Campers' donations deliberated

DONATION PLEASE: Campers at Lake Domain could be asked to donate money to help cover servicing costs. PHOTO/FILE

An honesty box system may be put in place at popular camping sites in South Wairarapa.

Currently, campers can use sites for free at Ngawi, North and South Tora, Te Awaiti, Lake Domain, the Ruamahanga River and the Fell Museum.

The costs of servicing the sites, such as rubbish removal and cleaning, as well as the cost of a coastal ranger overseeing campers in busy holiday seasons, are paid by South Wairarapa District Council through rates.

Last year, councillors explored options to recover all or some of the approximate $26,600 in on-going costs.

A report by council officers, to be tabled at a council meeting today, outlines three options: the status quo; enforcing and collecting fees; or an honesty box/donation system.

The officers recommended council adopt an honesty box/donation system in time for the 2014-15 summer camping season.

Based on usage numbers, they estimated this could partially cover the costs.

"If each user gave at least a gold coin at $2 for a night, donations across all of the sites covered by the Coastal Ranger, may generate anything from $7000 to $16,000 per season," the report said.

A further $900 could also be raised from weekend and public holiday use during the rest of the year.

The set-up costs for secure donation boxes and signage was also reasonable, the report said.

The other option of enforcing and collecting fees would mean the council, by accepting payment, would have to upgrade sites and provide full campground facilities under the Health Act.

While it had potential to raise the most revenue, it would be expensive to set up and increase operating costs.

The officers said the honesty box system would allow council to encourage contributions by users towards the cost of providing the camping areas. While it is unlikely to raise enough funds to offset all costs, it would help.