Rawhiti Camp

Press, 3 December 1982, Page 12

Rawhiti Camp

Sir,—The Christchurch City Council closed Rawhiti Camp at New Brighton last February. Will this camp be open for the Christmas holiday period or is it closed permanently? Rawhiti Camp had its own unique attractions. For example, its closeness to New Brighton, buses, beach, golf links and Q.E. II Park. Campers enjoyed the quiet, natural setting which is rarely found in city camps. Camp fees have been excessive at South Brighton and Rawhiti. Neither camp provides extra facilities as does Spencer Park, yet fees are comparable. Fees at South Brighton are $7O for two adults and three children for seven days in a caravan. High costs deter family usage. Both camps are great assets in providing holidays to city dwellers and visitors alike. The value of Rawhiti is inestimable and its closing a loss to the camping public, New Brighton and Christchurch City, and I hope to see Rawhiti Camp opened immediately. — Yours, etc., , A. LE CREN November 17, 1982. [Mr J. H. Gray, General Manager and Town Clerk replies: “Rawhiti camp was closed last February on economic grounds due to a signifi-

cant down-turn in patronage. Since then all applications for a camp site have been referred to the South Brighton camp nearby. It is planned, however, to have the Rawhiti camp opened for the Christmas holidays through to the autumn period at which time the situation will be reviewed. There is a review being undertaken by the parks and recreation department of the over-all management and possible future development of Rawhiti Reserve which will provide a basis for future policy. Both Rawhiti and South Brighton camps provide good facilities and, in addition, offer a wide range of recreational opportunities within the camp reserves and other reserve areas nearby. Fees are in line with other comparable camps and on a national basis compare more than favourably with many others.’’]