New owners want to attract families to Castlecliff holiday park

Colin and Karla Swainson, with daughter Charlie, want to attract more families to stay at the Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park in Rangiora St.

The new owners of Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park at Castlecliff want to make it attractive and affordable for families.

Karla and Colin Swainson, with 17-month-old daughter Charlie, decided to move back from Western Australia to be closer to family. Mrs Swainson's parents have retired to Whanganui from their Taihape farm. Mr Swainson is originally from Rotorua.

"We moved back from Australia for family and we wanted to start our own business," Mrs Swainson said.

"When we were deciding where to move to the right opportunity came up here. Castlecliff seems to be an up-and-coming place."

Since taking over the business on September 29, the Swainsons have begun a major clean-up of the property. They have bought the land as well as the business.

"We are doing a lot of maintenance and painting," Mrs Swainson said.

"We want to make the holiday park more for families on a budget so that every Kiwi can come and camp here."

During their five years in Bunbury, Western Australia, Mrs Swainson worked in a bank and Mr Swainson in the sawmilling industry.

Mr Swainson says dealing with the public is a big change for him after 17 years as a saw doctor.

"It's been crazy busy since we got here," he said.

"There are lots of upgrades happening in the area so we want to keep up with that. They are currently upgrading Rangiora St outside our property so it will look great when that's finished."

The property includes 10 cabins, three motel units, 26 powered and 20 unpowered camping sites and shared kitchen and lounge facilities.