Successful freedom camping summer on the Coromandel

People freedom camping on the Coromandel have had a good summer so far, with infringements down considerably from last year.

In December 2016 and January 2017, 297 infringements were issued. For the same period last summer the number was 520.

"This is an extremely positive result, as our bylaws officers are not using any different tactics to previous years and it would appear that the message is getting out to freedom campers about the appropriate places for this type of camping on the Coromandel," says Barry Smedts, our Council's Community Environment Manager.

Freedom camping in a certified self-contained vehicle is allowed in many parts of the Coromandel that our Council owns or manages. But in some areas it is either prohibited outright or allowed within clearly marked sites. These prohibited and restricted areas are clearly sign-posted.

For more information on freedom camping in the Coromandel, including restricted and prohibited areas, go to our website www.tcdc.govt.nz/freedomcamping

For more information on what makes a vehicle certified self-contained, go to the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association website: www.nzmca.org.nz/self-containment

Touring the Coromandel in a motorhome, camper van or caravan has never been easier now that Coromandel Town, Whitianga and Whangamata are part of the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association's network of Motorhome Friendly towns.

Motorhome Friendly towns provide amenities and services that will make you feel welcome. See www.mhftowns.com for more.

In other freedom camping news, we've been working with Tourism Holdings Ltd (which operates the Maui, Britz and Mighty Campers campervan brands), Jucy Rentals and Local Government NZ to address a better way of being able to collect unpaid freedom camping fines.

The trial is to see if the fines can be collected as people return their rental vehicles.

Since the trial began in late September last year, 16 infringements have been issued to people hiring Jucy Rental camping vehicles. Twelve of those infringements have been paid, two remain unpaid and another two are under appeal.

Meanwhile, two infringements were issued to people hiring Tourism Holding Ltd camping vehicles over this same period. One infringement is under appeal while the other is still outstanding.

We'll have more information on the trial once it is completed at the end of the summer.

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