Woman Facing Homelessness as Council Seizes Holiday Park Assets

PHOTO: Lake Ferry Holiday Park. ONE ROOF

Robyn Cann, a woman facing significant health challenges, is on the brink of homelessness as the South Wairarapa District Council (SWDC) assumes control of the holiday park where she resides. As part of the deal scheduled for completion today, Cann has been instructed to vacate her cabin at Lake Ferry Holiday Park in South Wairarapa.

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Cann, a 60-year-old insulin-dependent diabetic with mental health issues and impaired vision, expressed her deep distress, tears welling in her eyes. The prospect of high rents coupled with her ongoing struggles is daunting.

She shared her love for the holiday park, citing its proximity to the beloved beach and her passion for fishing. Cann praised the supportive and non-judgmental community. However, the uncertainty of her living situation takes a toll, leaving her feeling desperate at times. To cope, she seeks solace in walks, fishing, and conversations with fellow campers.

The news coincides with SWDC’s substantial increase in rates, one of the highest in New Zealand this year. The council attributes the steep hike to repairs of water infrastructure, road expenditures, and maintaining service levels.

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The holiday park takeover was mentioned in the minutes of a council meeting held on June 7, under the heading “Lake Ferry Holiday Park Offer Report,” listed as public-excluded business. Cann presently resides in a compact two-room cabin near the lake, with access to a local doctor and medical support for her conditions. If she is compelled to leave, she has nowhere to go and fears having to resort to living in her car, which poses challenges due to her vision impairment.

Expressing her desire for stability, Cann yearns to remain in her tranquil abode. She values the helpful and accepting nature of the people around her, allowing her to be her authentic self and feel safe.

Managing her diabetes requires regular insulin injections, necessitating refrigeration. Without proper facilities, her ability to use insulin effectively is compromised. Additionally, she relies on medication for her depression.

Cann receives care from a caregiver based in Masterton, who visits her weekly. The nurse at the Pirinoa clinic frequently checks on her well-being. Furthermore, she requires treatment for her cataracts and has been referred to Wairarapa Hospital.

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Although the sale of the iconic campsite and holiday park was anticipated late last year, the agreement remained unresolved. Previously, the SWDC had denied the camp an operating license since 2019, citing non-compliance issues with the Camping Grounds Regulations Act 1985. Among the concerns raised were the proximity of static caravans to each other, posing fire risks and threats to health and safety.

In response to the situation, an SWDC spokesperson stated that they were unaware of Cann’s living conditions and had limited information at this stage. They declined to comment until further details were obtained. The spokesperson added that SWDC lacks the resources to support individuals with severe medical issues in remote locations. They emphasized that the campground is intended for camping, not long-term housing, and that the cabins are deemed unsuitable for extended residency according to camping ground regulations, which limit occupancy to a maximum of 50 days.

The spokesperson assured that if more information becomes available, it will be promptly shared.

SOURCE: RNZ