The Waitaki District Council has temporarily shelved plans to develop camper van parking at Oamaru's waterfront while it consults businesses in the area.
Due to "a miscommunication in council about what was being done'' a plan to create nine camper van parking spots in lower Wansbeck St east of Scotts Brewing Co - eliminating the helipad there - was signalled by the council earlier this month, Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said.
On January 12, a press release was issued detailing the plan, but it was retracted the same day.
Mr Kircher said it was "unfortunate'' the press release contained the parking plan.
It was briefly posted on social media, causing some "angst''.
"Really ... a bit more consultation should have happened, which is why it got pulled straight away.''
Council roading manager Michael Voss said the "spirit'' of the January 12 press release was correct, if not the plan.
He said the council was concerned camper vans were being parked in various places in Oamaru's historic precinct during the day and a designated area for vans would ease congestion and improve visibility in the area.
Pedestrian safety was also a concern for the council.
"We're just holding back,'' Mr Voss said of the planned parking.
"There are a couple of other options we may be looking at as well about where to relocate other camper vans.''
Increased traffic, and the increasing number of camper vans in the area, had the council looking at ways to ease congestion near Oamaru Harbour in the immediate future, but also throughout the town's central business district, Mr Kircher said.
"The reality is, it's getting busier and busier so that demand for parking and traffic flow is getting greater ... we just want to make sure we do a good process that gets good buy-in from people about what direction we take in the whole area.''
"The big thing that we are trying to do is make it a good visitor experience for camper van drivers.''
Mr Voss said the council had been in contact with operators "trying to get more information on the amount of use [of the helipad],'' he said.
"My personal opinion, I think probably would be to have a helipad somewhere around [there].''
The owner of Oamaru-based Heliventures NZ, Nicki McMillan, said the company's use of the helipad was "increasing'', but she would not comment on the company's consultation with the WDC while it was ongoing.
She said it was important for the council to consult "all of the business owners'' in the area.
