It’s just been announced that the Mangatainoka Reserve will receive a $202,000 upgrade!
Just across the road from us here at Tui Brewery, the Mangatainoka Reserve will get a new block of two toilets, a shower and a solar-powered compacting rubbish bin.
When we heard that Tourism Minister, Kelvin Davis, had $19.3 million to distribute as part of the second round of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund we jumped at the opportunity to improve our little gem of a camping spot! With much of it going to wastewater, sewerage schemes and public toilets at tourist hotspots throughout the country, we got together with the Tararua Council to see how we could get the much-needed improvements made to the Mangatainoka Reserve.
Our submission went in earlier this year and was accepted last week (it’s a no-brainer really, the secret is out about the best camping spot in the country). Tararua District Council will receive $102,404 to supercharge the freedom camping facilities at Mangatainoka Reserve. Some funds will also go towards installing solar-powered waste compacting rubbish bins at Waihi Falls, Akitio and Herbertville, so there’s no excuse not to explore Tuiville by camper now!
The Council had already allocated $100,000 towards these projects, and this amount will now make the infrastructure possible.
Mark Maxwell, Economic Development and Communications Manager for the Tararua District Council, was chuffed about the idea to work with us on this project.
“This is a key partnership between Council, who will provide the capital for construction and Tui Brewery, who have agreed to maintain it.
“This is a great example of council and businesses working together to achieve positive outcomes for the community.”
Labour list MP, Keiran McAnulty, described Tui Brewery as one of the region’s most popular attractions and said the team there did a marvellous job of attracting people to the region (thanks Keiran!).
“It seemed logical to me that Government would look to assist in upgrading facilities so that the Mangatainoka Reserve opposite the brewery could cope with the steady increase of visitors.
“I am very pleased for them, and the region, that this investment has been confirmed.”
PHOTO: Mangatainoka Reserve Road sign installed in 2018 by Tui Brewery
Since adopting the Mangatainoka Reserve in 2016 with the Launch of our Plants & Pints Project, motor-homers have been making the most of our hotspot. Our team at Tui Brewery have planted over 1,000 native plants, improved the accessway, installed signage, tidied fences and added a walking track to the brewery (all of 300 meters away). The increase in motorhomes to the reserve has led to an increase in rubbish and the demand for toilet and shower facilities.
With the national shortage in accommodation for tourists, more national and international tourists are choosing to travel by campervan. The hope is that with the right facilities available we can attract people to travel State Highway 2, visit the Tararua region, and stay one or two nights in our campsites along the way. This will see and increased spend by these travellers who have budget for activities, petrol, meals and attractions.
PHOTO: Mangatainoka Reserve is becoming increasingly popular for motorcaravans.
Our team at Tui Brewery have also recently installed a dump station and potable water source for freedom campers at Tui Brewery which is offering another reason for freedom campers to travel through Tararua.
New Zealand Motor Caravan Association chief executive Bruce Lochore said Tararua was becoming a popular region for motorhome and caravan trips. The Mangatainoka Reserve, in particular, was on many travellers’ “must-do” lists thanks to the Tui Brewery.
“[Tararua] makes us feel welcome. It’s the little things like this [upgrade] that really make the difference.”