The long-term management of one of Waikato’s premier recreational facilities has been confirmed. Liz Stolwyk, also Waipā deputy mayor, discusses retaining the contract – and the potential for Lake Karāpiro with Mary Anne Gill.
Just another event – Liz Stolwyk and Andrew Reymer are behind the wheels at Karāpiro. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Mighty River Domain is stymied by the lack of a three to four star hotel.
“We need new accommodation. The corporate users require better accommodation than what we’ve got,” Liz Stolwyk says.
There is a real opportunity given Karāpiro’ s proximity to Hobbiton, Rotorua, Auckland and other tourism destinations.
Karāpiro regularly hosts hundreds of people at weekend events and there are lodges dotted round the lake – but four star accommodation for groups within a 30 minute drive is another matter.
The desire to see that hotel was given more impetus this week.
Liz Stolwyk
Stolwyk, Waipā’s deputy mayor, was given the news on Monday that she and husband Andrew Reymer have retained, through their company GL Events Ltd, the management contract at Mighty River Domain for another five years, with rights of renewal for a further 10 years, subject to agreed performance measures.
Reymer and Stolwyk have had the contract for nearly 20 years and Stolwyk sees a bright future for a “jewel in the crown”.
She is reflecting on how the events part of the operation has recovered to surpass what was happening before Covid.
Ōhaupō farmer Andrew Reymer.
Last weekend Karāpiro delivered five events and is already planning a whole lot of new events.
Her team is working closely with the Ministry of Primary Industries over mitigating the gold clam invasion.
“We’re doing our bit. Everyone is washing their boats down; everyone is aware of the danger.”
Also on Stolwyk’s list is more native planting, particularly down at the rowing start line and the retaining wall along the main embankment needs replacing.
Paramount is the desire to protect Karāpiro’s green space while maintaining standards.
“There is no doubt this is Waipā’s jewel in the crown, a hidden gem. People are starting to see what a beautiful place it is. Over the next 15 years, this place will continue to flourish.”
The extension of Waikato Expressway now on the cards with a new government and the re-opening of the Hydro Dam road, visitor numbers will increase.
And Stolwyk predicts that when Hamilton Gardens starts charging visitors from outside the city, many will look to take their picnic blankets and chilli bins out to Karāpiro.
Thumbs up: Liz Stolwyk celebrates with Karāpiro staff from left Jordan Thorburn, Alex Dixon, Sam Ferkins.
