28 February 2019

Council to Engage with Community and Campers Following Freedom Camping Bylaw

The Hurunui District Council adopted a new Freedom Camping Bylaw in September last year and, after a busy summer for tourism, is planning to proactively engage with local communities to see how everyone got on.

Since the new bylaw was adopted, new signage has been installed in freedom camping permitted areas.

Throughout the process, council has received useful data about camper’s movements through ‘CamperMate’ (an app frequently used by campers) and has been collecting and compiling community feedback. Council have also been undertaking routine patrols in popular freedom camping areas.

The mayor and local councillors had asked council staff for a review of the bylaw to be bought back to them in February, a report that was then delayed to incorporate further community engagement through to March.

Multiple channels will be used to seek feedback and input from communities within the next month, including an online survey, email opportunities and drop-in sessions in Gore Bay, Hanmer Springs and Waiau.

“We have identified areas suitable for freedom camping in the district and the council is keen to find out if we have got it right” says Judith Batchelor, Manager Regulatory Services.

Drop in Sessions:

Gore Bay: Friday 8th March, 2pm-4pm, the Old Reserve
Waiau: Wednesday 20th March, 4pm-6pm, the Village Green
Hanmer Springs: Monday 25th March, 10am-12pm, Outside the Library

Feedback Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/hurunui-camping

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