Whānau gather after elderly Moerewa woman killed in Northland dog attack

The woman killed in a dog attack at her Otiria Rd property has been identified as a well-known local. Photo / RNZ

The family of an elderly woman killed after she was attacked by her pet dog have spoken of their devastation at the loss of a “dearly loved” mother, nanny, and aunty.

The woman, who was in her 70s, died yesterday afternoon after reportedly intervening in a dog fight at her Otiria Rd property in Moerewa.

Far North Area Commander Inspector Riki Whiu confirmed the dog belonged to the owners of the property and was not “roaming”.

Her whānau have released a statement expressing their grief and devastation over the woman’s unexpected death.

“We want to acknowledge the tragic loss of a dearly loved mother, nanny, aunty and well-known whaea of the Moerewa community.

“No one would have expected such a tragedy in our community.”

The whānau said now is not the time to lay blame but instead to call for action to keep all communities safe.

“We are all here as a community to support our uncle and whānau at this time.”

A friend of the woman’s said she believed the woman had tried to intervene when a larger dog attacked a smaller dog.

The woman, who was of small stature, was said to have got between the two dogs when the larger dog turned on her.

A neighbour reportedly shot the dog before officers arrived.

Two other people, revealed to be the woman’s daughters, were injured. One of whom was taken to Bay of Islands Hospital.

Whiu said, at this stage, police were unable to provide further information on her identity. However, news of the much-loved woman’s death had rocked those in the Moerewa community who knew her.

Auntie Rosie Reihana said the woman was “one of our kuia from way back”. She was a hard-working volunteer, often helping in the kitchen at nearby Ōtiria Marae.

“It’s really hurting. She would awhi everybody. This is our kuia of this community. She is one of us,” Reihana said.

Those walking Main St were openly comforting others, offering memories of the woman.

“That family has always been contributors to the community.”

The woman was killed in a dog attack at her Otiria Rd property. Photo / Michael Cunningham

A woman who lived on the same road was shocked when she learned this morning about her good friend’s death. She had last seen her a few days ago.

The friend said the pair had been mates for years, and fondly recalled hanging around Moerewa together as teenagers. The dead woman is understood to have lived in Moerewa all her life.

Whānau spanning four generations have gathered at the woman’s property this morning, with more arriving. The Northern Advocate spoke to the woman’s husband, who asked for privacy on behalf of the family.

Fears the dog had been roaming prior to police confirmation the dog belonged to the woman has given rise to concerns about dog control in Moerewa.

Reihana said there were a lot of dogs in the community and many were running loose. After the tragedy, she planned to organise a meeting to try to resolve the dog issue.

“There’s a lot of dogs around here.”

Just days earlier, she said she had told one dog owner to keep it tied up, warning: “Someone is going to get hurt.”

Other older members of the community spoke of concerns about dogs, with one saying she organised lifts to church even though it was close by.

“There’s too many dogs.”

Dog control has also been raised in other parts of the Far North. An Awanui man said he is traumatised and unable to sleep after he and his dog Titan were mauled during their daily walk through the township.

The dog behind the attack was later euthanised, he said.

In March this year, the Far North District Council was investigating a complaint about wandering dogs threatening children during a school camp in the Bay of Islands. Three children and one teacher were rushed by dogs at Whitiora Marae, at Te Tii, about 20km north of Kerikeri.

Untrained and roaming dogs have reportedly become a problem for pets and native species. The Northern Advocate reported in January that Whangārei Heads locals blamed the disappearance of 10 pet cats in Pataua on roaming dogs, and in August conservation groups said 31 kiwi had died in six months because of dogs.

Bay of Islands (BOI) Watchdog co-ordinator Leonie Exel said councils and the SPCA were aware of Northland’s roaming dog problem.

“It’s also a real issue in areas that are impoverished,” she said.

Exel said BOI Watchdogs had been “lobbying for years” to help solve the problem with community education, widespread desexing and effective animal control.

She believed responsible dog owners were being over-regulated, while wandering dogs were being under-policed.

SPCA’s general manager for animal services Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell emphasised the importance of responsible pet ownership.

“Proper training, socialisation and control of dogs are vital to prevent such heartbreaking events. We will continue our important work to increase awareness and education around responsible pet ownership, alongside other animal welfare organisations, which is critical to ensure the safety of both animals and the community.”