A decision has been made about the future of overnight camping at Piha Domain Campground.
On 15 October, the Waitākere Ranges Local Board decided to resume overnight camping for the 2026/2027 summer operating period.
The decision means overnight camping will resume under the existing month-to-month arrangement.
This is subject through flood warning systems, monitoring, evacuation procedures and other operational controls being implemented by the campground operator.
The local board has asked council staff to report back early next year on steps required to keep the camp open during future summer periods.
Mark Allen, chair of the Waitākere Ranges Local Board acknowledged the safety challenges associated with the campground’s location on a floodplain, while recognising its long-standing place in the Piha community.
“This hasn’t been an easy decision. Piha Campground is located within a known floodplain, and with climate change bringing more frequent and severe extreme weather events, we must carefully consider how the site is used, the risks involved, and the potential impacts on our local community.
“The campground has been part of the community for many decades, providing a place where generations of campers have made lasting memories. We recognise how important it is to the community and the local economy and want to see camping retained in Piha wherever possible.
“We need a considered, collaborative and community-based approach to managing the risks associated with climate change, as we continue to adapt to its impacts,” says Mr Allen.
Updated flood hazard assessments identified the campground as being within a high flood hazard environment with a significant level of flood risk. People camping at the site may be asleep and unable to respond quickly to rapidly developing flood events.
Because of this the campground operator will be required to have a plan to alert camp-goers in the event of flooding through the implementation of an independently reviewed and certified Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP), incorporating flood monitoring and warning systems, occupancy restrictions, evacuation procedures and reporting requirements.
General Manager Commercial and Property, Mace Ward, says the council organisation acknowledges the decision made by the local board.
“The Waitākere Ranges Local Board has decision-making authority on this matter and today’s decision comes with a number of additional safety measures, for this summer.
“Flood risk and risk to life remains at the site for overnight camping. The Trigger Action Response Plan strengthens risk management at the site, but it does not materially alter the underlying flood hazard or life-safety risk to overnight camping.
“The council acknowledges the community support for the campground and these views were considered alongside the specialist advice, risk assessment and option analysis we undertook.”
The future use of the campground site will continue to be considered through wider Piha Domain planning, including options for future camping and affordable accommodation across the wider catchment.