Masterton’s council-owned Mawley Holiday Park is facing significant financial challenges, with occupancy rates plummeting to just 50% last month. The park’s inability to meet financial targets has prompted the Masterton District Council to take a closer look at the underlying issues and explore potential solutions.
A recent report presented to the council highlighted that Mawley Holiday Park does not offer enough of the amenities that modern consumers expect. Feedback suggests that the lack of cabins with ensuites is a significant factor in the park’s low occupancy rates.
Maseina Koneferenisi, the council’s infrastructure and assets general manager, stated that a Section 17a review was conducted to assess the current contract and consider options to boost the park’s profile, as reported by 1News.
This review, mandated by the Local Government Act, requires councils to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of their service delivery arrangements to meet community needs.
The review’s outcome was to extend the existing contract for Mawley Holiday Park until next year, aligning it with the council’s recreation center contract. This extension provides an opportunity for the council to reconsider market options and offer more support to the current contractor, particularly in marketing efforts and a deeper analysis of the issues affecting the park.
Belgravia Leisure, the company awarded the Mawley Holiday Park contract in 2018 and the council’s recreation center contract in 2017, declined to comment. However, a council spokesperson emphasized that the council staff are actively collaborating with their contractors to identify the factors influencing the park’s occupancy rates.
“This review process will include identifying opportunities with the contractor to develop responses to the challenges being faced,” the spokesperson added. The council aims to work in partnership with Belgravia Leisure to understand better and address the reasons behind the park’s financial struggles.
The extension of the contract until next year is seen as a critical period for gathering insights and implementing changes that could attract more visitors to Mawley Holiday Park. The council is keen to ensure that the park not only meets financial targets but also provides the amenities and experiences that visitors seek.
As the council works on identifying the key factors affecting occupancy, there is hope that strategic marketing and enhanced facilities will help turn around the park’s fortunes. The collaboration between the council and Belgravia Leisure is crucial in developing a comprehensive plan to boost the park’s appeal and financial performance.
For now, the focus remains on understanding the core issues and leveraging the extended contract period to implement effective solutions. With dedicated efforts from both the council and Belgravia Leisure, there is optimism that Mawley Holiday Park can overcome its financial difficulties and emerge as a popular spot for visitors once again.
