Council eyeing further freedom camping bans

Freedom camping could be further restricted in several popular north Taranaki spots amid ongoing concerns.

Under the recommendation to today’s full New Plymouth District Council meeting, Corbett Park in Oakura and part of Tongapo¯rutu would have total freedom camping bans until April 30, 2020.

The Waitara Community Board wants Battiscombe Tce temporarily closed to freedom camping, with the exception of the six parks allowed for non-self contained vehicles.

Tongapo¯ rutu would be a partial closure, keeping the area between the reserve vehicle entrance and the baches available for freedom campers in self-contained vehicles, but the ban would cover the main Three Sisters carpark.

Evening checks at Tongapo¯ rutu last summer showed 147 self-contained campers and 18 non-self contained during January, while February saw 179 selfcontained and 17 non-self contained, the report to councillors noted.

In his submission to the council, Clifton Community Board chair Ken Bedford wrote they had received numerous complaints about freedom camping next to Clifton Rd, Tongapo¯ rutu, with the main areas being the unsealed carpark and the space adjacent to the boat ramp.

Other proposals under the council’s 2019/20 monitoring plan include a fulltime monitoring/ enforcement officer, researching mobile camera hire, and improved signage at the coastal reserves.

The council will meet at 1pm.