16 August 2018

A “KiwiCamp” system for freedom campers is among a suite of new camping facilities to be provided in Tasman District, thanks to newly-announced Government funding.

Tasman District Council will receive $660,000 after making an application to the Responsible Camping Working Group for assistance addressing some of the issues associated with freedom camping in the region.

Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne said the money would help provide extra monitoring and enforcement of the Council’s Freedom Camping Bylaw, as well as provide toilets, sinks, waste compactors and other improvements for campers while reducing some of the nuisance effects of freedom camping.

Nearly half the funding, $300,000, would be used for a portable, purpose-built “KiwiCamp” ablution block, similar to one that has been used in Spring Creek, Marlborough.

The KiwiCamp block includes toilets, showers, dishwashing facilities, wifi and charging ports, which campers can access after purchasing and swiping a KiwiCash card.

The Council is considering sites near Motueka and Wakefield for the KiwiCamp facility.

Richard said: “We’re one of many tourist destinations in New Zealand that have struggled to accommodate the large numbers of campers who come to some of our most scenic areas in summer and who choose not to stay in commercial campgrounds or other accommodation.

“We want to be welcoming hosts. This funding will help us provide some much-needed facilities for campers, reducing the negative effects freedom camping has had on the environment - and on the patience of locals - in some locations.”
The list of camping improvements planned for Tasman includes:

• Extra monitoring and enforcement
• A KiwiCamp facility
• A toilet block at a new freedom camping site in Richmond
• Portaloos at camping spots
• Sinks at camping spots
• Waste compactors at camping spots
• Site improvements (such as site levelling, gravelling muddy areas, marking parking spaces, fencing and signage) at Waitapu Bridge, Alexander Bluff and the KiwiCamp site
• An upgrade of the intersection at Waitapu Bridge
The improvements will be in place by December, ready for the summer camping season.
ENDS

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