A 62-year-old woman, identified as Mihiata Te Rore, has died following a dog attack at a rural property in Kaihu, Northland on Tuesday. Emergency services were called to a residence on State Highway 12 around 11.25 am, where police and paramedics found her with unsurvivable injuries.
Police say the three dogs involved were secured by animal management teams and there is no ongoing risk to the public. The incident is now under active investigation, with inquiries focused on piecing together the sequence of events that led to the tragic outcome.
Mihiata Te Rore was known locally, and her death has deeply affected the small Kaihu community. Neighbours have told media there were multiple complaints over the past year about dogs roaming freely and chasing people in the area, but they say little effective action was taken prior to the incident.
The attack has reignited calls from residents and community advocates for stronger dog control laws and enforcement, particularly in rural areas where roaming animals can pose serious hazards. Local Government Minister Simon Watts has sought urgent advice from officials on improving dog control frameworks, including new guidelines expected later in the year to support councils and communities in preventing similar incidents.
Residents have described the event as an “absolute tragedy” for the region, and many are urging greater responsibility from dog owners and clearer, more consistent enforcement of animal control measures to ensure public safety.
As the investigation continues, Police are asking anyone in the area who has information about the dogs or past incidents to contact them. Radio Waatea will provide further updates as more is confirmed.
