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A throng of visitors to a new temple site caused disorder in Ararimu recently even though the building is yet to be constructed.
A food festival held to promote the Sri Venkateshwara Devasthanam Hindu temple drew more interest than expected by organisers. The site’s 60 parking spots were quickly filled, leaving dozens more vying for parking spots on a rural Franklin road.
Cars were parked haphazardly on both sides of the street, Sam Williams from the Ararimu Residents and Ratepayers Association confirms.
“There were [an estimated] 100–150 cars, maybe more, all parked along a very windy and dangerous section of Ararimu Road. It caused significant congestion,” he says.
“People who drove through there were very concerned because they came along a blind corner – which we call Butcher’s Corner because it can be dangerous at the best of times – and there were cars all over the place and people walking in the middle of the road.”
Even though no accidents were caused this time, allowances for such popularity should be made in future or the consequences could prove fatal, Williams expects.
“It was extremely dangerous for the [event] attendees and for motorists. If similar situations occur in the future, I think a serious incident is highly likely.”
Temple trustee Venkat Ramen confirms that the event organisers did not anticipate how popular the event would be and they had not prepared for so many visitors.
“We had arranged for people to park their cars at a neighboring carpark but then many more cars than expected arrived,” he says. “We profusely apologise, it was a mistake that we openly admit and we have taken steps to make sure that this does not happen again.”
The temple has courted controversy since it was first proposed with opposition from residents concerned about traffic problems, noise pollution and the change in rural character.
However, in July 2025 Indra Sirigiri, chair of the temple’s Sirigiri Trust, was granted resource consent by Auckland Council.
While the consent does not prohibit attendees from parking on nearby roads, on-site parking must be made available before temple activities can be held.
Franklin ward councillor Andrew Baker has asked the council enforcement officer to investigate the incident and suggested placing yellow lines on roadsides to reduce parking congestion.
In the meantime, it appears as though the temple and the trust intend to be good neighbours.
“We’ve decided that we will not have any more major events until we can manage them and make sure there are no disruptions,” Ramen adds. “We will also ensure that alternative car parks are available when we do hold events.”
