Education is key at Animal Control Marlborough

Adrienne Matthews

For the past nineteen years the Maataa Waka Ki Te Tau Ihu Trust has been responsible for managing Animal Control in the Marlborough region for the Marlborough District Council from premises at 56-58 Main Street in Blenheim. With the increase of services the Trust provides and the thirtyfive kaimahi (staff) now involved, Pouārahi (General Manager) of Maataa Waka, Emma-Jaye King, is thrilled that their premises has been expanded to include the property next door at number 58 Main St, which is where the Animal Control operation now operates from. “We are so pleased to be able to provide more space for our kaimahi, whānau whaiora (customers) as well as having more parking available,” she says.

Marlborough currently has over ten thousand dogs to be registered annually.

Animal Control covers the vast Marlborough region including Rai Valley, the Marlborough Sounds and Kekerengu. The organisation operates in accordance with the Animal Control Act 1956 which is set by Government legislation.

“Our Animal Control Officers are never quite sure as to what they are likely to face each time they are called out but they adapt accordingly,” says Emma-Jaye. “It can be a tough job in many aspects but also rewarding.”

As well as managing the local dog population, the Animal Control team are on call 24/7 to respond to