Riverside Camping Ground back in business

In the early hours of February 14, 2023, Sharron Solomon knew trouble was coming when she looked at her security cameras and saw the river lapping at the third step of the Riverside Motor Camp ablution block.

Sharron and partner Bill Dickin have leased the Wairoa District Council-owned camp for more than 20 years, and while they had seen small floods in the past, they had nothing of the magnitude of Cyclone Gabrielle.

The couple, assisted by the fire bridge, worked to evacuate around 15 people who were staying at the camp along with nine caravans. “The fire bridge volunteers used their own vehicles to tow caravans out; they were amazing. When we started evacuating people, it was ankle-deep, and the river was thigh-high by the time we were finished. A couple of caravans were unable to be moved, and portacabins were left floating around the grounds.”

“The river went through our sheds at about chest height. It was like a whirlpool, just waves of water coming up in such a hurry.”

The camp was yellow-stickered, and with the grounds under two feet of silt, Bill worked hard, living on the end of a shovel. Over the past year, major renovations have been underway, and this month, nearly 16 months after the cyclone, the camping ground is reopening in a limited capacity.

The new ablution block is finished and includes new toilets with wheelchair access. The refurbished kitchen has a seating area, and a bonus is a new weather-proof indoor-outdoor living area. The covered area in front of the ablution block is a great place for people to gather while enjoying the ‘million dollar’ river view.

The number of campsites has been increased and includes new power supplies. Hard areas have been developed so people have more options to camp in the winter. There is even a new pet bath for the dog-friendly camp.

The couple says the Wairoa District Council has been tremendously supportive in helping to restore the camping ground to its former glory.

The one thing the couple haven’t been able to fix is the loss of their Christmas decorations. Sharron has been lighting up the town for nearly 30 years and had a massive collection of lights and decorations which she shared with the community. “Losing the Christmas decorations in the flooding destroyed me, but at least we have provided many great memories over the years.”

The couple says they have missed trading and are looking forward to the summer holiday season. They run the camping grounds with a mixture of permanent residents and visitors. “We are a family-safe environment and operate like our own little town.”

“We love what we do, it’s a lifestyle for us. The camp has a good reputation and a personalised feel; the people who stay are fabulous and some and some even go on to buy homes in town. We are looking forward to being able to welcome more people to our town.”

Riverside 1: Bill Dickin and Sharron Solomon of the Riverside Camping Ground are rebuilt and ready for business.

Riverside 2: Sharron Solomon with the surviving Christmas lights from the now-destroyed festive collection that she shared with the community.