Dogs set for Art Deco outing in motorbike SPCA fundraiser

Jason Wawatai holding Baxter with Dianne Wawatai with Mia, Daylene Hall with Cody, Georgina Carson-Waihi with Sione, Reuben Wahi with Sasa in front of the former Rothmans building, Ahuriri, Napier.

There was never going to be any doubt about one of the visiting spots 10 motorcyclists and their four-legged pillions would be lining up this Sunday.

It will be the second year running Harley-Davidson rider and master of little Baxter Jason Wawatai of Napier has brought a group of his riding chums together for an SPCA awareness and fundraising ride which he dubs Bax Gives Back.

While last year's outing was in January this year's is taking place on the Sunday of the Tremains Art Deco Festival, and that works just fine, Mr Wawatai said.

For after they leave from the Napier SPCA around 8.30am they will head for what will be an Art Deco-awash central city, and a unique event which will take place at the Sound Shell at 9am.

The Art Deco Trust is also staging a second pooch-friendly event, the Deco Dog Parade - a gathering where it becomes clear that even the doggies can don a spot of Art Deco attire alongside their owners.

Mr Wawatai contacted the Art Deco Trust's events manager Glen Pickering to ask if it would be okay if the riders and their animals could stop by and join in and he was happy to give them the thumbs up.

"He has been so very helpful," Mr Wawatai said, adding that Mr Pickering also helped find them with a spot down lower Emerson St in the afternoon as the spot they were able to stop at last year for a "bring your doggies and join us" gathering would be tied up with Deco activities.

Mr Wawatai said the day's outing of riders and pooches was all about raising awareness of the valuable work done by the SPCA, and along the way they would be happy to collect any donations from people wanting to support the Napier SPCA.

The Deco Dog Parade was a great way to start the day, Mr Wawatai said, although he was reluctant to discuss just what little Baxter and his other biking doggy mates might be wearing.

"Have to wait and see," he said with a smile.

Mr Pickering said the event was the chance to "welcome our canine friends to the world of Art Deco".

There was a huge turnout of stylishly dressed owners and dogs at last year's event, and this year's will be added to by some dapper little biking barkers.

After that the motorcyclists will head for the Sunday Market which is being staged at Whitmore Park due to the festival, and around 11.30am will ride to the West Quay for an hour.

They will then head for lower Emerson St, near Specsavers, where people were invited to take their doggies along and get a photo of them on one of the great, shining motorcycles.

Mr Wawatai said last year's inaugural Bax Gives Back SPCA awareness and fundraising day raised about $1500 and it would now be an annual event.