Dog park's shade sails taken by thieves

Tony Gill and Marion Edmonds sit at the dog park picnic table, which was formerly flanked by a shade sail. Photo / John Stone

Those working to improve Whangarei's only dedicated dog park are reeling after their sole source of shade was stolen.

Three donated shade sails disappeared overnight on Saturday, along with their fittings, said dog park committee head Tony Gill.

He said the nine-member committee had been working hard to raise money to improve the park and were "upset and annoyed" by the theft.

"There were a few expletives ... It's basically disappointment. The committee is there to make the park better so obviously they're going to be upset and annoyed," he said.

The 3x3-metre sails - two brown and one green - were installed in January after being donated by Bunnings Warehouse and a park user. All three sails had distinctive orange and white coloured ropes.

"Dogs and their owners need shelter, especially on sunny summer days and they help when it rains too," Mr Gill said.

The committee had been holding training sessions on Wednesday nights for $5, as a means of improving the park's drainage and facilities.

Mr Gill was appealing for help replacing the sails.

"The dog park belongs to the whole community. Even if you don't like dogs the park will help you by allowing you to have areas where dogs cannot go. The informal training and socialising of dogs is why the owners regularly use the dog park, many of whom become friends."

Mr Gill said he was thankful for the support of Whangarei District Council and Bunnings Warehouse - the latter had offered to come and plant some trees at the park this week.

Police spokeswoman Sarah Kennett said police would like to hear from anyone with information.