Nelson City Council has appointed Kiwi Cash Limited, trading as Penny, as the successful leaseholder to manage the Maitai Valley Motor Camp (MVMC) starting 1 June.

The New Zealand-owned company, which manages campgrounds throughout the country, was confirmed as the preferred applicant following a public Registrations of Interest process late last year. Penny’s lease agreement includes a five-year initial term, with one right of renewal for a further five years.

Nelson Mayor Nick Smith welcomed Penny’s appointment, which follows an extensive $1.8 million upgrade to the camp’s facilities over the past two years.

“Campgrounds play an important role in our city’s tourism but running them is not Council’s core business,” says Mayor Nick.

“By investing in upgrades and partnering with experienced operators like Penny, we’re delivering real benefits for the city and our visitor infrastructure. Both the Brook and Maitai campgrounds have previously made losses and required significant upgrades after many years of deferred maintenance. Last year, we successfully leased the Brook campground to the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary Trust – and since then camper reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. We’re aiming for the same here.”

Since 2022, the Maitai campground had been restricted to just 80 campers due to an outdated wastewater system. That system has now been completely replaced, allowing increased capacity to 400 campers a night, while significantly reducing environmental impacts.

“The other improvements - including a new barbecue and picnic area, relocated cabins, new water taps and campervan dump stations – mean we are better equipped to host more visitors in a managed, sustainable way,” says Mayor Nick.

“Providing well-maintained, designated facilities is essential as we tighten up on areas where people can freedom camp.”

The proposed lease was publicly notified between 17 February and 17 March this year, with no submissions received from the public. A Hearing Panel met in April and recommended that Council grant the lease to Penny.

The rent is set at $40,000+GST (plus all outgoings associated with the campground operation) in the first year and, in subsequent years, the higher of either the base fee (subject to CPI review) or 9.75% of the camp’s gross income. The campground’s buildings and infrastructure will remain under Council ownership.

There will be no change to the agreements of the long-term occupants of the Maitai campground and Penny's intention is to retain current key staff at the camp.

Penny Founder Chris Wagner says their approach combines a traditional Kiwi camping experience with smart technology, and they’re looking forward to working with the community.

“Guests will be able to use self-service devices and the Penny App to book and manage their stays. Updated technology means we’ll have better access control and enhanced safety monitoring, while still preserving the relaxed, friendly feel that locals and visitors love.

“We’re looking forward to working closely with local groups such as the Waahi Taakaro Golf Club, Nelson Mountain Bike Club, and bike hire operators, to make the most of this beautiful area and promote MVMC as a hub for activities all year round.”

Group Manager Community Services Andrew White says Penny’s appointment followed a robust process, which attracted multiple registrations of interest.

“Penny has a strong track record of managing many popular sites around Aotearoa – from National Park Village Park and Ride (New Zealand’s largest) to family campgrounds like Lake Ferry Holiday Park in South Wairarapa - and we’re confident they’ll bring that same level of care and quality to the Maitai site.

“The majority of our $1.8m upgrade to the camp’s facilities has gone into replacing the campground’s wastewater system, which dated back to the 1960s and no longer met modern environmental or regulatory standards. Without this work, the site’s ongoing operation would have been at risk. By making this investment, we’ve not only ensured the campground remains open, but increased its capacity to host up to 400 people – including both holidaymakers and long-term occupants.

“We’re very pleased Penny will uphold Council’s commitment to supporting the camp’s long-term occupants, and to working alongside local groups to make the most of this very special part of our city.”

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