Many of the new dogs arriving to live in Papamoa have been enjoying a group activity set up especially for them and their owners.

Jess Amos was 16 years old when she started the Papamoa Social Dogs group, and felt it helped link up dog owners and dogs with each other.

'Every week we have new people and dogs, and regulars who come back. Some are also new to Papamoa, so it's a way for them to get to know each other. People also arrange their own dog play dates with other dog owners through the group.”

Leaving from outside Esquires at Fashion Island, the fortnightly Sunday morning walk takes the dogs on a circuit that usually includes part of the beach.

'Big dogs, little dogs, pit bulls, malteses, we get a bit of everything. It's really good for the dogs. They are more sociable.”

The walk ends up back at Esquires where everyone stops for a chat and a coffee. Or if you're a dog, it's a slurp of the water bowl.

'They have been coming for a few months and have made it a regular thing,” says Esquire's Renee Hocking.

'They normally come on Sundays and some also come during the week. They give us a call and we set up the table. We manage to jump over the dogs and bring them coffee.”

Doggy dates are set up through a Facebook page, and the group welcomes new dogs with open arms. And paws.