A Quiet Decision Sparks a Community Uprising

a fight for transparency, accountability, and genuine community power

A group of dogs gathered outdoors at Monte Cecilia Park, some looking up attentively, with people in the background.

Starting 1 August 2025, the Puketāpapa Local Board will impose an on‑leash‑only rule across Monte Cecilia Park, erasing its beloved off‑leash “bowl” and trampling on the voices of a united community.

This decision comes despite:

  • 88% of public submissions opposed the change (more than 800 individual submissions)

  • Council staff recommended the retention of off‑leash access

  • A petition with over 1,000 signatures

  • The council withheld its “Dog Walking Assessment” report until 19 May 2025, not explaining the delay or justification for the policy change.

It’s a decision that defies transparency, dismisses community voice, and defies common sense.

What makes this so controversial?

  • The off‑leash bowl area is a well‑used and safe space, and the board ignored staff advice to merely improve signage and compliance, instead, choosing full restriction.

  • The shift was passed at the 17 April board meeting, even though over 800 submissions (88% opposed) and a 1,000‑signature petition backed keeping it off‑leash.

  • The Council’s “Dog Walking Assessment” wasn’t released until 19 May, after the meeting, and provided no clear grounds for such a sweeping policy change.

A white dog running at Monte Cecilia Park with trees in the background, some shadowing on the grass, and small people in the distance.

We Must Vote Them Out

Four of the current Puketāpapa Local Board Members voted in favour of the change.

This board is dominated by Communities and Residents (C & R), a ticket that appears increasingly out of touch with its constituents.

  • Portrait of Ella Kumar, Chair of the Puketāpapa Local Board and Communities and Residents member.

    Ella Kumar

    Chair
    C & R (Communities and Residents)

  • Portrait of Fiona Lai, Puketāpapa Local Board and Communities and Residents member.

    Fiona Lai

    Deputy Chair
    C & R (Communities and Residents)

  • Portrait of Roseanne Hay, Puketāpapa Local Board and Communities and Residents member.

    Roseanne Hay

    Board member
    C & R (Communities and Residents)

  • Portrait of Mark Pervan, Puketāpapa Local Board and Communities and Residents member.

    Mark Pervan

    Board member
    C & R (Communities and Residents)

ELECTION YEAR starts soon

With the 2025 local elections fast approaching, voting opens Tuesday, 9 September, and closes at 12  noon on Saturday, 11 October 2025. Let’s hold Communities and Residents candidates accountable at the ballot box.

They voted against our interests. Let’s show them what our votes can do.