Construction is set to begin on a new caravan and motorhome dump station for Ōpōtiki, boosting the region’s contribution to responsible tourism by adding a new safe disposal facility for visitors.

Approved for year three of Ōpōtiki District Council’s Long-Term Plan 2024-2034, the dump station project is funded through an external partnership with New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA), alongside existing Better Off funding from the government.

Ōpōtiki Mayor David Moore said the new facility was an investment in the district’s growing visitor economy and would help meet the needs of manuhiri (visitors) to the district travelling by motorhome, or with caravans.

“Ōpōtiki is the gateway to the coast and a popular stop for many travellers. Having the right infrastructure in place is important not only to ensure we have safe and accessible places for people to dispose of wastewater, but like Whakatāne, having a station in town helps bring visitors in - to stop, stay and explore,” Moore said.

“Tourism is an important part of our local economy, and providing essential infrastructure like this helps us welcome visitors by addressing a need. It’s a practical project that supports Ōpōtiki as a great place to visit and our town centre as an ideal place to explore.”

Council group manager service and deliver Nathan Hughes said partnerships with industry stakeholders alongside government funding played an important role in delivering community assets.

“We’re grateful for the support of NZMCA, whose contribution alongside their motorhome-friendly town programme has helped make this project possible.

“We’re able to deliver a facility that benefits visitors and those within our district who rely on tourism.

“Because we have a freedom camping bylaw and other visitor needs like a supermarket, medical facilities, vehicle servicing and a resource and recovery centre; adding a public dump station within the town means we will be considered by NZMCA as a great town to visit for motorhome travellers and promoted through their friendly town programme.

“That’s beneficial for us in terms of promoting responsible tourism and supporting visitors to our town and the economic benefits they bring,” Hughes said.

Work is scheduled to begin next week in the area next to the Potts Ave pump station and is anticipated to be operational once construction and final commissioning are complete.

Traffic management will be in place around the worksite, and no road closures are planned.