‘Vigilante’ ranger scaring tourists

A ‘‘vigilante’’ caretaker at a popular freedom camping spot has been scaring tourists into packing their bags, it has been claimed.

Secluded Double Bay in Mahau Sound in Marlborough is a freedom camping spot for self-contained vehicles.

Marlborough District Council bosses have launched a probe into the complaints.

Resident Andrew Speirs said he witnessed a man, who acts unofficially on Marlborough District Council’s behalf, ‘‘harassing’’ tourists and threatening them with $200 fines.

He said he had also been threatened with violence for parking on the grass – although there are no signs forbidding it.

The self-employed business owner wants to warn visitors to be wary.

‘‘They’re like some kind of reserve vigilantes against the tourists. People are terrified and hide in their vans and drive away,’’ Speirs said.

‘‘It’s just not right, a lot of them are French or German and their English isn’t very good; they just don’t understand.’’

The Double Bay site has space for six self-contained vehicles.

In accordance with section 20 of the Freedom Camping Act 2011, anyone found in breach of the act can incur a $200 fine.

Speirs, who lives near the campsite but regularly takes his campervan to the camp spot to star watch, said he had been threatened for parking on the grass. He had also been fined $200 for his actions.

‘‘In the summer, the reserve is packed with cars and boat trailers, but that is seemingly OK as they belong to residents,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s all bluff and bluster and makes for a very bad impression. I’m happy to pay the fine, but I don’t understand what rule I broke.’’

The Freedom Camping Act 2011 states that local authorities must issue warrants in writing to appointed enforcement officers specifying their responsibilities and the powers given to them.

An enforcement officer must produce evidence of his or her appointment under this Act whenever reasonably required to do so by any person.

A Marlborough District Council spokesman confirmed there were residents at Double Bay who advised vehicle owners, but were not officially employed.

He said they were due to have a meeting this week and could not reveal much until that had taken place.

‘‘We are meeting with Mr Speirs next week. A couple of local residents do advise vehicle owners and helpfully put up a ‘full’ sign at the top of the road when the six sites are occupied.

‘‘They are not official rangers. They offer advice to people, which is appreciated,’’ he said.

Canadian visitors Justin Tollenaar and Cass Jane stayed at the Bay recently in the designated self contained area.

The pair said they had found people to be ‘‘welcoming and friendly’’.

‘‘I think you have to be respectful as these people are allowing you in their neighbourhood,’’ Tollenaar said. ‘‘I think people are only going to get fined if they are doing something wrong and not the following the rules.’’