Source: Napier City Council
Kennedy Park Resort is a Council-owned facility that has been a popular holiday venue for nearly 90 years. It is a significant contributor to Napier’s visitor economy and Napier City Council wants to make it even better.
As we work to become more financially sustainable and reduce pressure on ratepayers, we looked at Kennedy Park Resort’s financial viability and long-term future. While it operates at a loss, it could succeed as a commercial business run by a specialist operator.
We invited proposals to purchase the resort’s assets and operations and to lease the land for up to 30 years, bringing in income to Council. This process identified a preferred purchaser with the experience and expertise needed to operate and grow the business: holiday resort company Hampshire (NZ) Limited.
We believe Kennedy Park Resort would be in better hands with a commercial holiday park operator. A specialist operator has the know-how to make it profitable and an even better place to stay.
At its heart, this is about balancing two important goals: protecting and enhancing a much-loved destination and ensuring Council can be financially sustainable and focus on delivering essential services. We believe this proposal will help us reach those goals.
Regardless of the outcome of this proposal, Kennedy Park Resort will remain open and ready to welcome customers.
Read the full details and have your say.
Here are the options being proposed
We want to know if you agree with our preferred option, to sell Kennedy Park Resort and lease the land. Regardless of the outcome, Kennedy Park Resort remains open for business and is ready to welcome current and new customers.
Option 1 (preferred)
Sell Kennedy Park Resort’s operating assets to Hampshire (NZ) Limited, keeping ownership of the land, which will be leased to Hampshire for a maximum term of 30 years.
Option 2: Status quo
Council does not enter into an agreement with Hampshire. Council keeps the ownership and management of Kennedy Park Resort.
Option 3: Operating in partnership with a commercial operator
Council does not enter into a lease agreement with Hampshire and seeks a partnership model with an external provider to operate Kennedy Park Resort.
Drop in and chat to us
Come along to Kennedy Park Resort to ask questions of Council representatives and get help making a submission.
Monday 12 October 12pm-2pm, Kennedy Park Resort