Council went to tender for a new operator in October last year with two tenders identified for further evaluation.

Council’s Property Unit Manager Rob Hawthorne says experienced Holiday Park owners Steve Edwards and Jen Levien of SJE Holiday Parks (pictured) put forward a strong proposal that included a long-term vision for further investment and development in the Holiday Park.

“We were looking for an operator with a proven track record, a vision for investment and redevelopment, a plan for providing an economic return to the Council, as well as providing wider benefits for the Waikuku Beach community.

“SJE Holiday Parks stood out. I know many people who have stayed in their Holiday Parks before and they’ve got a reputation for delivering a high quality product and experiences that make customers come back again and again,” says Rob.

“For these reasons, and their knowledge of and experience in the industry, the Council supported their bid and awarded a long-term lease of 33 years.”

SJE Holiday Parks General Manager John Mansfield said the plan for Waikuku Beach Holiday Park is exciting.

“The Waikuku Beach Holiday Park is blessed with an amazing location. We believe that our vision for investment over the coming decades will elevate this Park from one that I think trades on its natural attraction, to one with modern and upgraded facilities that is an experience in its own right.”

For over 20 years, SJE Holiday Parks have run various New Zealand Holiday Parks (camping grounds/motor camps) across the country and started running the Park from July.

The Park’s former long-term leaseholders, who successfully managed the Park since 2006, stepped down in September 2022. Te Kōhaka o Tūhaitara Trust with the support of Council stepped in to take over the management temporarily until a more permanent solution could be found. SJE Holiday Parks managed the Waikuku Beach Holiday Park since October 2023 on a short-term lease while the tender process was underway.