Construction is set to begin on a new caravan and motorhome
dump station for Ōpōtiki, boosting the regions contribution to responsible
tourism by adding a new safe disposal facility for visitors.
Approved for year 3 of Ōpōtiki District Council’s Long-Term
Plan 2024-2034, the dump station project is funded through an external
partnership with New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA), alongside
existing Better Off funding from the government.
Ōpōtiki Mayor David Moore said the new facility is an
investment in the district's growing visitor economy and will help meet the
needs of manuhiri (visitors) to our district who are traveling by motorhome, or
with caravans.
"Ōpōtiki is the gateway to the coast and a popular
stop for many travellers. Having the right infrastructure in place is important
not only to ensure we have safe and accessible places for people to dispose of
wastewater, but like Whakatāne, having a station in town helps bring visitors
in - to stop, stay and explore," Mayor Moore said.
"Tourism is an important part of our local economy,
and providing essential infrastructure like this helps us welcome visitors by
addressing a need. It's a practical project that supports Ōpōtiki as a great
place to visit and our town centre as an ideal place to explore."
Ōpōtiki District Council Group Manager Service and Deliver
Nathan Hughes said partnerships with industry stakeholders alongside government
funding play an important role in delivering community assets.
"We're grateful for the support of NZMCA, whose
contribution alongside their Motorhome-friendly town programme has helped make
this project possible. We’re able to deliver a facility that benefits visitors
and those within our district who rely on tourism."
“Because we have a Freedom Camping bylaw and other visitor
needs like a supermarket, medical facilities, vehicle servicing and a resource
and recovery centre; adding a public dump station within the town means we
will be considered by NZMCA as a great town to visit for motorhome travelers
and promoted through their friendly town programme. That’s beneficial for us in
terms of promoting responsible tourism and supporting visitors to our town and
the economic benefits they bring,” Mr Hughes said.
Work is scheduled to begin next week in the area next to
the Potts Ave pump station and is anticipated to be operational once
construction and final commissioning are complete. Traffic management will be
in place around the worksite, and no road closures are planned.
