Abstract
Targeted biosecurity strategies are crucial in effectively addressing conservation issues such as kauri dieback management in New Zealand. Therefore, there is a need to understand the characteristics and preferences of individuals who visit kauri forests. Respectively, this thesis sets out to engage with dog walkers, and examine their experiences and practices within the kauri landscape. The aim of this approach was to ascertain what it was that these dog owners value about kauri forests, how they behaved in these spaces, and lastly, their perspectives on biosecurity measures in stopping kauri dieback spread. Semi-structured dog-walk-along interviews were carried out with ten participants. Results showed that dog-walking practices within kauri grounds were influenced by personal values (internal) and the environment (external). Despite mixed opinions on the existing biosecurity measures established throughout the various regional parks, participants were largely compliant with the rules and regulations. Many agreed that hygiene guidelines were lacking for their canine companions, which led to varied compliant behaviours when it comes to disinfecting the dogs. Altogether, control recommendations from the participants could be organised into three main groups: technological (track upgrades and providing alternative spaces), structural (constructing dog walkthroughs, and enforcing canine-friendly permits and restrictions), and cognitive (displaying canine-related signages and increasing awareness). The findings from this study suggested that the pet’s need for exercise was what drove participants’ choice of dog-walking locations. Kauri presence was secondary. Furthermore, perceptions concerning the dogs’ best interests had implications on how participants acted and reacted to biosecurity measures present (and/or lacking) in kauri forests. Duly, many recommended interventions concerning disease management were rooted in the participants’ desire to regain the joys of exercising their dog(s) in these locations. Since this was an exploratory research, further studies are needed, particularly with greater ethnic and cultural diversity within Auckland and beyond.
The creative components completed as part of this project consisted of a ten-minute film and a storymap, which respectively, focused on the training of kauri dieback detection dogs, and high-risk forest users in kauri dieback spaces. Both represent narrative-driven and artistic visualisations of other critical actors that impact disease management within kauri habitats in northern New Zealand.