Freedom camping ban at Anzac Bay
Freedom campers can no longer park up overnight at Bowentown's Anzac Bay under a number of bylaw review changes across the Western Bay of Plenty.
Along with banning freedom camping at Anzac Bay, the Freedom Camping bylaw review has also reduced the area at Pukehina Beach (Dotterel Point), and a reduced freedom camping space at Brighton Reserve. Council has decided not to permit freedom camping at several new reserves at Lund Rd, Wairoa Rd, Fyfe Rd utilities reserve and Western Ave utilities reserve until future plans for this land have been developed.
The new bylaw will come into effect from September 30.
The overnight camping ban at Anzac Bay is backed by 71 per cent public support — across 78 public submissions during consultation — while the majority supported the other freedom camping changes proposed by council.
In total council received 145 submissions on its Freedom Camping Bylaw proposals, including online submissions, written responses, verbal feedback received at engagement events and formal hearings.
Mayor Garry Webber says there has been significant public support in council's commitment to make the District's popular coastal areas more pleasant for all holidaymakers.
“We take the public's concerns and feedback seriously, and these comments directly informed the decision making process for us as a council.
“The decision to remove Anzac Bay as a freedom camping area also pays respect to the fact that the Anzac Domain is an area of cultural significance.
“Last year council leased land on Emerton Rd in Waihi Beach to the New Zealand Motorhome Association — to provide an area designated for their members to enjoy their stay. This has reduced the level of demand to stay overnight at Anzac Bay.”
Council has also been working with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to provide amenities such as KiwiCamp and additional security monitoring to ensure freedom campers are abiding by the rules.
Council received $340,000 from MBIE to help manage freedom camping over summer.
This has funded the installation of a KiwiCamp facility at Seaforth Road at Bowentown for this summer.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council also approved changes to its traffic and parking enforcement, animals (excluding dogs), cemeteries, public places and trading in public places bylaws today.
All changes will come into effect on September 30.