Southland
Borland Lodge faces an uncertain future
Borland Lodge is one of Southland’s most loved destinations and has been providing unique outdoor education and leisure activities to schools, New Zealanders and their families and overseas visitors for nearly 50 years.
Borland Lodge is a jewel in the Southland crown that has been enjoyed by many, but as Covid-19 impacts on everyone’s way of life, it is now in a position where the ability to provide this unique experience for the next 50 years is placed at serious risk in the immediate and mid-term future.
“The arrival of the global pandemic forced the lodge to close and cancel all bookings for the end of March, April and May. While schools have kept their bookings for later in the year, we anticipate that there are likely to be cancellations closer to the time depending on what happens between now and then. While we operate the Lodge year-round, bookings are very seasonal so cancellations in peak season put us under even more pressure”, he says.
“It would be heartbreaking seeing it go like this especially when you take into account the massive effort that the community has put into maintaining and improving Borland Lodge over the years, and the impact that it has had on our young people and wider community. We are hoping it won’t come to closing the doors but the threat is very real and we are trying everything we can to keep it afloat”.
One of the biggest worries of the trust is how long it may be until things are able to pick back up after the lockdown.
“We are grateful to have community minded Managers who are doing all they can to see the Lodge survive this difficult time, and we hope that when it’s possible we will have an influx of locals visiting the Lodge”.
Occupancy at the lodge is critical to maintain the infrastructure. Urgent relief and local support is required to keep the Southland hot spot afloat. If you would like to donate to help save Borland Lodge, please visit the Givealittle page https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/save-borland-lodge