Camp fees altered after confusion

Negative feedback has forced the Waimate District Council to make changes to camping season passes in the Waitaki Valley.

It was revealed at yesterday’s council meeting that there had been confusion and negative feedback around the age of children covered in the family pass and the cost for extra children.

The council adopted recommendations to increase the age limit for children from 12 years back to 15 along with better clarity to the season pass and the casual campers’ fees.

Council chief executive Stuart Duncan, after consulting with council officers, made a call to clarify the definition for a family scenario which allowed staff to address ‘‘inconsistencies’’ within the policy, while at the same time addressing concerns.

‘‘The chief executive’s approach eliminated negative feedback immediately, and the team has since received nothing but positive feedback,’’ the council’s parks and reserves manager Alison Banks said in her report.

‘‘Opening day went smoothly with 343 season tickets sold at the time this report was written. Around 40 campers spent the night on the side of the road where around another 100 vehicles joined them before 8am. Everyone was off the road and setting up onsite by 8.10am.

‘‘Council has since received nothing but positive feedback about the condition of the camping grounds, the facilities and our new camp supervisors.’’

‘‘Council’s long-term guests have all received, read and signed an agreement relating to expectations and behaviours at the camp sites they reside in.’’

A season ticket at Waimate Lakes for two adults and two dependents (5-15 years old) is $360. Additional dependent child (5-15 years old) would cost $5 per child and additional dependent adult (16 years plus) $15 per person. Children under 5 are free.