City should lead ban on freedom camping
I WAS horrified to see that your paper had dedicated a quarter page to the drivel written by Waikouaiti Coast community board member Geraldine Tait (ODT, 20.7.16). The only comment that made any sensewas ‘‘some people resent campers getting something for free’’.
I ask Geraldine to consider what would happen if even half the millions of visitors New Zealand has each year freedomcamped? Does she think it is now OK to swamp Warrington Domain with freedom campers because the ratepayers have now forked out for extra toilets, rubbish removal etc?
Obviously Ms Tait has not tried to freedom camp in Europe where most of the campers come from. If she had she would have found that the facilities in organised camping grounds leave a lot to be desired but she would be moved on if she parked just where she liked.
Does she ask herself why so many freedom campers want to visit New Zealand? One reason (apart from the obvious one that is because their holiday is paid for by New Zealand rate and taxpayers) is because they want to see the natural beauty of this country.
It is not the imposition of any tax to cover the cost of facilities for visitors that will harm this country’s image, but the sheer weight of numbers and the mess they leave behind that is spoiling the natural beauty.
Her comment regarding lowering charges at camping grounds is ludicrous. She has obviously not done a basic exercise in economics. For one person it usually costs the paltry sum of $20 per night (probably less than what is spent on alcohol); 15% of that goes to the Government in GST. Out of the remaining $17.40 the owners have to pay rates, electricity, insurance and staff for a 24/7 business and probably make mortgage repayments as well as make a living. Time to get real.
I thoroughly endorse banning freedom camping and let Dunedin lead the way in this practice.
Dianne Davey
Dunedin [Abridged. Geraldine Tait replies: ‘‘The subject of freedom camping certainly elicits very strong reactions. My personal experience of the freedom campers at Warrington is that they have mostly been quiet, tidy and well behaved. Although numbers of tourists have increased, it is only going to be a limited group who will want to camp. I think a visitor levy at the boarder could be used to provide good facilities throughout New Zealand and also help fund the Department of Conservation.’’]