A new 1.8hectare log home holiday camp is being touted as a great extension to Papamoa’s accommodation options after being granted consent from the Environment Court.

Sandpark Papamoa will begin taking shape in the coming months with 34 self-contained log cabins and a manager’s residence proposed for the site.



A model version of the 34 log homes that will make up Sandpark Papamoa.

Located at 2 Papamoa Beach Road the homes, built by Rotorua’s New Zealand Log Homes, will be about 100m2 in size. There will also be a shop and communal facilities, including a pool and changing rooms.

The holiday camp could hold a maximum of 204 people per night with a visitor length not exceeding three months.

Environment Court Judge Jeff Smith granted consent for the camp in October after opposition parties reached an agreement with developer Hugo Verseput, despite his previous counsel refusing to engage in a mediation process.

Hugo initially lodged the resource consent application before subsequently requesting a direct referral to the Environment Court under Section 87G of the Resource Management Act.

Opposition to the holiday camp originally came from Tauranga City Council, Frasers Property Papamoa and a number of nearby neighbours including Buddy Mikaere.

In Environment Court documents Judge Smith states various requests were made for mediation, but were not agreed to by Hugo’s counsel – leading to Buddy filing a series of submissions.

“Just prior to the matter being heard, the court was advised that new counsel was involved for Mr Verseput and that an agreement had been reached with all of the submitters,” says Judge Smith.

“It appears the concerns of the parties could have been addressed through mediation, but the applicant did not wish to proceed with this course.”

The court discussed the issues with Buddy but was advised he was withdrawing his evidence and did not intend to present evidence or submissions.

Major concerns for the development came in the form of coastal erosion, transportation issues and that it does not fit the current Tauranga City Plan.

It was ruled the area is in a sufficiently developed and zoned residential spot and does not pose an erosion risk, with the zoning allowing for alternative forms of transport including walking, cycling and public transport.

Judge Smith believes the city plan is now well advanced for the development to not pose a risk, even taking a swing at council saying he is surprised the majority of the plan is not yet operative.

“In any event, to the best of our knowledge, the site is not subject to any appeals, and the provisions as they relate to this site could be considered operative.

“Although there is a dispute in relation to significant Maori areas, this only affects particular areas and not the area to the north of Papamoa Beach Road nearest the site.”

He granted consent on the basis it is a sustainable development which will create a positive effect on the neighbourhood contributing to the diversification of accommodations facilities available.

The site will be landscaped and partially fenced with buildings located around the site’s boundary leaving a large open space, play area and stormwater disposal area in the centre. There will be about 3500m3 of earthworks to level out the undulating site.

“We conclude it will create an extension to the range of accommodation within the Mount Maunganui/Papamoa area.

“This site will operate at least as well as nearby residential areas, and possibly better.”