Campers can stay - for now

Residents at an ageing Hamilton camping ground will not have to worry about a pre-Christmas eviction since the property failed to sell at auction.

The 9300-square-metre Hamilton East Camping Ground, on Cameron Rd, was the subject of a mortgagee sale by Southern Cross Building Society, which is owed more than $3 million on the property.

Last week former owner Kenyon Clarke voiced concern for the camping ground's 30 long-term residents. He feared a new owner would move quickly to remove the tenants and develop the property.

Bayleys Real Estate regional manager Stephen Shale said the property did not sell at auction on Thursday – bidding stopped at $1.5 million – and the camping ground would now be put on the open market.

Mr Shale emphasised the long-term tenants were never at risk of being turfed out before the festive season because, had the property sold at auction, the settlement date had been set at mid-January. He did not envisage a speedy sale which would see the tenants having to move. JEFF NEEMS