First-ever ‘Pawrade’ to launch dog-friendly Napier initiative

Tails are set to wag across Napier this Sunday as the city’s first-ever Pawrade hits the streets, a free community event celebrating the launch of Dog-Friendly Napier – a new initiative born from a local idea that’s made the CBD more welcoming for four-legged friends.

The Pawrade runs from 10am-12pm on Sunday, 12 October, starting and finishing at the Napier Soundshell. Dog owners and their pups are invited to join a self-led wander through the CBD, stopping into dog-friendly shops and cafés before returning to the Soundshell by 11:30am for treats, prizes, and tail-wags galore.

More than 110 people have already registered, and it’s free to join – simply sign up at eventfinda.co.nz/2025/dog-friendly-napier-pawrade/napier.

Thanks to Animates Napier, there’s a mountain of giveaways for both dogs and humans, while Vet Services Napier Hawke’s Bay will be onsite offering free nail clips and quick health checks for furry friends.

The event also marks the official rollout of Dog-Friendly Napier – a community-led initiative first suggested by Sally Whyte of Baywide Equipment through Napier City Business Inc’s Ideas Hub, a platform where locals share ideas to enhance the city centre.

“Napier is already one of New Zealand’s most walkable cities – now it’s also one of the most welcoming for dogs,” says Pip Thompson, General Manager of Napier City Business Inc. “This initiative is community-driven, it adds character to the city, and it gives people even more reasons to spend time here.”

“Napier has always been a dog-friendly place, but this initiative really shows it off,” adds Sally Whyte. “I suggested the idea because our dogs are part of the family – they come along whether it’s for a coffee, a walk, or a shop in town. Seeing local businesses embrace it and add their own touches is fantastic. It proves Napier is a city that welcomes everyone – tails wagging and all.”

Several local businesses are going the extra mile for furry friends. Napier City Bike Hire offers dog chariots and baskets to accompany their bikes. Stuffed Donuts have special dog-donut biscuits available in-store, and at Kolachi, every purchase comes with a complimentary dog biscuit – so no one misses out on a treat.

Spot the dog-friendly Napier sticker at participating venues, it’s your cue that pups are welcome too.

For a full list of participating venues, visit: napiercbd.co.nz/dog-friendly-napier