Dogs of all shapes and sizes may soon have more to wag their tails about, as Katikati comes together to upgrade the town’s Dog Exercise Park with agility equipment.

A Dog Tricks Workshop from 10am on Sunday, July 27, at the dog park is the latest move in fundraising and sponsorship efforts to deck the facility out with training and agility items for Katikati pooches.

The project began when the Western Bay of Plenty District Council fenced off the dog park at Donegal Reserve but didn’t have the funds to add equipment.

Katikati dog owner Phil Christophersen approached the council, and parks and reserves officer Emma Woods suggested he connect with Katch Katikati to help raise funds.

Katch Katikati launched a sponsorship programme and has been approaching dog-related local businesses and inviting public donations to support the project.

Katikati MenzShed is set to build structures like balance beams, bridges, and sit/stay platforms, while Metal Art Ltd has provided quotes for agility features such as jump-through hoops and tunnels.

“Once we know how much we’ve raised in early August, we’ll finalise the budget and get the best value for money,” said Katch Katikati manager Jacqui Knight.

“It’ll be great to have interactive features for dogs and owners to enjoy – it’s a shame to have a fenced space with nothing to do inside!”

To support the fundraising, Aongatete resident Bex Tasker, head trainer of Positively Together, is running a Dog Tricks Workshop on July 27 at the park. All proceeds will go toward buying or building agility gear.

“Agility and trick training are fantastic for building confidence and strengthening the bond between dog and owner,” said Tasker. “I’m thrilled to support this community project. We’ll be teaching fun tricks like spin, leg weaves, hoop jumps and rollovers – all using positive reinforcement.”

Bex Tasker of Positively Together with her Cavoodle ‘Awhi’. Photo / BRV Creative

The Dog Tricks Workshop would see Tasker demonstrate three-four dog tricks, which people can learn via simple step-by-step training techniques and personalised coaching by the Positively Together team.

The fundraising campaign recently got a big boost thanks to platinum sponsor Raw Pawz, a family-run raw pet food business.

“When we launched Raw Pawz 15 years ago at the Katikati Friday night market, the community [of] Katikati was one of the first communities to support us,” said CEO Nita Maaka. “This is our way of giving back.”

Knight encouraged Katikati dog owners to support the project by attending the workshop and sponsoring or donating towards the equipment.

“The Katikati Dog Park is on its way to becoming a top spot for agility and play – thanks to our amazing community,” Knight said.

Donations to the Agility Equipment Fund can be made at: www.katikati.org.nz/katikati-dog-park

To register for the Dog Tricks Workshop, on July 27, 2025, run by Bex Tasker, visit: www.theartsjunction.org.nz. The event costs $10 per registration made by July 25 or $15 on the day.