18 August 2009

Mayor and Mayoress return to the North Shore beaches

The Mayor and Mayoress of North Shore City, Andrew and Jane Williams, have returned to the beaches of the North Shore with their beloved 15 year old golden retriever Rimu.

“We went for our regular Sunday morning walk from Campbells Bays around to Mairangi Bay, taking Rimu with us as always, but keeping him on a tight leash.” says Mayor Williams. “Rimu’s second home has always been the beach, retrievers just love the water.”

“While I respect the concerns of the scientists and experts with regards to the tetrodotoxin poison found in washed up sea slugs, the determined cause of two dog deaths and a number of sick dogs in recent weeks, we have to be realistic about getting on with our everyday lifestyles in a seaside city. North Shore has the longest urban coastline in New Zealand – over 141kms – and we are people that love our beaches. That’s why most of us choose to live here. Our council has spent a fortune of ratepayers’ money over the past decade making sure our beaches are as clean as they possibly can be, so our wonderful recreational beaches cannot be held at ransom because of a limited number of poisonous sea slugs washing up.”says the Mayor.

“My advice to people is obviously just to be more cautious than usual and keep a tight rein on their dogs by keeping them on a leash. Don’t let them get anywhere near seaweed or any washed up objects that could be potentially harmful. Simple common sense is the order of the day” says Mayor Williams.

“My main concern in all this would be young toddlers, who can’t help themselves wanting to play with anything they come across on the sand. So until the tetrodotoxin scare has resolved itself, and time will only tell, it would be wise for parents and caregivers not to have young children playing on the beach. Having said that, there are great playgrounds and reserves located near our beaches which families still can enjoy as we head into these warmer spring days.”

“For dog owners like Jane and I, enjoy a good brisk walk as always, something we all need, and make the most of what still is a fabulous coastline in the Auckland region.” says Mayor Williams

ENDS

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