Tents-in-park plan fails

An application by a Nelson businessman for a concession to operate eight semi-permanent tents for public hire in Abel Tasman National Park has been declined by the Department of Conservation.

Robin Willebrandts, of Camp Easy Ltd, had asked to situate the 3m by 3m tents at Anchorage and Bark Bay.

Mr Willebrandts presented his proposal to the August meeting of the Nelson Marlborough Conservation Board, saying the semi-furnished tents would be available for hire at $100 to $120 each per night. Terms and conditions of the hire would oblige customers to adhere to the park's rules.

The proposal would differ from permanent private accommodation, which was banned in the national park, because clients could only stay a maximum of two nights, Mr Willebrandts told the board.

The tents would be moved periodically to minimise their impact and at the end of each summer season damaged grass would be resown, he said.

DOC Nelson Marlborough community support manager Jo Gould yesterday said the application was declined because the commercial activity was inconsistent with the 2008 Abel Tasman National Park Management Plan.

Provisions in the plan stated that any applications for new private and/or commercial accommodation in the park should be declined and recreational equipment should not be available for hire within the park itself.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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