Greytown Campground is changing hands for the first time in about 20 years after the South Wairarapa District Council signed off on negotiations with a new leaseholder this week.
Neil and Ann Smith, of Greytown, were confirmed as the preferred lessee after long-time leaseholder Noeline Ball decided to retire. Thecampground is part of Soldiers Memorial Park in Kurawhiti St.
Mrs Smith said it was too early to talk in detail about the future, but she and her husband had plans to improve the campground.
Mrs Ball, with late husband Don, had been a custodian and manager of the campground for about 20 years. "It's just time I gave it up," she said. "I've got all sorts of reasons, but it's time I handed it over, that someone else took it on. I've got a few other things to do with my life."
Having looked after it on her own since her husband died nearly three years ago, Mrs Ball said she was finding it more challenging to run. All sorts of things needed to be done that were beyond her. "It's become harder and harder." The premises were old and needed somebody young. First on her wishlist of improvements would be the amenities block, which she reckoned should be replaced. "That's urgent because it's reached a stage were camping has become more popular again." More people were coming with their families and tents. "It's got to be upgraded because we're no longer able to fit people."
With the lease up at the end of June, Mrs Ball would be sad to go but had to get her priorities right. "I'm sad to leave ... over the years I've met some wonderful friends, some people that come back summer after summer. I'm always pleased to see them."
