Mosgiel accredited as Otago’s first motorhomefriendly area
MOSGIEL could be in for a financial boost after becoming the first area in Otago awarded ‘‘motorhomefriendly’’ status.
The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) arrived in the town yesterday to officially grant accreditation.
NZMCA Otago chairman Ken Foote told Mayor Dave Cull and others present at a function at the Mosgiel Library that the accreditation meant Mosgiel was one of 55 motorhomefriendly towns across the country.
The Taieri town was deemed to be a suitable location by the NZMCA after it met a series of criteria, an achievement of which Mr Foote said he was proud.
He said Mosgiel’s new status would bring economic benefits for the region, with more than 80,000 registered NZMCA members located around the country.
He said about $650 million was spent by motorhome owners in New Zealand last financial year.
‘‘When we come to a town, everybody’s got to eat, everybody’s got to buy some fuel, and when events are on, people will come to the events, so the businesses win.’’
Mr Cull said Mosgiel was ideal for motorhome visitors.
‘‘We’re getting more and more events to Dunedin, but there are a growing number of events that actually happen on the Taieri, and I see that as a drawcard.’’
There was talk of similar accreditation being granted in Oamaru and Palmerston, but there were ‘‘a few bridges to cross in both cases’’, Mr Foote said.