Camping in Pukekohe?
A
lthough Franklin may offer some of the most splendid scenery New Zealand has to offer, Auckland Council is encouraging freedom campers to lay down (albeit temporary) roots right in the heart of Pukekohe! A pilot programme now allows campers to stay overnight, free of charge, at 29 sites throughout the SuperCity, including seven in Franklin. While most locations in our region are in more secluded areas, two (Rosa Birch car park, Pukekohe, and Waiuku Service Centre, 10 King Street) are practically smack dab in the middle of our largest urban areas. Fortunately, Franklin Ward chair, Angela Fulljames confirms public consultation was conducted before these sites were chosen and does not expect any backlash from residents. “We are not aware of any problems and have been advised (anecdotally) by a resident that, at Rosa Birch, the site is being well utilised but, more importantly, it is complying much better with selfcontained vehicles only, resulting in better management... previously, this site had problems with vehicles that were not selfcontained,” she explained to Rural Living. Various community groups assisted council officers in finalising locations, which were chosen to provide a “good geographical spread”, Ms Fulljames adds. “This pilot aims to explore better ways to manage the growing ‘Free Independent Traveller’ market and, if managed well, it could have positive tourism benefits. Interestingly, some [other residents] would have liked [their areas] to have been in the pilot but, due to the timing of finalising their locations, they were deferred.” Unfortunately, Auckland’s Deputy
Feel free!
[We] have been advised (anecdotally) by a resident that, at Rosa Birch, the site is being well utilised, but more importantly, complying much better with self-contained vehicles only...”
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Mayor and Franklin Ward Councillor, Bill Cashmore – who lives within 10 minutes drive of two of the Franklin sites – could not be reached for comment. However, a spokesperson for Mr Cashmore advises that, should campers prove to be a nuisance, they should be reported.
“If any significant issues arise, the best thing is to call council directly on 09 301 0101 and provide as much detail as possible, including registration numbers.”
The Franklin pilot sites are: ◆◆ Rosa Birch car park off Beresford Street, Pukekohe ◆◆ Waiuku Service Centre, 10 King Street, Waiuku ◆◆ Hamilton’s Gap, 228 West Coast Road, Awhitu ◆◆Te Toro Reserve, Pollok ◆◆ Whitford Point Reserve, 1482R Clevedon Kawakawa Bay Road, Kawakawa Bay ◆◆ Clevedon Showgrounds Reserve, 73R Monument Road, Clevedon ◆◆ Orere Point Beach Reserve, 7R Howard Road, Orere
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48 — Rural Living — April 2017
www.ruralliving.co.nz