Far North dog chip and snip days earn national recognition

The Far North District Council's dog chip and snip day project - which saw dozens of dog owners turn up to free events in Kaitaia, above, and Kaikohe last year has won national recognition.

A Far North District Council dog microchipping and neutering project has won national recognition.

The council's dog chip and snip day project - Nga Kuri Auau - which saw dozens of dog owners turn up to free events in Kaitaia, and Kaikohe last year, was highly commended at the Society for Local Government Managers' 2018 Local Government Excellence Awards in Auckland.

Nga Kuri Auau was up for the Better Policy and Regulation Award, but was narrowly pipped by New Plymouth District Council's Draft Digital District Plan which took the award. Judges commended the FNDC project, describing it as an excellent example of a community-based solution.

"The mantra 'caring before compliance' struck a chord with us – modern regulation is about working with people to resolve issues," the award judges said.

Praise also came from Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta who said Nga Kuri Auau was the project that stood out for her.

FNDC CEO Shaun Clarke said the achievement shows the council punches well above its weight.

"I was extraordinarily proud of our staff and our district when our teams took out what is effectively the 'silver medal' at these prestigious awards.

''Achievements like this help to change perceptions, not just of the council, but of our district across the local government sector. I salute our staff who created and delivered this project and earned kudos for the Far North."

Nga Kuri Auau was a collaborative project involving the council's Animal Management, Community Development and Communications teams.

The project was designed to encourage responsible dog ownership by encouraging owners to microchip and neuter their pets during one-day events in Kaikohe and Kaitaia last year.

The chip and snip days attracted hundreds of dog owners and their pets, and resulted in more than 200 dogs being neutered.

Animal management officers said the events have already had an impact in both towns with fewer callouts for wandering and aggressive dogs and fewer unwanted puppies ending up in the council's dog pounds.

The Department of Internal Affairs provided $15,000 for the June 2017 event in Kaikohe, while council funded the second event in Kaitaia in July.