High Court rules against dog walkers over Auckland's Monte Cecilia Park changes

A group of aggrieved dog owners who took Auckland Council to court have failed to save a popular off-leash area.

After the Puketāpapa Local Board voted four to two to ban dogs from running free in the bowl area of Hillsborough's Monte Cecilia Park, a group of locals set up the Dog Lovers of Monte Cecilia Incorporated Society to challenge the decision with a judicial review.

Justice Andrew Becroft has now released his judgement on the judicial review, which took place in February at the High Court at Auckland.

He ruled the local board did not act unreasonably and awarded the case to Auckland Council.

However, he noted that most respondents (88 percent) to the board's public consultation opposed making the park's only off-leash area on-leash, and that council staff had recommended increased compliance and signage to make it clear what areas of the park were off-leash.

"The feedback received was overwhelmingly in opposition. Despite this, the board voted on 17 April 2025 to make the entire park an on-leash area.

"The decision here as to the continuing status of the bowl as being an off-leash area was unquestionably a highly contentious and emotional matter. But in the end, it was a decision that they were, as elected representatives applying the law, entitled to, and could, make."

Dog Lovers of Monte Cecilia spokesperson Jonathan Sweeney said they might take the case to the Court of Appeal.

"We're considering what our next options are because the spirit of this country is not just to roll over and play dead when things get a bit tough.

"We've started engaging with members of society and the community to see how they feel and what the appetite is in terms of how we move forward."

While changes to Auckland's Dog Policy and Bylaw came into force for other regional and local parks in August 2025, an interim order halted the change at Monte Cecilia until the outcome of the judicial review.

Sweeney said they would continue their fight without breaching new rules.

Puketāpapa Local Board chairperson Roseanne Hay did not respond to RNZ's request for an interview, but provided a statement.

"We welcome the decision from the High Court, which confirms the local board followed the correct and appropriate processes following our consultation and decision to change the off-leash bowl area to an on-leash area at Monte Cecilia Park.

"Safety at Monte Cecilia Park has always been our number one priority for dogs and park users, and by moving to an on-leash bowl area, we are enabling a safer environment for all."

However, Auckland Council confirmed the local board was still working through when the bylaw would come into force and updating signage.

Auckland Council's head of community and resilience policy, Ben Brooks, also welcomed the judgement.

"Auckland Council has received the High Court's ruling, which confirms the local board followed an appropriate and lawful decision-making process.

"The council acknowledges there were different views on this matter and respects the views of all parties involved.

"The council remains committed to balancing the needs of our communities now and in the future."

The council spent more than $100,00 on the legal battle, including hiring a King's Counsel.