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A homeless family camped at a popular beachside site in Whangārei for more than a month despite complaints about their behaviour.
However, a member of the family says they have been lumped in with the behaviour of another homeless family camped near the Parua Bay Yacht Club in Whangārei Heads.
Members of the public reported the family to various agencies and questioned how it was allowed to set up home, take up so much space, and stay so long at the campsite.
Initial reports were that the family included about 20 adults, a baby, at least nine young children, two dogs, and a caged cat.
However, the family member said there were only eight adults, six children, a baby, a cat and two dogs.
The family member said they arrived at the end of November and left the day before a storm on January 21 hit the area.
Picturesque Parua Bay, on the Whangarei Harbour, has designated space for about 15 people to pitch their tents and stay up to three nights, the district council says. However, for over a month this summer the whole of the tent area was taken up by a large group of homeless campers, the public found unruly. Photo / Mike Howe, Rankers
Sources claimed some of the group were verbally abusive to passers-by, verbally and physically abusive to each other, and that police were “out there day and night”.
The complaints were mainly that the group should not be allowed to live at the site and should be moved on. There were also complaints about dogs, noise, and litter.
The family member said they kept the area clean, and people became frustrated with their well-trained and registered dogs because they meant people had to walk around their campsite rather than cut through to the water.
A large sign details the normal freedom rules, including a three-night stay limit, for the tent site and other areas at Parua Bay. Photo / NZME
Mussle said the site had been kept tidy and clean - evident during visits by council’s contractors.
“This family was waiting for social housing, staying in an area where tents are allowed and was exempt from the freedom camping rules.
“Ultimately we take a risk-based approach to these situations on public land. We have also taken into account the housing shortage, and the time of year," he said.
The area highlighted green is where camping in tents is permitted within Whangārei District Council's freedom camping zone at Parua Bay. WDC / Google / NZ Herald graphic
“Council has no control over aggressive or intimidating behaviour by members of the public anywhere and any such concerns need to be reported to the police for action.”
The former Old Boys' Rugby Club on Port Rd was identified as a potential option for a shelter but the council said in 2024 that the proposal put forward for the site, which it owns, was lacking and that providing a shelter is not council’s role.
Council has not spoken for or against a shelter in Whangārei and has said it is committed to working alongside government agencies to find sustainable solutions to the challenges within the community.
* This story has been updated to include comment from a member of the family.
Sarah Curtis is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate with nearly 20 years experience in journalism - mainly as a court reporter on the East Coast. She is passionate about justice and environmental issues, and hopes to give a voice to those who often go unheard.
