AI cameras at freedom campsites
Artificial intelligence and solarpowered cameras are among the tools being deployed to manage freedom camping this summer.
Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis yesterday announced a package aimed at encouraging responsible freedom camping and aiding communities and councils to manage travelling tourists.
The technology is being tested as part of the broader $8.5 million package first announced in August, which also included temporary council facilities, education and enforcement projects, and camping ambassadors.
Davis said the Government’s efforts have substantially reduced the freedom camping problem and he expected a reduction in complaints this summer.
‘‘We’re not claiming perfection, but we’re certainly claiming that we’ve made a huge improvement in the issue of responsible camping,’’ he said.
Freedom camping has frustrated local authorities in recent years as crowds of motorhome and van-dwelling travellers descend on scenic areas to camp, forgoing locations with facilities such as toilets and rubbish bins.
A Government-appointed working group has been trying to determine fixes to problem camping, starting with a public relations blitz informing campers of environmental values.
Demonstrating the rebranding effort, speakers yesterday used the label ‘‘responsible campers’’ instead of ‘‘freedom campers’’.
This summer, at least 10 camping sites will be furnished with the artificial intelligence (AI) equipped solar-powered cameras, allowing campers to see if a campsite is full in real time via the CamperMate app.
A new Ambassador App will provide campers with information from council-employed camping ambassadors, who will record the number of vehicles at specific sites. About 20 councils have signed up to this app.
Councils are able to seek money from a contestable fund to employ these ambassadors, and some councils, such as Queenstown Lakes District, have as many as 10 employed.
‘‘The ambassadors were probably the most effective tool for educating, giving information and doing things in a friendly, Kiwi sort of way,’’ Davis said.
Also funded was free access to the self-contained vehicle standard, saving people around $70.
New Zealand Motor Caravan Association chief executive Bruce Lochore said his association’s members had been at their ‘‘wits’ end’’ over freedom camping, but were encouraged by the progress.
‘‘It’s probably going to be another 12 months away from having the complete package.’’
Tauranga, Akaroa, Coromandel (Cooks Beach), Wa¯naka, Dunedin (x2), Whangarei, Marlborough, Taupo¯ (Reid’s Farm)
– Six other sites to be confirmed