KiwiCamp location to go out for consultation

The new KiwiCamp facility at Waihi Beach has been put on hold. Photo / File

The new KiwiCamp facility at Waihi Beach has been put on hold until next summer.

Discussion on possible location options in Waihi Beach will be part of a future community engagement process later this year, the Western Bay of Plenty District Council said in a statement today.

The KiwiCamp facility, which was to have been located at the Waihi Beach Community Centre for this summer's peak season, was one of four initiatives designed to reduce freedom camping complaints and to encourage responsible, enjoyable travelling for campers, both domestic and international.

Western Bay of Plenty mayor Garry Webber said the council, with central government funding, had invested in compactor rubbish bins, security cameras, and increased security services at popular freedom camping sites.

"Initial reports are positive. There appears to have been a reduction in the number of complaints and with the increase in monitoring we've been able to respond to complaints more quickly, particularly after hours."

The council had also planned to install the KiwiCamp facility, a relocatable, prefabricated building with toilets, dishwashing and laundry facilities, showers, access to potable water, waste and recycling areas, device charging and wireless internet.

"KiwiCamp uses a 'pay as you go' funding model, which sees freedom campers pay for the service rather than ratepayers.

"Our intention was to provide a space and services for responsible campers, in an effort to reduce some of the issues that can occur when people camp irresponsibly," Webber said.

About 60 people attended a Waihi Beach Resident's and Ratepayers' meeting in Waihi Beach last week to voice their opposition to the planned community centre site.

Some suggested a more appropriate location for KiwiCamp could be the large carpark on Seaforth Rd towards Bowentown.

"We've listened to these concerns," Webber said.

"Council will put the facility in storage while we consult and decide where in Waihi Beach it will go next summer season."

Funding for the initiatives came from a Central Government pilot project to improve facilities and provide monitoring for the increasing number of freedom campers throughout New Zealand.

The council's decision to defer installation has been made with the support of central government.