Kerikeri without motorhome dump station, local fear tourism loss

A review on where to put a new public dump station for caravan and motorhome owners in Kerikeri is about to begin

With the summer rush in full swing, Kerikeri is still without a public dump station, and locals fear the town may lose valuable holiday traffic if a new site is not found soon.

Motorhome travellers passing through Kerikeri still have to drive to Kawakawa, Kaikohe or Mangonui to empty their tanks, and locals fear the impact on tourism.

A report recommending a new site is with the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board.

During a Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board meeting last month, residents voiced frustration at the time it has taken to find a new site for a dump station.

The previous, centrally located site on Cobham Rd was decommissioned in July 2024 when the property owner decided to develop the site.

Since then, council staff have been working to identify a new site in the Kerikeri-Waipapa area.

“However, finding a site with space for multiple vehicles to park and safely turn in has been a challenge, a FNDC statement said.

“The new site must also have access to water and either an existing septic system and treatment option or space to install one. Consideration also needs to be given to possible noise impacts on neighbouring properties as the site will be open 24 hours a day.”

Residents told the board that the delay in finding an alternative site is impacting the local economy that relies on tourism, as fewer mobile campers were visiting the town because of the lack of a dump station. They said finding a new site should be prioritised.

New Zealand Motor Caravan Association property and policy national manager James Imlach said the absence of a public dump station in Kerikeri was likely having an impact on local tourism.

“Dump stations are essential for motorhome travellers, and many plan their routes based on where these facilities are available. Without one in Kerikeri, visitors may bypass the town in favour of places like Mangonui, Kawakawa or Kaikohe.

“For some, the lack of a facility in a main town that attracts visitors could even influence their decision to visit the Far North at all.”

He said while he understands the FNDC is actively looking at options and internal processes can be complex, a solution could have been found by now.

“If this were treated as a high priority, I believe a solution would already be in place. The delay suggests there are competing priorities or other challenges in identifying a suitable location.”

He said having a new site before the busy summer season was critical.

“It would encourage more visitors to stay in Kerikeri, support local businesses, and help ensure responsible camping practices. Without a facility, there is a greater risk of waste being disposed of improperly, which no one wants.”

Imlach said it seems unlikely a permanent solution would come before the holiday season, but suggested a temporary dump station be installed in the interim.

“We use temporary setups at events where there is access to a wastewater manhole, and this could be a practical short-term option for Kerikeri.”