The theft of a tarpaulin could lead to the eviction of two people from their summer harbourside camp on Rat Island.

The tarpaulin became part of the lining of a beachside hot pool, created by damming the outflow from the Motel pool on the other side of Turret Road.

People have created their own hot pool. Photo: Bruce Barnard.

Neil Phllips went across to the island, where at least two people have been living since before Christmas, and was promised a replacement. It didn't happen, so he complained to police about the theft.

'This was last year,” says Neil.

'It's been there for a long time collecting a lot of vagrants, homeless people, drunks and whatever.”

He also went to the health department to complain about the homeless washing in the hot pool. And the city council, and the regional council.

'They are all passing the buck really,” says Neil.

'It's a pool. There's laws and regulations in this country for swimming pools. It's not fenced off or anything.

'I went and saw the police again, and on Sunday had a call from police. They've taken it off the constable the job was given to and said they'll get somebody to see me Monday.”

At 8am there was a knock on the door and a couple of bobbies were there to be shown the pool, before walking across the mudflat to talk to the alleged thief.

'The first comment when they come back is ‘gosh they've got a good set up over there, haven't they? The pool, they have made quite a good job of it, haven't they really?” says Neil.

Apart from the tarpaulin, Neil recognises the value of Rat Island as a homeless residence.

'Put all these people out there, if that's where they want to go. More than three quarters of the time they can't get ashore to bother us because the tide's in.”

He's not worried about people living on the island, but he wants the thief of his tarpaulin charged, regardless how good the camp is.

Rat Island or Motuopuhi is owned by the Tauranga City Council.

Council staff say they are aware two people are living on the island, and staff have been in discussion with them about moving them on.