A temporary amendment of dog laws has been put in place for the northern end of Snells beach to protect endangered species, such as the dotterel and New Zealand fairy tern. 

Until March 30, 2020, all dogs are prohibited from all beach areas north of Sunburst Avenue boat ramp.

Dotterels are sensitive birds, and with only 1,700 of them left in New Zealand, they are classified as a threatened / vulnerable species. To get the population back up, the successful breeding and hatching of eggs is imperative, but this is difficult when nesting birds are constantly under threat from people, dogs and other predators. 

The fairy tern is even rarer, it is considered the most endangered bird in our country. It’s therefore easy to see why it's so important to protect Snells Beach.

A recent change in the dog access laws allowed dog owners more time on beaches with their furry friends. Dogs are now prohibited on public beaches from 1st of December to the 1st of March, and only from 10.00 a.m. till 5.00 p.m., giving dog owners an extra two hours in the evening to exercise their dogs.

But due to the incredibly vulnerable bird species living at the northern end Snells Beach, these recent laws have been temporarily amended: there is no access for dogs at all. All beach areas south of this point are still subject to current rules. 

Hopefully the implementation of these new rules means the survival and continuation of these very special species.