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Katikati dog agility park to be celebrated with free community event
Katikati's new dog agility park will be marked with a free community event at Donegal Reserve on June 27. The park was completed through fundraising, volunteer work and support from local businesses, and features several obstacles and activities for dogs.
Quick Facts
Who
Western Bay of Plenty District Council
What
Opened and will celebrate a new dog agility park in Katikati
When
June 27, 2026
Where
Donegal Reserve
- Opened and will celebrate a new dog agility park in Katikati
- Hosted a free community event for dog owners and pets
- Installed agility equipment and landscaped areas
- Raised funds through community sponsorship, donations and a Givealittle campaign
- Built equipment with volunteer support
A new dog exercise and agility area in Katikati is set to be officially celebrated at a free community event at Donegal Reserve on June 27. The Western Bay of Plenty District Council is inviting dog owners and their pets to try the new facilities, which were developed through a community-led fundraising and build effort.
The park includes balance beams, sit-and-stay platforms, a dog seesaw and landscaped areas designed for dogs to explore. Council reserves and facilities manager Peter Watson said the project showed what could be achieved when the council and community worked together.
According to the council, the fenced enclosure had been completed nearly two years ago but initially lacked funding for agility equipment. Community group Katch Katikati helped lead fundraising, with support from local businesses including Raw Pawz, Franklin Vets and Katikati Vets, as well as donations through a Givealittle campaign.
Katikati MenzShed also contributed labour and expertise to build the equipment once materials were secured. The celebration event will run from 10am to 1pm and will include trick training sessions with certified trainer Bex Tasker of Positively Together, a "Sniff and Seek" zone, a dog-mounted camera experience and spot prizes.
Topics
Why This Matters
This event signals a growing trend in New Zealand toward inclusive, community-led public amenities that cater to pet owners. For dog owners in the Bay of Plenty, it provides a free, professionally designed space to exercise and train their dogs, potentially improving canine behavior and strengthening community bonds. Local businesses and volunteers demonstrate the viability of collaborative projects, which could serve as a model for other communities.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 27, 2024
WireThe fenced enclosure was completed but still lacked funding for agility equipment.
Jun 18, 2026
WireSunLive reported that the park would be officially celebrated later in the month.
Jun 27, 2026
WireFree celebration event scheduled at Donegal Reserve with activities and training sessions.