Committee to consider Freedom Camping Bylaw change

A bylaw change is being recommended to address community concerns about the impact freedom campers are having in the seaside town of Akaroa.

The 2015 Freedom Camping Bylaw allows freedom campers to stay for up to two nights in some parts of Akaroa as long as they are in self-contained vehicles. No camping is allowed in the commercial or main waterfront areas.

However, the number of freedom campers visiting Akaroa has caused issues in the community, with residents expressing concerns about disrespectful and environmentally damaging behaviour, such as toileting in public places and dumping rubbish.

Freedom campers not having or not using on-board bathroom and kitchen facilities causes impacts on the community, infrastructure and environment.

A recent community survey showed 63 per cent support for tighter restrictions on overnight freedom camping in Akaroa. Seventy-seven per cent of survey respondents were opposed to freedom camping in residential areas and 65 per cent were opposed to freedom camping along the rest of the waterfront (near the Lighthouse).

Next week Christchurch City Council’s Regulatory Performance Committee will consider a report(external link) that recommends amending the Freedom Camping Bylaw to address the Akaroa community’s concerns.

Under the proposed amendment to the bylaw, freedom camping would be prohibited in Akaroa, except for in one area.

The freedom camping area on Rue Brittan would continue, allowing self-contained vehicles to freedom camp for up two nights. A ‘one vehicle per marked space’ addition to the bylaw would help address overcrowding.

“A prohibition across Akaroa will enable simple and clear messaging about freedom camping,’’ the report says.

If the recommendations in the report are adopted by the Council, consultation will be held to gather public feedback on the proposed bylaw change.

A Hearings Panel will consider that feedback and make a final recommendation to the Council on whether the bylaw should be amended.

Any changes to the bylaw will be in place for the start of this summer’s freedom camping season.

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