Safety complaint could sound death knell for children's campground paradise

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From reporter Nadine Roberts:

It’s a slice of Kiwi childhood, with a helping of rough and tumble adventure where cotton wool is banished.

But Little River Campground on Banks Peninsula may be about to have its last marshmallow toast on the unfenced campfire, after a complaint to WorkSafe left owners Marcus Puentener​ and Megan Gainsford​ afraid of the liability they face in order to be safety compliant.

An unknown complainant reported safety concerns after a woman dislocated her leg on the slippery slide in February.

The complainant also said the boardwalks through the native forest were rotten, a trampoline was dangerous and an outdoor power cord to a glitter globe above a campfire was not safe when it rained.

Puentener said the accident in February was unfortunate and was created because the polythene sheet was in two sections. One sheet blew up, causing the woman to get caught, he said. He immediately closed the slide down and was working on how to make it safer.

It was just the second serious accident since the couple took over the campground – the other was after a woman jumped off a trampoline and injured her leg on slippery grass.

Although WorkSafe had been supportive and helpful so far, Puentener said the complaint had forced the couple to re-evaluate the future of the campground.

A WorkSafe spokesperson confirmed they had been contacted about a “number of concerns” relating to the campground but said it could continue operating while addressing health and safety concerns.

“The concerns raised are easily resolvable with attention, which will both keep children safe and provide that reassurance to parents and caregivers,” the spokesperson said.

However, Puentener said if they had to upgrade the boardwalk through five hectares of native bush they would have to find hundreds of thousands of dollars or more. With Puentener as the only employee, large scale changes were not financially viable.

Now the couple are weighing up what they can do in order to reopen in October, but Puentener admits to feeling disheartened and unsure of the way forward after a difficult year when numbers through the gate have not been what he hoped.

Options include closing off the native area or putting it under the guidance of a trust. Both would see the demise of the slippery slide, giant swing and boardwalk.

The couple are also considering upping the price for campers or offering a membership scheme. Their least favourite option is closing, but it’s something they will seriously consider when the campground closes for the season on April 24.

In the meantime a social media campaign has heated up, with members of the public considering setting up a Givealitte page to help save the campground.

Others are offering to do a working bee.

The outpouring of support has been welcomed by Puentener.

“It’s humbling to know that people do have a connection with the place.”