A new motorhome park in Christchurch's earthquake-damaged red zone has been approved. The city council agreed to lease land in New Brighton to the Motorhome Association of New Zealand for 10 years. The park will accommodate 100 motorhomes, with a maximum stay of 10 days within any 30-day period.
The Avon River Recovery Committee unanimously supported the preliminary application, including Mayor Phil Mauger. The decision comes as about 60 homeless people are being evicted from a makeshift camp across the river, with a deadline to leave by 28 February 2027. Mana whenua representative Tania Uotie expressed concern about the different treatment of the two groups of campers.
The association must provide site usage details, conduct contamination testing, and clean up the site. The project now needs building consent. The campground is expected to open in about a year.