Ōmokoroa Doggy Day Out Celebrates Community and Canines

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council is hosting the 2026 Doggy Day Out at Ōmokoroa Sportsgrounds on Saturday 28 March from 10am to 2pm. The free-entry event serves as the finale to the 2025–2026 Wander Walk series and is open to dogs, their owners, and the wider community alike.

Among the returning visitors are French Bulldogs Honey and Winston, owned by Ōmokoroa residents Keith Pace and Ann Barrington-Pace. The pair placed second-equal in last year's Dress-Up Competition and, more importantly, the event helped the couple settle into their new neighbourhood. "We don't go anywhere now without somebody knowing us from that day," said Barrington-Pace.

This year's programme includes an Amateur Agility Competition, a Sniff & Seek Arena, and a talk on 'Harmony in the Home' from former dog guru Betty Hall. Katikati animal trainer Bex Tasker of Positively Together will be on hand with training tips, and there will be a Dress-Up Woofstock-themed Competition, food and doggy stalls, face painting, a photo booth, and arts and crafts for tamariki.

Barrington-Pace said the event has real value for the whole community, not just dog owners. "Even if you don't have a dog it's a great place to go — just for the value of meeting other people," she said. More information is available at westernbay.govt.nz/wanderdogs.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).