Geese offside with rugby club

The troublesome geese graze contentedly at Watson Park, in Port Chalmers, yesterday. PHOTO:...
The troublesome geese graze contentedly at Watson Park, in Port Chalmers, yesterday. PHOTO: GERARD O’BRIEN
There has been fowl play of a kind at a Dunedin rugby ground.

A gaggle of geese have set up residence for the third time in recent years at Watson Park in Port Chalmers, and the constant deposits left behind are angering locals.

Harbour Rugby Club chairwoman Peta Hill said there was "constant s... all over the rugby field" since the geese had arrived three weeks ago.

It caused problems for children and rugby teams wanting to use the field, and damaged to the grass.

"We have junior teams training, we’re getting into the time of year where we need that field, so it is an issue again."

Mrs Hill said she contacted council about the issue two weeks ago and was told it was looking into solutions.

"I’ve been told they have sent contractors out to take a look but as far as I’m aware none of it has been cleaned up yet.

"I am frustrated about the time it takes for them to sort it out. Locals want it cleaned up."

The rugby club was hosting an open day next Saturday and needed the geese to be gone by then, Mrs Hill said.

"I’ve said they [the council] need to get on top of this or it will just go on and on."

A council spokesman said yesterday it had received one complaint about the geese.

"We will assess the situation, which will include the impact the geese are having on the playing surface, before we make any decision on management options."

Their return comes two years after up to 10 birds made the ground their home in 2016. They were eventually shot by contractors after unsuccessful attempts to rehome them.

In August last year, another four birds made the field home.

emma.perry@odt.co.nz

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