Boating New Zealand — December 2017

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LEFT Oystercatcher chicks.

OPPOSITE PAGE Dotterels.

Dotterel chicks are the size of fluffy bumble-bees on long

legs; and oystercatcher chicks not much bigger. The chicks are

‘grounded’ and are at risk of being trodden on, run over by

beach vehicles, predation and being attacked by wild cats or

unleashed dogs. They can only fly at about seven weeks old.

Threatened and flightless weka, followed by their chicks,

roam many island beaches day and night digging up seaweed

searching for a sand flea meal. Weka are in danger of being

chased and cornered by dogs and, unable to fly away, they die

from stress or from fatal attack injuries.

If you’re taking your dog on your boating holiday this

summer, be aware of the strict no-dog zones, including most

land managed by DoC, and the numerous pest-free island

sanctuaries for native bird life, and island foreshores.

Even the smallest, oldest, slowest, best-behaved, harmless

dog can scamper over a nest and destroy eggs and chicks or

cause stress to a bird, causing it to abandon its nest and chicks.

Having an off-leash dog in a public area carries a minimum

fine of $200 and up to $10,000, with a year’s sentence in prison if

you allow a dog to enter a national park or other controlled area

where dogs are banned. There are also hefty penalties under the

Wildlife Act for killing or disturbing nests of protected wildlife.

If you are unsure, contact your local council or DoC Office,

or check their websites before taking your dog somewhere new.

Look for publicly designated off-leash areas to exercise your dog.

At all other times keep your dog on a leash and walk below the

high tide mark.

Summer boating holidays are great – but they’re also a time for

protecting and supporting a new generation of native birds. BNZ

Insurance is underwritten by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited (Incorporated in Australia) trading as Club Marine.

Please read the Policy Document available by phoning 0800 88 CLUB (2582) before deciding if the product is right for you.

Trusted to protect your boating

lifestyle for more than 20 years

0800 88 CLUB (2582)

clubmarine.co.nz