Auckland Council has made some temporary changes to the campground at Les Waygood Park, Piha to help reduce the risk from potential flooding as it moves into the busy summer season.
In June 2020 the park camping area was flooded, and an assessment of the area has recommended that the lower part of the campground should not be used for overnight camping due to the high health and safety risk.
Changes
As a precautionary measure, the council has worked with United North Piha Surf Life Saving Club, who holds a lease over the camping ground, to suspend any camping in the area, with other safer areas established.
The club will continue its normal daytime activities in the lower area.
Further investigation will happen next year into how camping might be accommodated on higher ground in the park. This would require several steps including community and mana whenua consultation before any permanent physical changes.
Awareness
Waitākere Ranges Local Board Chair Greg Presland says that the changes have happened quickly because of the potential dangers posed.
“We know that the area is prone to fast flooding, so we are pleased that these changes are now in place ahead of the summer season.
“While these changes are only temporary and there is a need to properly assess and implement a long-term solution to the issue, people should be aware that these changes have been made with the safety of everyone paramount.
“Every effort has been made to strike the right balance between keeping the important life-saving function of the club in place and minimising disruption to community use and enjoyment of the local park.”
The changes to the campsite will see some temporary fencing of the grassed area next to the public toilet block along with several car parks cordoned off for caravans.
