Summer camping business as usual

Camping in the Gisborne district is business as usual for this season open now until 6 April 2015.

Instigated by the Freedom Camping Act 2011, a draft Freedom Camping bylaw that was proposed to council earlier this year, was deferred in September until after a review.

“A recommendation to the hearings committee was that the Bylaw will not come into effect until after a larger review is completed on how Freedom Camping will be funded,” says planning and development group manager, Nedine Thatcher-Swann.

In the meantime ‘Summer Camping’ in the district will continue as it has in previous years.

Campers are required to apply for a permit to camp in several designated sites from Donneraille Park to Waipiro Bay.

“We want to encourage safe and responsible camping at our beaches and reserves so that campers have an enjoyable holiday,” says parks & community property manager, Grahame Smail.

One permit is issued for every 6 people, from 2 nights to 28 nights, at a cost proportionate to cover waste disposal.

“We issue blue rubbish bags with permits, which are collected from camps on regular days throughout the season.”

“A chemical toilet for every 8 people is a requirement and transfer stations for disposal are located at all sites.”

“Please leave your campsite as you’d wish to find it. Leave only your footprints.”

Council inspectors will be visiting camp sites to assist anyone with compliance or any other issues. Campers can contact an officer on 06 867 2049, 24 hours a day.

More information is available on council website www.gdc.govt.nz or pick up a Summer Camping brochure from 15 Fitzherbert Street or Te Puia Springs Service Centre.

Council offices will be closing on Tuesday 23 December and reopening on Monday 5 January.

People are advised to arrange their permit with customer services outside of these times or check the website for additional distributors, including Gisborne I-Site.

“The kiwi outdoors experience is appreciated by all,” says Mayor Meng Foon, “we hope campers will respect the camping grounds.”

ENDS

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