Site will attract motor homers

MOTOR caravanners are welcoming the installation of a permanent effluent drop site in Feilding as traffic volumes begin to increase as Rugby World Cup travellers wind through the Manawatu District following their teams.

The Turners Road site, likely to be opened this weekend, is in close proximity to the town’s stock truck effluent disposal station and a potable water filling provider.

Feilding plumber and New Zealand Motor Caravan Association member, Trevor Hendra, is delighted the site is about to become operational after working on the project, with support from the Manawatu District Council and Feilding Promotion, for about two years.

“All the required services are here,” he said, “and the station will be open 24/7 and provide easy access for vehicles from all directions.”

Mr Hendra said the drop site would attract more self-contained motor caravanners to the district and boost CBD businesses dealing in support services such as fuel, food, mechanics and tyres.

“It will help promote Feilding and Manawatu as a place for motor caravanners to come, as we don’t have a lot of good dump stations in the area. So the more we can offer the better.”

NZMCA‘s Resource Management Assistant for Manawhenua, Brian Purdie, of Sanson, said the organisation was extremely happy with the new facility, especially with so many camper vans currently on the roads.

“We are grateful to all those involved as they are doing a service for the environment as well as the motor caravanners,” he said. “Once our members know it’s available, then they will start coming to the area.”

The national association has a membership of more than 40,000 individuals and is growing at up to 10 percent annually. The Feilding site will soon feature in the NZMCA travel directory.

“And this couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time with the World Cup camper vans now in full swing,” said Mr Purdie, “with many of them heading your way next week.”

He also anticipated a good turnout for a motor van rally at Manfeild on Labour Day weekend and queues at the station as caravanners, heading home, disposed of their waste.

MDC Utility Contracts Manager, Marc Simpson, said the new station met all health and safety regulations and was one of the few in the greater region that would be available 24/7.

“We are also looking at beautification plans for the site in keeping with Feilding’s standing as one of New Zealand’s ‘Most Beautiful Towns’,” he said.