Role reversal

The region implemented the bylaw in 2012, but had trialled changes since 2014, amending the rules at the end of last year.

Marlborough Sounds ward councillor David Oddie said patrolling the camping areas was necessary.

However, the issue of campers not paying fines was a national problem which was difficult to solve, as by the time the paperwork had been sorted out the campers had often returned home.

‘‘How we could utilise that tool better has always been a difficult question to answer.’’

When it came to Koromiko, it was impossible to police the site 24-hours a day.

‘‘How high do you want your rates to be? That’s what I’d ask,’’ Oddie said.

Oddie said more leadership was needed from central government on freedom camping.

Tourists did not see different districts but viewed the North Island and the South Island as a whole, and it did not make sense for different regions to set different rules, Oddie said.

Council reserves and amenities manager Rosie Bartlett said the council would have to finalise the dates the ranger would work, as they would not be needed during the winter months.

The cost to the council would be $30,000 from July 1 this year to June 30 next year. The council already had part-time and fulltime reserves rangers, who carried out a ‘‘whole raft of activities’’, including looking after waste, graffiti, and camping in reserves. Anne Boswell meets a husband and wife dairy farming team who have been unconventional but successful in the way they work.