The camping ground has been more than 40 years ago and gifted to the public is in danger of being closed down. The Duddings Lake or also called the Jewel of the Rangitikei District is not longer making money and the Council says is now a liability. But some local areas are not happy on hearing news of the closure.

Adrian Hawley, a former camper in Duddings Lake says his time at the lake is full of memories and he walked about the camp site reminiscing over the old times. His family and 11 others were semi permanent campers at the lake but last year the grounds had new lessees were told to pack up their site. He said now the lesseses are pulling out and the council has decided to sell up.

Clare Hadley, spokeswoman in Rangitikei District Council says that ratepayers fels there was no value in the site. Hadley said “The ratepayers who are, in effect, funding it, aren’t receiving the value either by attending and enjoying it, or by an economic benefit coming into the district from tourism”.

The plan is causing ripples in near of Marton that residents were gifted the land by John Dudding in 1964. The site is showing signs of closing down were locals have a monthly to give feedback on the plan. Kathy Gunther, a campground caretaker says it’s a lovely place and I just wish we can find a way to keep it running this Campground.

Preserve a local legacy as more than just a happy memory. -> Camping Guide

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