting community feedback. 
• A new focus on public safety and confidence, supported by clearer education, signage, and maps. 
• Clearer expectations around dog waste, including picking up and disposing of waste properly. 
• A refreshed approach to dog exercise areas, removing the previous objective that Council would not provide exclusive dog exercise spaces. 
• Greater recognition of kurī (dogs) and their cultural importance, developed alongside Te Manawhenua Forum mō Matamata Piako. 

Dog Control Bylaw – Key Changes 

We’re proposing updates to the Dog Control Bylaw including new places to walk your dog and updates to some dog parks to help keep everyone safe. 

Dog Access Rules – Proposed Changes 

Prohibited Areas 

• CBD areas (all towns): Removing daytime restrictions (8am–6pm) and changing these to on-leash at all times. 
• Te Aroha (Hauraki Rail Trail): Removing the existing dog-prohibited section, between Stirling Street and Farmer Street. The trail from Stirling Street, through Te Aroha and out to Matamata will become an on-leash area. 
• Farmer Street Reserve (Te Aroha) will become a dog-prohibited area, due to the playground upgrade and expanded play space. 

Leash Control Areas 

• Dogs will need to be on leash at all times in Centennial Drive and Tom Grant Drive (Matamata). 
• Clarifying that Urban Areas includes CBDs. 

Dog Exercise Areas 

• Removing Centennial Drive and Tom Grant Drive (Matamata) as dog exercise areas and changing them to on-leash. 
• Minor updates to the description of the dog exercise area at Morrinsville Recreation Ground. 
• Council is separately investigating an additional dog exercise area in Morrinsville (not part of this review). 

What’s Staying the Same 

• Dog limits: Up to two dogs may be kept in urban areas without a permit; no limit in rural areas. 
• Minimum accommodation standards: Requirements for shelter, food, water, exercise, veterinary care, and kennel placement remain unchanged. 

What might this proposal mean for you?  

If you’re a dog owner, these proposed changes may affect where and how you can exercise your dog. If you’re not a dog owner, the rules help ensure public spaces are safe and enjoyable for everyone. 

Your feedback will help us get the balance right between dog-friendly spaces, community safety, and environmental protection. 

What do you think? Tell us here 

Please provide your feedback by 19 April 2026. 

Last updated: Tuesday, 28 October 2025