Agenda of Ordinary Council Meeting - Thursday, 5 March 2026

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

5 March 2026

5 He Pānui Whakamōtini / Notice of Motion

5.1 Notice of Motion - External Review of Recruitment and Appointment Process for Positions within the Mayor’s Office

File Number: A5554846

I, Councillor Davina Smolders, give notice that at the next Ordinary Meeting of Council to be held on 5 March 2026, I intend to move the following motion:

MŌtini / Motion

That the Far North District Council:

1. Notes the recently advertised recruitment for three positions within the Mayor’s Office.

2. Requests that an independent external review of the recruitment, shortlisting, and appointment process be commissioned prior to final appointment decisions being confirmed.

3. Directs that the review assess:

· Whether the recruitment and selection processes are robust, transparent and impartial

· Whether the process reflects widely accepted standards of merit-based appointment

· Whether steps have been taken to manage potential conflicts of interest, perceived or actual

· Whether the process aligns with Council policies, Human Resources best practice, and public expectations for positions funded by ratepayers

4. Requests that the findings of the independent review be reported to the full Council and made publicly available, subject to lawful privacy requirements.

5. Requests that no appointment be finalised until the review findings have been presented to Council.

6. Requests that, where practicable, Council pause final appointments until the review findings are received.

7. If the appointments are made prior to this Notice of Motion being heard or resolved, requires that the external review still proceed and examine the full process retrospectively, with recommendations for improvement (if any) reported to Council.

Take / Rationale

Public confidence in Council decision-making depends on recruitment processes being transparent, impartial, and demonstrably free from bias. This is particularly important when appointments are made directly into the Mayor’s Office, where individuals will have access to sensitive information, elected members, and political decision-making.

Three paid positions within the Mayor’s Office are currently being recruited. It is understood that close family members of a Councillor and the Mayor, and a close friend of the Mayor, have applied and may be considered for appointment. This creates a clear perception-of-interest risk, even if fully disclosed and well managed.

Other Mayors throughout the county often and recently commission an external review in comparable circumstances, in order to protect public confidence following the appointment of a relative or close friend. Those actions set an important national benchmark for transparency and good governance.

A proactive Notice of Motion filed before any appointments are confirmed keeps the issue squarely on principles and process. Once individuals are known, concerns risk being interpreted as personal, political, or directed at the successful candidate.

This NOM seeks:

• Protection of the Mayor’s Office reputation

• Protection of the Mayor

• Protection of staff and applicants

• Assurance for elected members

• Confidence for the community and ratepayers

An external review provides a neutral mechanism to establish integrity, confirm compliance with policy, and reassure the public that FNDC upholds recognised standards of merit, fairness, and conflict management.

I commend this Notice of Motion to Council.

Āpitihanga / Attachments

1. Staff Briefing Office of the Mayor NOM - A5590235 ⇩

Hōtaka Take Ōkawa / Compliance Schedule: Completed by Democracy Services Staff

Meeting procedures are set out in the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA), the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA), and Standing Orders. Standing Orders Clause 26 outlines procedures for Notices of Motion.

Please note that nothing in this standing order removes the requirement to meet the provisions of Part 6, LGA with regard to consultation and decision-making.

Full consideration must been given to the provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 S77 in relation to decision making, in particular:

1. A Local authority must, in the course of the decision-making process,

a) Seek to identify all reasonably practicable options for the achievement of the objective of a decision; and

b) Assess the options in terms of their advantages and disadvantages; and

c) If any of the options identified under paragraph (a) involves a significant decision in relation to land or a body of water, take into account the relationship of Māori and their culture and traditions with their ancestral land, water sites, waahi tapu, valued flora and fauna and other taonga.

2. This section is subject to Section 79 - Compliance with procedures in relation to decisions.

He Take Ōkawa / Compliance Requirement	Aromatawai Kaimahi / Staff Assessment
State the level of significance (high or low) of the issue or proposal as determined by the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy	This notice of motion is of low significance.
State the relevant Council policies (external or internal), legislation, and/or community outcomes (as stated in the LTP) that relate to this decision.	Council have previously granted the Chief Executive delegation to make submissions. A review of these delegations will be undertaken in the new year.
State whether this issue or proposal has a District wide relevance and, if not, the ways in which the appropriate Community Board’s views have been sought.	District-wide relevance. Community Board views have not been sought.
State the possible implications for Māori and how Māori have been provided with an opportunity to contribute to decision making if this decision is significant and relates to land and/or any body of water. State the possible implications and how this report aligns with Te Tiriti o Waitangi / The Treaty of Waitangi.	No direct implications identified.
Identify persons likely to be affected by or have an interest in the matter, and how you have given consideration to their views or preferences (for example – youth, the aged and those with disabilities).	This does not impact any identified persons under legislation.
State the financial implications and where budgetary provisions have been made to support this decision.	No financial implications.
Chief Financial Officer review.	The Chief Financial Officer has not reviewed this report.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

5 March 2026

6 Te Whakaaetanga o Ngā Meneti o Mua / Confirmation of Previous Minutes

6.1 Confirmation of Previous Minutes

File Number: A5526510

Author: Natasha Rmandic, Democracy Advisor

Authoriser: Aisha Huriwai, Manager - Democracy Services

Take Pūrongo / Purpose of the Report

The minutes are attached to allow Council to confirm that the minutes are a true and correct record of previous meetings.

tŪtohunga / Recommendation

That Council confirm:

a) The minutes of the meeting held 11 December 2025 as a true and correct record;

b) The minutes of the extraordinary meeting held 10 February 2026 as a true and correct record.

1) TĀhuhu kŌrero / Background

Local Government Act 2002 Schedule 7 Section 28 states that a local authority must keep minutes

of its proceedings. The minutes of these proceedings duly entered and authenticated as prescribed

by a local authority are prima facie evidence of those meetings.

2) matapaki me NgĀ KŌwhiringa / Discussion and Options

The minutes of the Council meeting held 11 December 2025 are attached:

Far North District Council Standing Orders Section 27.3 states that no discussion shall arise on the substance of the minutes in any succeeding meeting, except as to their correctness.

TAKE TŪTOHUNGA / REASON FOR THE RECOMMENDATION

The reason for the recommendation is to confirm the minutes are a true and correct record of the

previous meetings.

3) PĀnga PŪtea me ngĀ wĀhanga tahua / Financial Implications and Budgetary Provision

There are no financial implications or the need for budgetary provision as a result of this report.

Āpitihanga / Attachments

1. Council Ordinary Meeting 11-12-2025 Minutes - A5503096 ⇩

2. Council Extraordinary Meeting 10-02-2026 Minutes - A5570752 ⇩

Hōtaka Take Ōkawa / Compliance Schedule:

Full consideration has been given to the provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 S77 in relation to decision making, in particular:

1. A Local authority must, in the course of the decision-making process,

a) Seek to identify all reasonably practicable options for the achievement of the objective of a decision; and

b) Assess the options in terms of their advantages and disadvantages; and

2. This section is subject to Section 79 - Compliance with procedures in relation to decisions.

He Take Ōkawa / Compliance Requirement	Aromatawai Kaimahi / Staff Assessment
State the level of significance (high or low) of the issue or proposal as determined by the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy	This is a matter of low significance.
State the relevant Council policies (external or internal), legislation, and/or community outcomes (as stated in the LTP) that relate to this decision.	This report complies with the Local Government Act 2002 Schedule 7 Section 28.
State whether this issue or proposal has a District wide relevance and, if not, the ways in which the appropriate Community Board’s views have been sought.	It is the responsibility of each meeting to confirm their minutes therefore the views of another meeting are not relevant.
State the possible implications for Māori and how Māori have been provided with an opportunity to contribute to decision making if this decision is significant and relates to land and/or any body of water. State the possible implications and how this report aligns with Te Tiriti o Waitangi / The Treaty of Waitangi.	There are no implications for Māori in confirming minutes from previous meeting. Any implications on Māori arising from matters included in meeting minutes should be considered as part of the relevant report.
Identify persons likely to be affected by or have an interest in the matter, and how you have given consideration to their views or preferences (for example – youth, the aged and those with disabilities).	This report is asking for minutes to be confirmed as true and correct record, any interests that affect other people should be considered as part of the individual reports
State the financial implications and where budgetary provisions have been made to support this decision.	There are no financial implications or the need for budgetary provision arising from this report
Chief Financial Officer review.	The CFO has not reviewed this report.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

5 March 2026

7 Ngā Pūrongo / Reports

7.1 Committee Terms of Reference Membership Updates

File Number: A5525608

Author: Natasha Rmandic, Democracy Advisor

Authoriser: Jacine Warmington, Group Manager - Strategic Relationships

Take Pūrongo / Purpose of the Report

To seek Council approval for updates to the memberships and appointments across several Committees and external bodies, reflecting recent discussions, requests for inclusion, and the need to ensure accuracy and completeness of the adopted Terms of Reference (ToR).

WhakarĀpopoto matua / Executive Summary

· At the inaugural Council meeting on 29 October 2025, Kahika-Mayor Tepania confirmed the establishment of seven committees, and Council subsequently appointed representatives to a number of external organisations.

· On 11 December 2025, Council adopted the ToR for all seven committees.

- Since adoption, several updates to memberships and appointments have been requested or identified, including:

- adding Councillor Davina Smolders to the Te Kuaka Committee for Strategic Māori Relationships.

- confirming the membership of Kohepu Chicky Rudkin and Councillor Arohanui Allen to Te Kūkupa, noting their earlier requests were omitted.

- adjusting Te Huia Committee appointments so that Kohepu Chicky Rudkin and Kahika-Mayor Tepania hold Chair and Deputy Chair positions respectively, with the external representative confirmed as a member.

- updating the roles for Te Koukou and Te Huia external appointments to reflect membership rather than Chair/Deputy positions.

- appointing councillor representatives to the Lake Ōmāpere Trust and Mangawhai ki

- Putataua – Māori Reserve, Matauri Bay.

· This report provides Council with the opportunity to confirm these updates and ensure all memberships and appointments are accurately reflected in the relevant ToR.

tŪtohunga / Recommendation

That Council approve the following updates to the relevant Committee Terms of Reference and external appointments:

a) That Councillor Davina Smolders be appointed to Te Kuaka Committee for Strategic Māori Relationships.

b) That Councillors _______________ and ________________ be appointed to Te Kūkupa Committee for Strategy, Policy and Regulation, and

c) That the Terms of Reference for Te Huia Executive Review Committee be updated to reflect Kohepu Chicky Rudkin as Chairperson, Kahika Moko Tepania as deputy Chairperson and the external representative as a committee member.

d) That Councillor ______________________ be appointed as Council’s representative on the Lake Ōmāpere Trust.

e) That Councillor ______________________ be appointed as Council’s representative on the Mangawhai ki Putataua Māori Reserve, Matauri Bay.

1) TĀhuhu kŌrero / Background

Under section 41A(3) of the Local Government Act 2002, Kahika-Mayor Tepania has the power to establish committees and appoint memberships. At the 29 October 2025 Inaugural Council meeting the Kahika-Mayor Tepania established the Committees and on 11 December Terms of References for all Committees were adopted.

The Far North District Council recognises that Committees are a key part of enabling good governance. Terms of Reference should be adopted for each Committee to clarify its role, responsibilities and membership.

While the Local Government Act gives the Kahika-Mayor Tepania powers to establish a committee structure and its membership, Council is responsible for confirming the Terms of Reference for those Committees.

While there has been discussion on potential membership for Committees, each Terms of Reference seeks Council’s confirmation of membership.

Those appointed to bodies outside of Council act as a spokesperson on matters of local, district, regional or national significance. Some appointments are legislatively required, some are part of a regional agreement, MOU or by invitation.

Section 32, Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002 prevents Council from delegating the following responsibilities:

(a) the power to make a rate; or

(b) the power to make a bylaw; or

(d) the power to adopt a long-term plan, annual plan, or annual report; or

(e) the power to appoint a chief executive; or

(f) the power to adopt policies required to be adopted and consulted on under this Act in association with the long-term plan or developed for the purpose of the local governance statement; or

(g) repealed

(h) the power to adopt a remuneration and employment policy.

It’s important to note that the adoption of the long-term or annual plan is where Council sets its strategic direction,

2) matapaki me NgĀ KŌwhiringa / Discussion and Options

Since adoption, several updates to committee memberships and external appointments have been requested or identified. To ensure accuracy of the ToR and to reflect councillor and external member requests, amendments are now required for:

- Te Kuaka Committee for Māori Strategic Relationships.

- Te Kūkupa Committee for Strategy, Policy and Regulation.

- Te Koukou Committee for Transport and Infrastructure.

- Te Huia Committee for Chief Executive Performance Review.

- External appointments to Lake Ōmāpere Trust and Mangawhai ki Putataua – Māori Reserve, Matauri Bay.

The following options are available to Council:

Option 1: Approve the recommended appointments and ToR amendments (recommended)

Council may confirm all proposed changes and update the relevant Terms of Reference accordingly.

Benefits:

· Ensures membership accurately reflects councillor requests and previous discussions

· Provides clarity and transparency for committee operations

· Supports effective governance by confirming the appropriate members for each committee and external body

Risks:

· None identified beyond normal governance considerations.

Option 2: Defer the request to the Chair

Council may choose to defer decisions to the Committee Chair/Deputy Chair, noting that any amendment to the Committee’s ToR will still require Council consideration and approval.

Benefits:

· Allows the Chairs/Deputy Chairs to review membership needs in more detail.

Risks:

· Any amendments to ToR must still return to Council, delaying final confirmation

· Potential for ongoing uncertainty about committee membership.

Option 3: Decline some or all of the proposed appointments

Council may choose not to update the ToR or not to confirm some or all appointments.

Benefits:

· No immediate changes required.

Risks:

· Does not address the identified omissions or requests from councillors and external members

· Committee ToR may remain inaccurate or incomplete

· May reduce clarity for governance roles and responsibilities.

TAKE TŪTOHUNGA / REASON FOR THE RECOMMENDATION

The recommended option ensures committee memberships and external appointments are accurate, reflect councillor and external member requests, and support effective governance of Council committees.

3) PĀnga PŪtea me ngĀ wĀhanga tahua / Financial Implications and Budgetary Provision

An effective and efficient governance structure helps reduce operational resourcing. Providing delegations to the lowest possible level helps to increase efficiencies and allow Councils governing body to focus on making strategic decisions for the district.

If external appointments are made to committees, Council adopted a policy in 2022 that any external appointments would be remunerated at a rate of $240 per meeting (the position of Chair is set at $300 per meeting) plus travel expenses. It should be noted that any Appointed Member whose participation on a Committee, Subcommittee, Working Party or External Body who is already remunerated by a government agency, another local authority or private/public interest group is not eligible to receive remuneration under our policy.

Āpitihanga / Attachments

1. Te Kuaka Committee for Strategic Māori Relationships - A5443633 ⇩

2. Te Kūkupa Committee for Strategy, Policy and Regulation - A5443635 ⇩

3. Te Huia Committee for Chief Executive Performance - A5443632 ⇩

Hōtaka Take Ōkawa / Compliance Schedule:

Full consideration has been given to the provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 S77 in relation to decision making, in particular:

1. A Local authority must, in the course of the decision-making process,

a) Seek to identify all reasonably practicable options for the achievement of the objective of a decision; and

b) Assess the options in terms of their advantages and disadvantages; and

2. This section is subject to Section 79 - Compliance with procedures in relation to decisions.

He Take Ōkawa / Compliance Requirement	Aromatawai Kaimahi / Staff Assessment
State the level of significance (high or low) of the issue or proposal as determined by the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy	This is a matter of low significance.
State the relevant Council policies (external or internal), legislation, and/or community outcomes (as stated in the LTP) that relate to this decision.	The relevant Local Government Act 2002 references are provided throughout this report. Council has a policy on non-elected members appointed to Committees which will be applied where appropriate. It should also be noted that decisions of Committees will take into consideration existing strategies, and direction articulated through the Long-Term Plan process.
State whether this issue or proposal has a District wide relevance and, if not, the ways in which the appropriate Community Board’s views have been sought.	This is a district wide matter for the governing body to decide. As mentioned in the report, Council should consider in the new year – appropriate delegations to the Community Boards.
State the possible implications for Māori and how Māori have been provided with an opportunity to contribute to decision making if this decision is significant and relates to land and/or any body of water. State the possible implications and how this report aligns with Te Tiriti o Waitangi / The Treaty of Waitangi.	The views of Māori have not been sought specifically to inform this work. Work was completed in the 2022-2025 term to seek the views of Māori around the then Te Kuaka – Te Ao Māori Committee. Views shared at Te Kuaka hui and as part of developing agreements with various Iwi and Hapū have been incorporated into the proposed Te Kuaka Committee for Māori Strategic Relationship
Identify persons likely to be affected by or have an interest in the matter, and how you have given consideration to their views or preferences (for example – youth, the aged and those with disabilities).	This does not impact any identified persons in legislation.
State the financial implications and where budgetary provisions have been made to support this decision.	Staff annually budget to hold provision for external appointments to Committees. Further budget is also allocated based on prior year expenditure and legislative increases for elected member expense and reimbursements in attending meetings
Chief Financial Officer review.	The CFO has not reviewed this report.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

5 March 2026

8 Ngā Pūrongo Taipitopito / Information Reports

8.1 Petition - Protect Our Community and Tamariki: Address Roaming and Dangerous Dogs in Ahipara

File Number: A5605949

Author: Natasha Rmandic, Democracy Advisor

Authoriser: Aisha Huriwai, Manager - Democracy Services

Purpose of the Report

For the Council to receive Protect Our Community and Tamariki: Address Roaming and

Dangerous Dogs in Ahipara Petition.

Executive Summary

· This petition was presented by Tyrone Biddle on behalf of residents of Ahipara.

· It was received on February 13, 2026, via RFS-4287727.

· There are 428 signatories.

· All signatories are asking for stronger, more consistent action to address roaming and uncontrolled dogs in Ahipara.

Recommendation

That Far North District Council formally receive the petition “Protect Our Community and Tamariki: Address Roaming and Dangerous Dogs in Ahipara Petition” on behalf of the residents of Ahipara.

1) Background

This petition was received from Ahipara residents on 13 Feb 2026.

Roaming and dangerous dogs have been an ongoing issue in Ahipara for years, with repeated calls and reports made to the Council with no real or lasting change. When dogs are not properly controlled or contained, the risk extends beyond one group, it affects tamariki, residents, visitors, and animals.

Roaming dogs also have a serious impact on native wildlife, including kiwi and other ground-nesting birds, with conservation groups identifying roaming dogs as a significant cause of injury and death to these species. Petitioners are asking for Ahipara to be a place where families can walk, play, and live without fear.

Petitions may be presented to the FNDC or any of its committees or community boards.

Petitions must contain at least 20 signatures, and the request must consist of fewer than 150 words (not including signatures). The petition must be received by the Chief Executive at least five working days before the date of the meeting at which it will be presented.

Petitions must not use offensive language or include malicious statements They may be written in English or te reo Māori.

To be accepted, a petition must be clearly addressed to the Far North District Council.

A petition may be delivered by electronic means.

The name of the principal petitioner must appear at the head of the petition, and that contact information is provided when the petition is presented. The principal petitioner is usually the person who has initiated or organised the petition and presents the petition to Council.

Reason for the recommendation

To allow the Council to formally receive the petition and provide a mechanism for the Council to advocate on behalf of its constituents where appropriate.

This petition is not addressed to Council; however, the Council may receive the petition.

3) Financial Implications and Budgetary Provision

There are no financial implications or need for budgetary provision in receiving this petition.

Attachments

1. Ahipara residents petition - A5605938 ⇩

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

5 March 2026

8.2 Community Board Minutes

File Number: A5560830

Author: Natasha Rmandic, Democracy Advisor

Authoriser: Aisha Huriwai, Manager - Democracy Services

Take Pūrongo / Purpose of the Report

To provide an overview of resolutions made by Community Boards with an opportunity for Chairpersons to speak with Council about pertinent discussions held at Community Board.

WhakarĀpopoto matua / Executive Summary

· Minutes from recent Te Hiku, Bay of Islands-Whangaroa and Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board meetings are attached for Council information.

tŪtohunga / Recommendation

That Council note the minutes from the following Community Board meetings:

a) Te Hiku Community Board Meeting held 09 February 2026;

b) Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board Meeting 12 February 2026;

c) Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board Meeting held on 11 February 2026.

1) TĀhuhu kŌrero / Background

This report is to provide Council with an overview of resolutions made at Community Board meetings and for Community Board Chairpersons to raise any Community Board issues with Council.

2) matapaki me NgĀ KŌwhiringa / Discussion and Options

From time-to-time Community Boards may make recommendations to Council. This report is not considered to be the appropriate mechanism for Council to make a decision from a Community Board recommendation. Council could however move a motion to formally request a report on a particular matter for formal consideration at a subsequent meeting. The report would then ensure that Council have sufficient information to satisfy the decision-making requirements under the Local Government Act 2002 (sections 77-79).

3) PĀnga PŪtea me ngĀ wĀhanga tahua / Financial Implications and Budgetary Provision

There are no financial implications or need for budget provision in considering this report.

Āpitihanga / Attachments

1. Te Hiku Community Board - 09-02-2026 Minutes - A5564685 ⇩

2. Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board - 12-02-2026 Minutes - A5577236 ⇩

3. Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board - 11-02-2026 Minutes - A5558103 ⇩

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

5 March 2026

8.3 Committee and Joint Committee Minutes - January and February 2026

File Number: A5561024

Author: Natasha Rmandic, Democracy Advisor

Authoriser: Aisha Huriwai, Manager - Democracy Services

TAKE PŪRONGO / Purpose of the Report

This report highlights recent Council and Joint Committee meetings and the availability of minutes for reference.

WHAKARĀPOPOTO MATUA / Executive SummarY

Recent meetings are listed below, with links to minutes included where available at the time of publication.

Far North District Council Committee Meetings:

· Minutes of Te Pīpīwharauroa – Committee for External Appointments – Thursday, 22 January 2026.

· Minutes of Te Miromiro - Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee Meeting - Tuesday, 17 February 2026.

· Minutes of Te Kūkupa Committee for Strategy, Policy and Regulation Meeting – Wednesday, 18 February 2026.

· Minutes of Te Koekoeā - CCO Committee Meeting - Tuesday, 24 February 2026.

· Minutes of Te Koukou - Transport and Infrastructure Committee Meeting - Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

Joint Committee Meetings:

· Minutes of Regional Transport Committee Meeting - Tuesday, 10 February 2026.

Note: Any recommendations from committee meetings will be presented separately on the Council agenda for consideration.

TŪTOHUNGA / Recommendation

That Council receive the report Committee and Joint Committee Minutes.

tĀHUHU KŌRERO / Background

Council operates several Committees that meet regularly but on different cycles:

· Te Huia Committee for Chief Executive Performance

· Te Kuaka Committee for Māori Strategic Relationships

· Te Koekoeā Committee for Council Controlled Organisations

· Te Koukou Committee for Transport and Infrastructure

· Te Kūkupa Committee for Strategy, Policy and Regulation

· Te Miromiro Committee for Assurance, Risk and Finance

· Te Pīpīwharauroa Committee for External Appointments.

Agendas and minutes for these meetings are publicly available at https://infocouncil.fndc.govt.nz/

Council also has appointed representatives to joint and external committees in partnership with Northland Regional Council (NRC):

· Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe Beach Board Committee

· Joint Regional Economic Development Committee

· Joint Climate Change Adaptation Committee

· Civil Defence Emergency Management Committee

· Regional Transport Committee

Further details, including Terms of Reference, can be found on the NRC Website. Agendas and minutes are updated on the NRC Agendas and Minutes page.

MATAPAKI ME NGĀ KŌWHIRINGA / Discussion and Next Steps

This report highlights where information is available.

Any recommendations will be presented separately on the Council agenda for consideration.

PĀNGA PŪTEA ME NGĀ WĀHANGA TAHUA / Financial Implications and Budgetary Provision

This report has no financial implications.

Āpitihanga / Attachments

Nil

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda

5 March 2026

8.4 Annual Report on Dog Control 2024/2025 - Section 10A Dog Control Act 1996

File Number: A5579424

Author: Mike McMurtrie, Manager - Compliance

Authoriser: Hilary Sumpter, Group Manager - Delivery and Operations

TAKE PŪRONGO / Purpose of the Report

That the Council receives the Annual Report on Dog Control Policy and Practices 2024/2025.

WHAKARĀPOPOTO MATUA / Executive SummarY

Section 10A of the Dog Control Act 1996 requires each territorial authority to report on its dog control policy and practices and provide specific statistical information.

This report acts as a medium for this information and is an update on the progress and processes of the Far North District Council Animal Management services.

The report (Attachment A) will be submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs and a link to the document will be made publicly available on the FNDC website.

TŪTOHUNGA / Recommendation

That the Council receive the report Annual Report on Dog Control 2024/2025 - Section 10A Dog Control Act 1996.

tĀHUHU KŌRERO / Background

The Dog Control Act 1996 requires all territorial authorities to report annually to the Department of Internal Affairs on their dog control activity. The information assists central government to assess national trends and developments. This requirement below came into place through the Dog Control Amendment Act 2003, which came into force on 1 December 2003:

10A Territorial authority must report on dog control policy and practices

(1) A territorial authority must, in respect of each financial year, report on the administration of—

a) its dog control policy adopted under section 10; and

b) its dog control practices.

(2) The report must include, in respect of each financial year, information relating to—

a) the number of registered dogs in the territorial authority district:

b) the number of probationary owners and disqualified owners in the territorial authority district:

c) the number of dogs in the territorial authority district classified as dangerous under section 31 and the relevant provision under which the classification is made:

d) the number of dogs in the territorial authority district classified as menacing under section 33A or section 33C and the relevant provision under which the classification is made:

e) the number of infringement notices issued by the territorial authority:

f) the number of dog-related complaints received by the territorial authority in the previous year and the nature of those complaints:

g) the number of prosecutions taken by the territorial authority under this Act.

(3) The territorial authority must give public notice of the report:

a) by means of a notice published in:

i. 1 or more daily newspapers circulating in the territorial authority district; or

ii. 1 or more other newspapers that have at least an equivalent circulation in that district to the daily newspapers circulating in that district; and

b) by any means that the territorial authority thinks desirable in the circumstances.

(4) The territorial authority must also, within 1 month after adopting the report, send a copy of it to the Secretary for Local Government.

MATAPAKI ME NGĀ KŌWHIRINGA / Discussion and Next Steps

All Dog Control functions in the district are carried out in-house which includes the administration, field, and shelter services.

This team is responsible for the reactive response to complaints about dogs at large or causing nuisance, ensuring compliance with the Dog Control Act 1996 and the Far North District Council Dog Management Policy and Bylaw, encouraging responsible dog ownership, the registration of dogs as well as community education.

Responding to complaints (RFS)

There has been a total of 2,967 dog control customer requests for service received over the 2024/2025 period. This is 2 less individual requests for service than the previous year and does not include general registration queries of which there were an additional 1473.

Dog Registration

The number of known dogs in the district remains steady at 9,368. Of these 8,177 were registered for 2024/2025 period, giving 88% compliance across the district.

A significant effort was put in to clean up the registration data, including removing deceased dogs and changing of ownership/district details.

Probationary and Disqualified Owners

There is 1 Disqualified owner in the district and no Probationary owners.

Enforcement

There has been a total of 672 infringements issued for offences under the Dog Control Act 1996. This is 248 more infringements issued than in 2024/2025.

The Far North District Council have initiated two prosecutions for attacks that occurred in 2024/2025, against dog owners for breaching the Dog Control Act 1996. One resulted in a voluntary destruction of the dog and fees associated with the case. The other hearing was held late in 2025, for a dog attacking a young child. A sentencing date is set in February 2026.

Menacing and Dangerous Dogs

There is a total of 93 menacing dogs in the district, this is a decrease of 27 dogs from the previous year.

88 of these dogs were menacing dogs under section 33C of the Dog Control Act 1996. These dogs were of American Pitbull Terrier type. Under the Dog Control Act 1996 (the Act) all dogs must be classified as menacing if it belongs to a breed or type currently listed in schedule 4 of the Act, or if the local authority considers the dog poses a threat to people or other animals and wildlife due to its behaviour. All dogs registered within the district and classified as menacing by Council, or any other territorial authority must be neutered.

There is one classified dangerous dog in the district.

Impounded Dogs

A total of 630 dogs were impounded in the council shelter in 2024/25.

41.8% of impounded dogs were either returned to their owners or rehomed.

376 (59.2%) of dogs impounded at the shelter were euthanised due to not being claimed by an owner and not being suitable for rehoming. 114 (20.9%) of these dogs were surrendered by the dog owner for euthanasia.

PĀNGA PŪTEA ME NGĀ WĀHANGA TAHUA / Financial Implications and Budgetary Provision

There are no financial or resource implications associated with this report.

Āpitihanga / Attachments

1. Annual Report on Dog Control 2024-2025 - A5579447 ⇩