To set the record straight re the camping at McLeans Island.

The Regional Council who own the land and from whom we lease it, informed us that all non-dog activity related camping was to stop. The Christchurch City Council who are responsible for issuing resource consents had inform the Regional Council (Ecan) that those grounds that were not licensed as camping grounds and situated at McLeans Island would have to remove all caravans, mobile homes etc immediately, initially they did not even want to have any camping there over the weekends of dogs shows, Ecan pointed out that this had been a major reason for the Club locating there and that the request was unreasonable, the City relented  and stated that camping would be allowed for a maximum of 4 days in any one span and must in conjunction with a dog related event.

If the CKA failed to have the campers removed then we stood the chance of having the lease revoked and the grounds closed.

What brought the issue to a head was an enquiry from two other organizations to have campers stay on their grounds, as a result the entire Island was checked and we were caught.

I realise that the simple truth is nowhere as interesting as the stories that are circulating but that’s the way it is. We were in the process of bringing in tighter controls on the campers and were hoping to have a better system in place, however for long-term campers this is no longer required.

What the committee has decided is that a fee of $10 plus $5 per person will be charged for any tent, caravan or mobile unit on a per night basis. This includes ALL non powered tents that are left up or collapsed but stay in the one place overnight and are inside the ring road, the rationale being that these prime spaces are being reserved and this therefore attracts a premium. Power point sites are a separate issue no matter where they are situated, the fees for these are $15 plus $5 per person per night.

It should be realised that the grounds are the Canterbury Kennel Centre, any monies collected are for the sole benefit of the grounds and the only benefit that the CKA gains is in not having to subsidise the venue to the same extent.  

Persons who wish to reserve a site may do so at this stage just as has been done in the past, the bookings officer will deal with this.

Email bookings@cka.co.nz