Conservation psychology is the study of how human behavior influences and is influenced by the natural environment. The goal is to promote sustainable practices and foster a positive relationship between humans and nature.
Social science research tells us that awareness of an issue rarely results in behaviour change.
So we need a new approach to our sadly repetitive messages that encourage close control of dogs.
With the help of animal control officers at Buller, Grey and Westland District Councils, we are sharing a new flier in the coming weeks, during and beyond the next dog registration process.
Four times over the past 12 years or so, we have been fortunate to include a flier with dog registration notices. There is a gradual shift to electronic notices so things are changing but we hope dog owners will see this new message.
This time, instead of making it all about the penguins, we’re making it all about the dog. What is most important to a dog owner – their dog or a penguin? Easy – it’s their dog!
Dogs are at risk from a variety of directions when they escape from their home and yard. It could be traffic, it could be poisons, it could be other dogs or wildlife that may be aggressive, it could even be theft. There is a risk of a pound fee or even restrictions if a dog is deemed to be dangerous.
This flier encourages dog owners to keep dogs safe and secure at home, safely out of trouble.
It’s hard to keep a property securely fenced with a determined pooch, but the benefit for the dog and the dog’s family is enormous, (not to mention the penguins).
While materials were chosen that would stand up to the harsh coastal conditions, those same coastal conditions are conducive to plant growth! Occasional checks of the fences have been carried out by volunteers and rangers so that any maintenance needs can be identified and remedied. The never-ending need for maintenance is managing the vegetation that can grow through the fence, for example gorse, blackberry and hydrangea, pushing it to breaking point in places, or flop over causing damage from the weight of rank grass, rushes and weeds such as montbretia.
Volunteers recently spent a few hours tidying up the main fence along Woodpecker Bay north of Punakaiki so a big shout out to them - thank you Fiona, Jony, Reef, Katrina, Mandy, Marty, Teresa and Deb! Flax had been pressing down on the fence, but now the fence has been freed up by these wonderful volunteers - and they picked up a fair bit of rubbish too.
Volunteer Natassja Savidge has offered to check and help maintain the Hokitika penguin protection fence and joined Ranger Lucy Waller and Manager Inger Perkins in May to inspect the length of the fence. Some minor issues were found but the main finding was the extent of the vegetation growth that was damaging the fence in places. Big thanks to Natassja!
