In response, the Coastal Park Ranger team has begun testing a new design of rubbish bin, the dog duty station, to encourage owners to clean up after their pets.

The bins are now installed at Sumner, New Brighton and Waimairi beaches. The bin units give out free paper/cardboard bags that allow owners to easily and effectively pick up and get rid of the objectionable material.

Apart from the units being a visible reminder to owners that they are responsible for all their pets activities, they also have the advantage over plastic bags of being compostable and so do not contribute to the city's inorganic waste.

Coastal Area Head Ranger Rodney Chambers says, "some bins with dispensers were already in use around the city which supplied used plastic shopping bags for dog owners to use but this new design is being welcomed by locals who appreciate the modern design and the increased focus on cleaning up the mess left by dogs and their irresponsible owners."

The bin trial will run until about March next year. Park rangers will check usage, wastage, vandalism and general effectiveness. Visitors and dog owners will be surveyed and a report will be done for the Council.

Already the Council has had offers of sponsorship for these bins from local businesses. The units are being promoted by a local businessman Stephen Visser who has the licence to have them made locally and is promoting them throughout the country.