Tributes pouring in for Harawene

Tributes to Rotorua's favourite dog Harawene are growing daily.

She hasn't been seen for about two weeks and it's feared the little dog, which lived on the roadside along Te Ngae Rd for about 15 years, has been run over trying to cross the busy road.

Tributes to Harawene have been pouring in to the Daily Post and flowers have been left by the little kennel placed at the roadside spot from where she watched the traffic go by.

Rotorua identities say she'll be missed.

Mayor Kevin Winters said he had often driven past Harawene on Te Ngae Rd. "I've often seen it trotting along in the paddock. She was a real icon of Rotorua and she has received a lot of love from people who live here."

Rotorua MP Steve Chadwick also called Harawene a local icon and said visiting MPs often asked about the little black dog when she picked them up from the city's airport.

Mrs Chadwick said a good way to remember Harawene would be a memorial fund for the local SPCA.

Rotorua artist Maxine Thompson felt compelled to create a pastel portrait of Harawene. "I think she was an independent soul and everyone thought it was reassuring to see her ... I'm sure there have been a few tears cried over her." Ms Thompson isn't sure what to do with the portrait when it is finished.

"I might raffle it off or sell it and raise some money for a good cause."

Te Ngae Rd resident Rob MacGregor has placed a plaque on the fence beside Harawene's kennel. "I have known her as long as she has been here and I just think it is a fitting way to remember her."



The land Harawene lived on is owned by Ngati Whakaue Tribal Lands and executive assistant Tarena Flood said the dog was missed by all who worked there.

The Trust would not remove the tributes placed at Harawene's kennel by members of the public, she said.