AI cameras at campsites

Artificial intelligence and solarpowered cameras are among the tools being deployed to better manage freedom camping this summer.

Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis announced yesterday a package of tools aimed at encouraging responsible freedom camping and aiding communities and councils in managing the 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 had substantially reduced the freedom camping problem and he expected a reduction in complaints this summer.

Freedom camping has frustrated local authorities in recent years as crowds of motorhome and van-dwelling travellers descend upon scenic areas, forgoing locations with facilities such as toilets and rubbish bins.

A Government-appointed working group has been trying to determine fixes to problem freedom camping, beginning with a public relations blitz informing campers of New Zealand’s environmental values, and moving campers on from places they shouldn’t be.

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 via the CamperMate app.

A new Ambassador App will provide campers with information from council-employed ambassadors, who will record the number of vehicle 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 the Queenstown Lakes District, have as many as 10 employed.

New colour-coded zones for the Kaiko¯ura District will also be piloted, telling campers where they can or can’t stay, also on the CamperMate app. This system may be rolled out to further regions.

Kamili, a 20-month old female giraffe, has just arrived at Orana Park after being transferred from Perth Zoo.