21 November 2018
Via Email: [email address]
Dear Sir/Madam
Local Government Official Information and Meeting Act 1987 request
I refer to your Local Government Official Information and Meeting Act 1987 (LGOIMA) request
received on the 4 November 2018 requesting information in relation to the Foster Park Dog Area.
We respond to your request as follows:
What amount was paid by the Council and the dog club to establish the park?
Council costs were $480,455.14 which included the initial development costs, irrigation, toilets,
lightening, extending the lighting and fencing. No payment was made by the Selwyn Dog Training
Club for the initial set up of the space, which is in line with other clubs using reserve space.
By way of background the dog park was established in 2010 following strong advocacy from the
Selwyn Dog Training Club for the development of a space that could be used for their club activities
as well as providing a space that could be shared with the general public.
How much does the dog club pay annual to lease the park?
A formal lease was agreed with the club in 2010 that contained the following key provisions:
• Allowed at the club’s expense the erection and use of a club house and facilities in
connection with dog training activities and associated competitions.
• The club would pay an annual lease fee to Council of $300 plus GST.
• The club could from time to time with approval of Council, deny public access (subsequently
an agreement with the Rolleston Reserve Committee who manage this park limited this
right to 12 days a year). A requirement to advise the public (at the Club’s cost) of any
closures is included in the lease.
• The club was provided an area of the park for dog training purposes. When this area is not
being used for this purpose, it is available for the general public to run their dogs. The
newly erected fence simply provides a formal demarcation of this area and allows the club
to conduct its training activity without having to close the whole dog park. The fence is able
to be open and shut as required.
The arrangement with the Dog training club mirrors arrangements with other sports and
recreational clubs on other reserves. The reserve is available for use most times but when
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2 Norman Kirk Drive, Rolleston | PO Box 90, Rolleston 7643 | P: 03 347 2800 | F: 03 347 2799
E: [email address] | W: www.selwyn.govt.nz | Facebook.com/selwyndistrictcouncil
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clubs are playing sport the space is not available for general public use. Additionally the
lease fee is similar to that charged for sports clubs that put clubrooms on Council reserves.
How much does it cost annually for the upkeep of the Park?
The Rolleston Reserve Committee manages the operation and maintenance of the dog park (along
with Brookside Park and Rolleston Reserve). The committee does not keep separate/identifiable
costs for servicing the dog park.
If you wish to discuss this decision with us, please feel free to contact the writer.
Yours faithfully
David Ward
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
