This week's winner is Wiremu Bretton, of Warrington, for his views on freedom camping in Warrington. Mr Bretton receives a copy of Love as a Stranger, by Owen Marshall.
The winning letter was published on Thursday.
There has been a lot from one side of the debate about the controversy over freedom camping at Warrington (ODT, 15.7.16).
I wholeheartedly disagree with any move to make the domain self-contained campers only. There are many people from Dunedin and beyond who have come here to stay for years that this would penalise. It basically reserves the spot for those privileged enough to afford a ‘‘proper'' camper van, frankly. I was also slightly gobsmacked by the increase of campers we had over the summer. However, I had many positive interactions with people of different ages and nationalities who came to stay, notwithstanding alleged ‘‘lewd behaviour'' from people changing their clothes or having a wash. My children and I use this area and surrounds regularly and have not confronted the faecal tsunami that some unfortunately have. The claim that there is an urupa right next to the domain being desecrated should be surprising to those who know the area. There are many ancient middens, special and important yes, but not the same as the tapu associated with human remains. The increased patronage causing concern is due largely to the fact the DCC now carefully funnels Dunedin's entire catchment of freedom campers out our way. I was pleased to see how our local authorities responded with six extra toilets, an outdoor sink, rubbish and recycling bins plus extra signage. I was proud that our place had hosted the ‘‘hordes'' who come to appreciate a brief slice of beautiful Aotearoa. It is in recovery mode somewhat from the onslaught and careful thought must be put as to how to prepare for the next wave. The load needs to be shared a bit more evenly around the city, I believe.
Wiremu Bretton
Warrington
