A much-needed upgrade of Waikato District Council’s Ngaaruawaahia dog pound is paving the way for it to become a facility to serve the community for many years to come.
Council’s animal control team were delighted to mark a major milestone towards officially opening their newly refurbished Ngaaruawaahia pound this week with a blessing of the refreshed site.
The refurbishment is seeing the addition of a relocatable, purpose-built administration area, modernised kennels, and a larger, future-ready layout.
“This pound will be a place where animals will find refuge, and where our team will continue their important work safely,” said Council’s acting customer services general manager Imelda Bolton.
“The improved facility will allow us to serve the community and their dogs with dignity, care, and respect for years to come.”
The improvements include upgraded heating and lighting in the kennels to improve climate control, as well as an additional 13 kennels being added during the building extension. Hygienic coating systems have been added to the floors and walls of the kennels to help minimise the risk of parvo and other diseases.
Because the pound also holds vicious dogs at times, specialised hands-free kennels have been installed to keep staff safe.
Other improvements include upgrades to security systems, additional exercise areas, acoustic improvements, dedicated space for vet visits, and other features to improve the overall staff safety and animal welfare.
When visitors arrive at the site, they will notice a sign reading “Whare Ruruhau.”. Whare means "house," and ruruhau means shelter, refuge, or protection.
The two modernised kennel buildings have also been gifted names by mana whenua – Tupapa and Waitete.
Tupapa was the name of a dog owned by Taa Te Kotahi Mahuta and the Mahuta family. Tupapa was a very beloved pug who resided on Waahi Paa marae for a remarkable 17 years.
Hon. Nanaia Mahuta attended the blessing, and shared some of her favourite memories of Tupapa, one of which was that Tupapa submitted an affidavit during the Waikato Raupatu settlement with the Crown, signed with his paw.
The gifted name acknowledges the great legacy of Taa Te Kotahi Mahuta and the enduring service he provided for the people of Waikato, with his companion Tupapa by his side.
Waitete was the dog of Waikato chief Tuurongo, who famously guided his wife Maahinaarangi the east coast to the west coast to reunite with him.
Waitete’s gifted name honours Tuurongo and extends to Tuurangawaewae Marae, wharenui Maahinaarangi, and Tuurongo House.
"We are so grateful to mana whenua for gifting us these names,” said Imelda.
“They carry strong connections and remind us that this facility is more than a building. It is a place of responsibility, compassion, and a place where new companionships are made with whanau adopting our pound pups.”
Every year, the Waikato District Animal Control team responds to over 4000 requests for service, and helps find homes for over 200 dogs who come into their care unwanted or neglected. They share dogs for adoption through their Waikato Pound Pups facebook page.
