‘Guarded support’ for new freedom camping laws

17 May 2011

‘Guarded support’ for new freedom camping laws

The 40,000-member New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) is giving ‘guarded support’ to the Government’s proposed new freedom camping legislation.

President Bruce Stanger says the NZMCA supports the legislation’s intent to prevent irresponsible campers despoiling New Zealand with human waste and litter.

“Something had to be done and this legislation does try to address the problem.”

However, he has concerns about the power the Freedom Camping Bill gives Councils to designate ‘no camping’ areas – even to responsible NZMCA members with Certified Self Contained (CSC) motorhomes and caravans - and says the NZMCA will be making submissions on the Bill.

“We absolutely understand the need to sort out the situation with the cheapie ‘whizzbang’ campers. They don’t have water and waste facilities and we agree – they should be confined to camping grounds or other designated areas.

“But in doing that, we need to be careful that the legislation doesn’t impact on the rights of responsible motorhomers, in CSC vehicles, to enjoy our country.”

Mr Stanger is particularly concerned about the power the proposed legislation gives Councils to determine where camping is allowed.

At this stage, the NZMCA understands Councils have been given two model bylaws to work from during their reviews:

1. Designated sites for freedom camping in CSC vehicles; everywhere else prohibited (e.g. Hastings District Council);

2. Allow freedom camping in CSC vehicles anywhere, except where prohibited (e.g. Queenstown Lakes District Council).

“Where are they going to make the parking available – will it be outside towns, in undesirable areas, rather than in the town itself?” asks Mr Stanger.

“This is an issue we’re going to have to watch very closely, to ensure responsible motorhomers are not shut out of the sites we’ve been able to use in the past.”
The NZMCA’s Resource Management Coordinator James Imlach, who represents the organisation on the Freedom Camping Forum, shares the President’s cautious support for the new legislation but he also has some concerns around specific aspects of it.

“We’re supportive of an instant fine regime as local government needs stronger enforcement tools to help address irresponsible freedom campers,” he says. “Our only reservation would be around how this will be enforced - we would expect officers to apply common sense and opt for education before issuing fines.”

Mr Imlach says he’s also supportive of nationally consistent signage and would expect a formal adoption of the green responsible camper sticker – which is currently displayed by over 15,000 rental and private vehicles.

“We’re pleased central government has gone some way to acknowledge self contained vehicles and freedom camping.”

ENDS

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