More bans on freedom camping

Freedom campers will face more restrictions in the new year after New Plymouth councillors approved further bans.

Several deputations were made about the issue at Tuesday’s full council meeting, including from the Clifton, Waitara and Kaitake community boards. They were concerned about Tongapo¯ rutu, where only self-contained freedom camping vehicles are allowed, Battiscombe Terrace in Waitara, where there are six spaces for non-selfcontained vehicles, and Corbett Park, Oakura, which has five spaces for non-self-contained vehicles.

Councillors decided to impose a partial ban on all freedom camping at Tongapo¯ rutu, including the Three Sisters car park.

They approved a full ban on all freedom camping at Corbett Park, and the same at Battiscombe Terrace, with the exception of the existing six spots.

Jonathan Marshall, of the Waitara board, said it was the tikanga (custom) of their local people to welcome visitors, but they had to also consider the environment. ‘‘The six [parks] that are there now are good enough in my opinion.’’

Jacqui King of Oakura Pa¯ , of Ngati Tari hapu¯ , for whom Corbett Park is a significant site, said they were supportive of a full ban there until a full review of the freedom camping bylaw and its management could be completed.

‘‘We don’t believe it should happen there in the longer-term view.’’

Vivienne Grigg told councillors she and her husband had been self-contained Taranaki motorhomers for 19 years. She agreed something had to be done, but said the enforcement of fines and effective monitoring would help the situation.

Mayor Neil Holdom said the existing bylaw solved about 80 per cent of the problem, and the new restrictions would do about the same. ‘‘It’s not perfect but that’s the nature of local government.’’

The restrictions will come into force in early to mid January.