Bay residents give camping views
While they may have different ideas on how to cope, Golden Bay residents agree that the town’s freedom camping issue is not going away any time soon.
The Tasman District Council held a hearing for submissions on its proposed freedom camping bylaw, at the Takaka Service centre on Thursday.
Under the bylaw, large parts of the district would be off-limits to freedom campers next summer.
It also proposed six freedom camping sites, including Taupata Point, Waitapu Bridge, and the former landfill in Rototai.
Resident Carolyn McLellan said nationwide rules should be established and explained to all travellers at the border, and it was central government’s responsibility to help manage the situation, not local government on their own.
‘‘TDC should be applying for more costs, and I see you have, to meet the costs of more toilets and pay showers to alleviate the situation that is continuously evolving.’’
Taupata Point would need toilets installed and should go through a trial period, but the former landfill site should only be used if there was scientific evidence proving it’s safe for overnight camping.
William Brabent said he had serious concerns for the health and safety of campers at the proposed landfill site and that the idea was ‘‘dead in the water’’.
Chris Petyt said he objected to Taupata Point because it was an important high tide roost site for different species of birds throughout the year.
‘‘I think the council could do deals with local farmers. There are areas out that way like the old Visions festival site, or other more suitable ones.’’
Derry Kingston said he thought the former landfill site at Rototai was a ‘brain-wave’’ and he supported the idea, so long as they paid a small fee.
Jo-Anne Vaughan said the various reserves along the coastline were not suitable because of the birdlife, but supported the use of the reserve at Waitapu Bridge and Uruwhenua.
‘‘I think we should look again at the land at Reilly St. The kids were very happy there; it was ultimate freedom with a swim in the river anytime, shady trees, and a wander down the shops to get food. The only concern I had was the occasional flooding.’’
Rolf Brouwer said New Zealand was known as one of the last freedom camp- ing paradises left.
He said there should be a ‘‘clear, national picture’’ of what is allowed and not allowed.
Sol Morgan said we should change the name to ‘‘cheap camping’’ and put a fee system in several sites and install picnic tables, compost toilets and designated fire areas.
He said we should be really clear about what freedom campers can expect when they ‘‘hit’’ the top of the Takaka Hill.
Duncan Cavaye said it was a human right for those who live here to be able to move around freely and freedom camp, and he didn’t want to lose that.