A local resident says Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is not doing enough to support affordable housing and says providing better facilities for the “informal residents” at the Albert Town Camping Area, would be a simple way to help.

National camping ground regulations require local authorities to meet a range of conditions - like supplying potable water, ablution and sanitary fixtures and cooking places with hot water, sinks, benches, and cooking facilities - for all camping grounds.

That is unless they are issued with a certificate of exemption, which QLDC has just reissued for the Albert Town Camping Area.

The exemption means the camping area - which is located on the west side of the Hāwea River, near the confluence with the Clutha River - can continue to operate with just four flushing toilets and four long drop toilets. 

The camping area has just four flushing toilets and four long drop toilets. 

Wānaka resident James-Anthony Keswick wants the council to do more to provide affordable accommodation and he says the people living at the facility long-term deserve access to better facilities. 

“In theory there are regulations that prevent people from living there longer-term but the reality is some people do,” James said. 

“Surely we can muster up some basic facilities for them.”

QLDC media and channels advisor Sam White told the Wānaka App the exemption option is provided under section 14 of the Camping Ground Regulations 1985, which allow some flexibility for sites that wish to keep the traditional idea of basic camping on a reserve.

Sam said there are a lot of camping options available within the district: “Hence people are able to make their own choices about where to stay based on the level of facilities they prefer,” he said.

He acknowledged the issue of stay lengths was not “black and white”.

“We have the option to enforce that maximum stay but do look at things on a case-by-case basis. It’s not always black and white and our enforcement team always prefers to start with education.”

James says the Albert Town camping area illustrates a larger issue around affordable housing.

“In my personal opinion, given the lack of adequate social housing in our ward and the nature of the camp ground as a place to live for ‘informal residents’ and visitors, the lack of amenities seems inhumane and near callous..” he said.

“While there are some social housing provisions in Queenstown Lakes, it's clearly inadequate given the demand.”

James questioned how the council could spend millions on Wānaka’s lakefront development but not prioritise people living in camping areas.

The Albert Town camping ground is on Crown land vested to the QLDC in trust for the purpose of a recreation reserve by the Department of Conservation.

Sam said QLDC was “very aware” of issues within the district concerning affordable housing “and have been active on the issue for some time”. 

“For example, council has been a long-time supporter of Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust and is also currently conducting formal consultation on inclusionary zoning proposals that would provide an ongoing funding stream to provide access to affordable housing.”

James said he continues to encourage the council to provide facilities for the informal residents.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App