14 June 2005
New pit stop for British fans’ campervans
A new Council effluent disposal facility has opened just in time for the expected influx of up to 2000 campervans
carrying British and Irish Lions rugby fans – and their chemical toilets.
No matter from which direction the Barmy Army decides to mount its assault on the Capital for the Wellington Lions match
and All Black test, the new facility is waiting at the bottom of Ngauranga Gorge with access from both State Highways 1
and 2.
The Council has circulated flyers through tourist organisations and campervan rental companies to let fans know where
they can unload and there are signs on the highways advising visitors where to exit. Motorists travelling south on SH1
take the turn-off to the Hutt Road and turn left. Those coming into the city on SH2 exit at Ngauranga, go under the
motorway and turn left.
If visitors miss the signs, the Council has set up another effluent disposal centre at the southern end of the Evans Bay
marina. These are in addition to the long-established facility in Tawa, near the swimming pool.
The $656,500 facility on Transrail land at Ngauranga was originally planned so stock trucks could empty effluent before
crossing Cook Strait. Marlborough Roads has had a similar facility operating on the other side of the water for the past
three years.
Transrail was keen to see the facility built as it was having increasing problems with trucks boarding ferries with full
tanks that would spill over during voyages. The Ngauranga facility expects to cater for 26 stock trucks a week. The
effluent is emptied down a drain that looks like a cattle stop and pumped into the main sewer and from there to Moa
Point for treatment.
The stock effluent facility’s capacity was increased to cater for campervans and the whole project fast-tracked in time
for the Lions tour.
Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast says the Council is doing its best to anticipate all the needs of the British fans.
“This not only cleans up a potentially sticky situation on board the Cook Strait ferries, but helps tourists too. We’re
glad that our new facility is being given its test-run by the British fans – just as we plan to give their team a real
test on the field.”
ENDS