The pros and cons of freedom camping
While the 2018 Freedom Camping season may be winding down, the discussions around the negative issues arising from this fast growing activity intensifies.
Across the country, there has been increasing concern expressed by many Local Authorities about the overcrowding and often unsanitary conditions created in many popular freedom camping hotspots. I can assure you that there are some pretty ugly scenes around the country.
Comparative to other districts, we in Hurunui do not yet have an unmanageable problem.
To address this issue the Minister of Tourism initiated a meeting of Mayors who have a substantial visitor industry, including Hurunui and Kaikoura District Mayors.
That meeting identified both the positives and negatives associated with Freedom Camping, and resolved to set up a Task Force to work on developing solutions.
Local Govt. NZ facilitated a subsequent symposium comprising Mayors, the Ministers of Conservation and Local Government, along with Visitor Industry Participants and Providers to canvas key issues and solutions. A number of innovative solutions were put forward by participants for consideration by the Task Force.
The Freedom Camping boom and its issues have been at the centre of much public debate, subject to intense media interest, and discussion around Council tables.
Questions on how to tackle the lack of, particularly sanitary infrastructure, and overcrowding at a number of New Zealand’s most scenic spots, coupled with the difficulties around bylaw enforcement have been at the forefront of these discussions. There is consensus that there isn’t a one size fits all solution, and it has been identified that local approaches are needed for specific local issues, for example, there are differences between Rotorua’s issues and those further south in Queenstown, and their issues are quite different to ours.
Discussion will continue around how to deal with the infrastructure deficit that many Councils face to cater for Freedom Camping, and finding creative and affordable ways to provide new infrastructure.
The development of mobile app solutions have been encouraging, suggesting that new technology partnerships will be a way forward.
Also recently launched is LGNZ’s good practice guide for Freedom Camping, this provides advice and resources for Councils and tourism operators.
The good practice guide will help Councils address issues including littering, Motor Home self-containment, and public carpark use, and it presents a range of approaches including developing strategy, displaying signage, site assessments and visitor education etc.
It’s heartening to see cooperation between Local and Central Government on this issue, and to be joined in finding solutions by the Tourism Industry, and Motor Home organisations.
There are undoubtedly numerous challenges, particularly for smaller Local Authorities whose smaller rate paying bases have difficulty funding the provision and servicing of infrastructure for Freedom Camping.
The Governments Tourism Infrastructure Fund goes some way to address this, but clearly, much more is needed.
Contrary to popular belief, the significant financial contribution of Freedom Campers to the economy is well proven.
Their total spend while on holiday often equals or exceeds that of other travellers, it is just that they are frugal with accommodation expenses, leaving more of their cash available for other activities and an extended length of stay.
We need to acknowledge that as with most problems, it is a minority who abuse the privilege of travelling and camping in our fantastic relatively pristine country, and acknowledge the thousands of responsible, clean, tidy, and considerate campers who value and respect the privilege to travel and camp around our country.
The negative and positive elements of Freedom Camping can be attributed to both overseas Visitors and New Zealanders alike.
I have no doubt that with goodwill between all parties, the negative impacts of Freedom Camping can be substantially reduced and the benefits acknowledged and valued.