Katikati Dog Park Set for Agility Upgrade After Community Fundraising Push

Katikati's Dog Exercise Park at Donegal Reserve could soon be kitted out with agility equipment, thanks to a community fundraising and sponsorship drive led by KatchKatikati. The project began after the Western Bay of Plenty District Council fenced the park but lacked funding to add any gear inside. Dog owner Phil Christophersen approached the council, and parks and reserves officer Emma Woods connected him with KatchKatikati to help raise the necessary funds.

KatchKatikati manager Jacqui Knight said the plan includes balance beams, bridges, and sit/stay platforms to be built by Katikati Menz Shed, along with agility features such as jump-through hoops and tunnels from Metal Art Ltd. Once fundraising totals are confirmed in early August, the team will finalise the budget and get the best value for money.

A Dog Tricks Workshop, hosted by Aongatete-based head trainer Bex Tasker of Positively Together, is scheduled for Sunday, 27 July at the park from 10am. All proceeds will go towards the agility equipment fund. Tasker will demonstrate tricks including spins, leg weaves, hoop jumps, and rollovers using positive reinforcement techniques. Registration is $10 if booked by 25 July, or $15 on the day, via theartsjunction.org.nz.

The fundraising campaign received a significant boost from platinum sponsor RawPawz, a family-run raw pet food business whose CEO Nita Maaka said supporting the project was a way of giving back to one of the first communities to support them when they launched at the Katikati Friday Night Market 15 years ago. Donations to the Agility Equipment Fund can be made at katikati.org.nz/katikati-dog-park.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).