Concern over conservation camping ground plan

Any moves to hand over Department of Conservation Camping grounds to private companies to be run at a profit may signal the end of the genuine Kiwi camping experience says Labour Tourism Spokesperson Kelvin Davis.

There are two issues that need to be considered Kelvin Davis says.

“Firstly the Kiwi camping holiday can't be priced out of the range of everyday kiwis who just want to get away for an inexpensive holiday over the summer break.

“If camping grounds become to expensive, we'll either see more freedom camping, and more incidents of rubbish and human waste being dumped in the bush and next to rivers, or kiwis just won't go camping.

“Secondly, camping still needs to retain an element of rough and readiness. If camping grounds become too flash, we may as well just pitch our tents and caravans in our driveways at home and enjoy the facilities without the hassle of going anywhere.

“Part of the joy of camping is the escape factor and getting away from civilisation for a break. It would defeat the purpose if we escaped the suburbs, just to camp in a canvas subdivision,” Kelvin Davis said.

ends

© Scoop Media