The Gore District Council has ended the lease for the Gore campground, aiming to address long-standing problems at the site. The move comes after several years of attempts to resolve the situation through cooperation with the leaseholder, Government agencies, and local community groups.
Gore District Chief Executive Debbie Lascelles said, “Unfortunately, we have been left with no other options to address community concerns and comply with the law.”
The campground has been used as long-term housing, which is not allowed under the Reserves Act 1977 and Camping Ground Regulations 1985. These rules only permit short-term stays of up to 50 days.
Ms Lascelles noted the serious limitations of the site for long-term living. “This means the protections people expect from the Residential Tenancies Act, such as insulation or minimum standards, do not apply. We do not believe the conditions at the campground are adequate for vulnerable people who end up living there long-term.”
Concerns raised by the public have included safety issues and the poor condition of the site. The Council said efforts to resolve these problems with the leaseholder, 4 Trades Direct Ltd, had not worked.
“Despite working with the leaseholder for several years, the issues have not improved. The Council has an obligation to protect both residents and the wider community,” Ms Lascelles said.
Letters have now been given to current residents, advising them they have 50 days to move out. The Council is working with Government agencies to provide support and help people find better accommodation.
“The well-being of residents has been a key concern throughout this process,” Ms Lascelles said. “We have been working closely with Government agencies to ensure support is available to help people move into safer, healthier housing.”
There are currently no development plans for the site.