DOC to work with locals on plan for Southside camp at end of summer
- Dallas Gurney
- Jan 17
- 2 min read
The Department of Conservation will also begin regular visits to the camp to educate campers. Whananaki FM reports on the issue.
DOC has committed to more regular patrols of the Whananaki South freedom camp to educate campers as well as a meeting with locals at the end of summer to talk about the future of the recreational reserve.
The camp has been in the spotlight again this camping season with overflowing bins, reports of anti-social behaviour, chocka portaloos and people staying for weeks rather than the 2-3 days allowed by DOC.
DOC Whangarei operations manager Rob Akuhata told Whananaki FM: “There’s been a number of issues over the years and nothing’s been done about it that I can see, it’s not been the best outcome for the residents that live out there,” he said.
“There’s an opportunity for us collectively to discuss what needs to happen, to do something that isn’t going to be an eyesore or a headache for the people who live out there,” said Akuhata.
A local delegation will meet with Akuhata at the end of the summer peak season to talk about what to do in the coming years. DOC acknowledges the current setup isn’t working.
Southside local Janice Mander says the last couple of years have been the worst and there are no easy answers: “It’s just gone bang, just more and more people,” she told Whananaki FM. “We’ve had a couple of meetings with DOC and they just say the don’t have the funds [for toilets and infrastructure].”
Ian Peters, who also met with DOC last year and who is part of the group meeting with them again at the end of the season, says campers stay too long: “The camp should be known as a day ground. Bring your kids down for the day and enjoy the beach,” he said.
Listen to Janice, Ian and DOC Whangarei operations manager Rob Akuhata below.
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