Freedom camping restrictions
A proposed freedom camping bylaw has provoked a mixed response.
Whangarei District Council received 42 submissions, 23 of those expressed their general support of the bylaw, 12 expressed their opposition and a further seven did not make an indication.
The bylaw would see a permanent ban on freedom camping in some areas of the district such as sports parks, Morrison Rd carpark at Matapouri and Eliott Reserve.
A summer prohibition period would run from December 18 to February 8 and prohibit freedom camping in areas of Langs Beach, McLeod Bay, Sandy Bay, Ruakaka, Wellingtons Bay, Woolleys Bay and Moureeses Bay.
Freedom camping at several other sites throughout the district will be restricted to designated spaces and marked parks.
The proposed bylaw states that freedom campers must use a certified self-contained vehicle and they cannot stay in the same area for longer than three nights in a four week period.
Six submitters expressed their support for non self-contained freedom camping in the vicinity of toilet blocks and public facilities.
Freedom camper James Hart told the council on May 24 that he disagreed with the blanket ban on non-self contained units.
He said the restrictions change the description of what freedom camping is.
‘‘If we allow self-contained units only, we rid ourselves of a vital part of the market.
‘‘We must make it fair, not just for people who can motorhomes.’’
Hart suggested setting up an area specifically for non selfcontained units.
Another of the issues raised was the length of the summer prohibition period, with four submitters saying they felt it was too long.
A large portion of submitters afford raised concerns about specific beaches and areas.
Marilyn Cox, who spoke to the council on behalf of the Bream Bay Coastal Care Trust, told them they should put aside funds to police the situation.
‘‘We have three camp grounds of varying degrees of facilities, we don’t need freedom campers taking up our council reserves.’’
James Imlach spoke on behalf of the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association in support of the proposed bylaw.
The council will meet on June 28 to consider the submissions.