Gisborne council to explore campervan dump station after decade-long push

A new effluent dump station for campervans could be installed in Gisborne after nearly a decade of campaigning by users

Mayor Rehette Stoltz supported the proposal, saying Gisborne would need to work harder to attract tourists after the departure of Rhythm and Vines.

The district council's liveable communities director Michele Frey, in a report to the council on Thursday, said the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) had asked in 2015 about installing a station at the corner of Innes St and Stanley Rd.

Despite the NZMCA spending $20,000 on resource consents, which expire in July 2029, the project did not progress after fundraising efforts failed.

Campervans struggled to dispose of waste in Gisborne, particularly after the Hallrite dump station closed at the start of the year, Frey said.

Campsites across Tairāwhiti had dump stations, including the A&P Showgrounds, Tatapouri Bay, and council-provided disposal pods at freedom camping sites, available between Labour Day and Easter.

Waste collectors emptied the pods, which cost about $10,000 a year to service, Visser said.

The report showed the Stanley Rd site was the lowest-cost option if the council decided to invest.

The council would need to contribute up to $155,000 and the NZCMA $75,000.

Frey said the project would cost $27,000 a year, with capital costs of between $128,000 and $200,000.

According to the report, for the first 20 years, the site would cost $47,000 from rates, falling to about $33,800 once debt was repaid.

Full cost recovery from users was considered unlikely.

Councillor Larry Foster wanted to know why the Waitomo dump station could not be made more accessible for campervans.

The council had to be careful of its spending he said, and campervans had other options.

Frey said the site was on private land and road modification costs made investment unjustifiable.

Councillor Debbie Gregory supported exploring the idea, as the local forestry, viticulture and tourism industries faced challenges.

"If they [tourists] can stay for more than three days because they can go and empty their effluent, then they're going to spend more money in the cafes, more money in the shops, and I see great benefit from doing this."

She suggested applying to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment for money and exploring whether connecting the dump station directly to the wastewater system could reduce maintenance costs.

Councillor Rawinia Parata said residents on the coast had used campervans as accommodation during lockdown but struggled to find places to dispose of waste.

She said the station could also provide an option for whānau experiencing homelessness.

"... that takes off the pressure and it gives another choice to whānau who need it for a short period of time, for tourists, for recreation, for leisure."

Council voted to explore the station as part of its Long Term Plan, following a motion from Gregory, seconded by Stoltz.