Many local workers are living in cars, vans, or temporary camping arrangements because they cannot access or afford rentals, says Upper Clutha social services hub Community Link.

Community Link general manager Kate Murray told the Wānaka App the community is under “very real pressure”, especially workers in service, hospitality, and accommodation.

“Everyone deserves a safe place to live, and for some people in Upper Clutha, campgrounds are the only option left in an extremely tight and expensive housing market,” she said.

High costs, limited rentals make camping an option

She said the increase in permanent or semi-permanent campground residents is a direct result of the area’s high housing costs - around double the national average - and limited rental supply. 

“Campgrounds provide a visible, safer alternative to people sleeping rough, but this also shows why we urgently need more affordable housing and properly funded support services to keep everyone safe and supported.

“Most locals would prefer that vulnerable people at least have the option of staying in a campground rather than being pushed onto the streets.”

High housing costs and a limited rental supply are squeezing workers into campgrounds or vans.

Kate said even when accommodation is available it is often not suitable, and there is no social housing available. 

“Much of the housing stock in Wānaka consists of large four to five bedroom homes, and Hāwea is largely three to four bedroom houses, which are out of reach for individuals, couples, and low-income households.”

‘Challenging residents’ at campground 

One place known to attract long-term residents is the Albert Town Campground, particularly the area near the Hāwea River swingbridge.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), which owns the campground, estimates there are 14 permanent residents at the site - which has reduced by five in the past year.

“The facilities are not set up for permanent residents," a council spokesperson told the Wānaka App, saying the campground “is intended to provide a Kiwi camping experience with simple facilities”. 

Wānaka Police area response manager Sergeant Darren Cranfield said there are permanent residents in both parts of the campground (on either side of SH8).

“I think if you have a look at the rules, there shouldn’t be,” he said.

QLDC said it was confident the campground was being well managed. 

“Hampshire [Holiday Parks] have been proactive in dealing with issues at Albert Town campground as they have arisen,” the council spokesperson said.

He said when there have been concerns about behaviour Hampshire Holiday Parks (the manager) has engaged with health services from Dunstan Hospital and the police.

“The health service undertakes regular visits to assess individual needs and provide guidance and direction to those in need.”

During the holiday period, a visiting camper at the site reported being kept awake for six hours one night by a resident on a “loud ranting rage”. 

“We ended up in the Albert Town camping ground which has portaloos, no drinking water available, and some pretty challenging permanent residents,” she said.

The woman, who was camping with her children, said she felt unsafe all night.

Kate said many challenging situations “sit at the intersection of housing stress, mental health, and substance use, where prevention and support - not enforcement - are the most effective tools”.

“Police involvement may be limited unless a law is being broken.

“This situation highlights the urgent need for more affordable, appropriate housing and properly funded support services in Upper Clutha, to ensure safety for everyone in the community.”

Read more:

• Freedom Campers Grateful as NZTA Moves to Restrict SH84 Site
• Winter in a van: ‘Not too bad’
• Camping facilities for long-term residents questioned

PHOTOS: Wānaka App