Caravan convoy to double Reefton’s population

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Lois Williams:

The population of Reefton is set to double at Labour Weekend, as an armada of motorhomes arrives in town.

The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association will be holding its annual gathering at the Reefton Racecourse, and 350 vehicles have registered to take part.

NZMCA member Ken Leslie told the Inangahua Community Board last week that the number would probably grow to 450, making it the largest event so far for the association.

Community board chairman John Bougen said he wondered if businesses realised what they were in for.

"I think some businesses have no conception of the size of this -- it's potentially 800 people arriving in a town that's already full for Labour Weekend. It's tremendous for Reefton."

Leslie said the event would stretch the town's facilities but they would cope.

"We're just blown away by how Reefton has come on board with us, and all the businesses - we're feeling very welcome."

The gathering would be based at the racecourse, with a marquee, social events, bands and entertainment every night for the travellers.

"But we'll be encouraging them to come into town during the day and out to the Blacks Point Museum. A lot will buy their groceries in Reefton - it's part of the domestic tourism push."

Bougen said businesses should be planning now to hire extra staff for the holiday weekend.