Mayors well placed to have say on camping

TWO Otago mayors are leading the charge to tackle freedom camping issues in New Zealand.

Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Jim Boult and Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan were yesterday named as members of the Government’s freedom camping working group that will develop solutions to freedom camping issues.

Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis announced the nine members of the group, made up of people from across local government, industry and central government agencies.

‘‘The issues around freedom camping are complex and require a wellconsidered response. What works for one council and community doesn’t necessarily work for others.’’

‘‘I expect the working group’s recommendations to cover practical actions we can take to support councils ahead of the 201819 peak season, as well as any policy or regulatory changes to the freedom camping system that might be required over the longer term,’’ Mr Davis said.

Mr Boult and Mr Cadogan are two of three local government representatives on the group, and Mr Boult believed he and his Central Otago counterpart could be ‘‘pretty instrumental’’ and it ‘‘means we have a lot of influence’’.

He said his council had a ‘‘pretty good idea’’ about how the Queenstown Lakes community felt about freedom campers following a districtwide survey, and hoped to ‘‘bring a pragmatic and realistic approach to the table’’ while on the working group.

The group is expected to have its first meeting by May 4 and to report to Mr Davis by July 31.