Supporting Police Dog Training at Tōmoana Showgrounds

Many people know Tōmoana Showgrounds as a hub for equestrian events, community activities, and rural gatherings. What is less visible, however, is the important role the grounds play in supporting specialist training for the New Zealand Police Dog Unit.

For many years, the Showgrounds have maintained a strong working relationship with local police dog handlers, providing a safe, controlled environment for essential training. This type of training is critical to maintaining operational readiness for situations where police dogs are deployed in real-world scenarios.

Police dog training is highly specialised. It often involves scent tracking, obedience work, and scenario-based exercises that require consistency, focus, and minimal external disruption. Unlike public parks or open spaces, Tōmoana Showgrounds offer a unique environment that supports this work.

The grounds provide: • A secure, enclosed area, allowing handlers to train without interference from the public • Controlled conditions, which are especially important for scent tracking exercises where contamination can affect outcomes • Large, open grassed areas, ideal for working with younger or developing dogs • A central location, enabling rapid response if handlers are called away during training

In many cases, there are very few alternative locations close to town that can offer these combined benefits. Public parks, while accessible, come with a higher risk of interruption, safety concerns, and environmental variables that make them unsuitable for this type of work.

In addition to the practical requirements, there is also an element of confidentiality involved in certain aspects of training. Having a private, controlled venue allows handlers to carry out their work appropriately and professionally.

This ongoing partnership highlights the broader value of Tōmoana Showgrounds as more than just an event venue. It is a multi-purpose community asset that supports a range of activities, including those that contribute directly to public safety.

Why Tōmoana Showgrounds is a No Public Dog Venue

One of the questions we are occasionally asked is why dogs are not permitted on the grounds for general public use.

The answer is closely tied to the type of work described above.

Allowing unrestricted access for dogs would introduce variables that directly impact the ability of police and other specialist users to train effectively. In particular: • Scent contamination from other dogs can interfere with tracking exercises • Uncontrolled interactions pose risks to both working dogs and the public • Disruptions can compromise the quality and safety of training sessions

Maintaining a no-public-dog policy ensures the Showgrounds remain a reliable, high-quality training environment and supports the safety of all users.

We understand that this may be disappointing for some members of the community. However, this policy enables us to support important work that benefits the wider region.

Tōmoana Showgrounds is proud to contribute, in a small but meaningful way, to the training and preparedness of the Police Dog Unit. It is a partnership built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to community wellbeing.