We’re proposing to install a motorhome dump station at the car park entrance to the Ashhurst Domain Sportsfield on Cambridge Avenue – and we want your feedback.
Effluent dump stations are small facilities designed to protect public health and the environment by ensuring the proper disposal of wastewater from recreational vehicles, such as motorhomes, campervans, and boats.
We’ve received funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to improve tourism infrastructure in anticipation of Te Ahu a Turanga highway and the Te Āpiti Masterplan implementation.
Having a campervan dump station in Ashhurst is a significant step towards ensuring Palmerston North remains a Motorhome-Friendly City while also supporting the development of tourism opportunities outlined in our Te Apiti Masterplan and the construction of the new Te Ahu a Turanga highway.
The need for a new dump station arises from several key factors
The existing dump station at Ashhurst Domain Campground does not meet the necessary standards for motorhome users.
The campground has experienced increased usage, and we have a strategic goal of having dump stations at all major city entrances in collaboration with the New Zealand Motorcaravan Association (NZMCA).
We recently achieved Motorhome-Friendly City status from the NZMCA when we built a dump station on Totara Road – and we want to build on this success.
We considered several locations in Ashhurst
We have chosen the car park entrance to the sports fields in the Ashhurst Domain for several reasons:
- It’s near large wastewater pipes, which are essential for the station's functionality and minimising any potential backflow issues.
- It’s easy for motorists to access the area without having to enter the Domain.
- The area remains open 24/7, which is required for us to maintain our Motorhome-Friendly City status.
- It’s easy to access for motorhome traffic coming to and from the new Te Ahu a Turanga highway, Pohangina Valley, Hawke's Bay, and any campervans staying at the Domain Campground.
- It’s not within the immediate vicinity of homes.
- We’ve got a dump station in Palmerston North on Totara Road.
This project is currently in the concept phase
We have successfully applied for funding from the Tourism Infrastructure Fund provided by MBIE.
Due to funding conditions, we are required to consult with the community before funds are released and construction can begin.
Public feedback ended on 31 October.
We’ll design the new dump station to support privacy
We want the design for the motorhome dump station to blend seamlessly with the entrance of the Ashhurst Domain sports field.
It will incorporate planting that mimics the local environment, providing visual appeal and privacy from traffic on Cambridge Avenue. Additionally, we are looking at permeable bricks instead of concrete, allowing grass to grow through the surface while still providing a solid platform for large vehicles.