Freedom camping solution sought
A Taranaki couple believe getting the right mix of regulations and infrastructure would help solve problems with an overload of freedom campers.
This summer an unexpected influx of tourists seeking free accommodation at New Plymouth’s Waiwhakaiho scenic reserve have upset locals who say they have been pushed out of the area and are having to foot the bill for the visitors to stay.
The situation prompted the New Plymouth District Council to hold an emergency meeting in January and change its Freedom Camping Bylaw one month after it was passed.
The original bylaw permitted freedom campers to stay at any local authority area with the exception of three sites, but the council has now imposed restrictions on numbers and the area where people could stay.
In December the council threw out a proposal to ban non-selfcontained freedom campers but Dave Leishman and Teena Te Awhe say the new restrictions along with imposing a minimum distance between vehicles would help reduce the congestion.
‘‘I think the recent bylaw in New Plymouth is a mess that went wrong because the council never really put much thought into it and no regulations,’’ Dave said.
The couple have travelled the country in their self-contained van, which is certified by the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association, and have set up a Facebook page ‘‘Stand for freedom camping’’ to welcome the tourists and educate anyone who had the wrong idea about them.
‘‘We’ve made some wonderful friends, with people who are doing the same thing and they are lovely, kind, caring people,’’ Teena said.
She said there was a stigma that freedom campers were low lifes who didn’t clean up after themselves but it wasn’t the case.
‘‘You learn how to conserve and be aware of your surroundings and look after the environment because most people who choose this lifestyle are environmentally friendly.
‘‘We’ve seen with our own eyes locals leaving and biffing out rubbish from their vehicles and booze bottles left behind.’’
Teena said having the tourists visit was great for the district and she didn’t want to see them put off enjoying the region’s attractions.
However regulations were needed to protect access for the locals and so the freedom campers could enjoy their stay.
‘‘They need to be able to come and enjoy their experience without being made to feel as if they’re a burden on the ratepayers.’’
Installing a KiwiCamp, a modern ablution block that provides access to hot showers, dishwashing and laundry facilities and a waste recycling station, and 600 litre ‘‘big belly bins’’ at the site would be an asset for locals and visitors alike, she said.
Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis has invited 22 mayors, including New Plymouth’s Neil Holdom, to a meeting in March to discuss the nationwide problems being caused by freedom campers and how it was being managedy.
The NPDC will review its bylaw in April and Teena hopes councillors would put some more thought and consideration into any changes to find a suitable solution that catered for everyone.