Freedom Camping

The Self-Contained Motor Vehicle Legislation Bill has passed its third reading, marking a milestone in the government’s efforts to manage the impacts of freedom camping, says Tourism Minister Peeni Henare.

The tourism minister also denies turning down assistance from National to redraft the freedom camping bill.

The National Party has revoked support for the Self-Contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Bill because of how the proposed legislation approaches the kinds of toilets campers would be able to use.

Kaipara District Council is seeking to appoint two officers who will educate and monitor freedom campers in the area.

The government has awarded Gisborne District Council $128,000 for the recruitment of three part-time staff who will regulate and manage freedom camping in the Tairāwhiti region during summer.

Marlborough District Council is calling for public feedback on eight proposed freedom camping sites across the region.

Public feedback is now open for the proposed Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Bill.

A new national register of self-contained vehicles accessible by the public will be established, says Tourism Minister Stuart Nash.

The government has introduced its Self-contained Motor Vehicle Legislation Bill, which it says will address the environmental and social impacts of freedom camping.

The Responsible Campers Association is pushing for a law change to minimise the ‘visible after effects’ from people going to the toilet in public.

Marlborough District Council is not satisfied that restrictions on six proposed freedom camping areas are necessary under the Draft Responsible Camping Bylaw 2022.

Responsible Campers Association is renewing calls for an enquiry into freedom camping in New Zealand.

Queenstown Lakes District Council will vote on its proposed Freedom Camping Bylaw 2021 tomorrow, Thursday 16 December.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is hosting webinars for people to learn about the government’s proposed freedom camping changes.

Proposed new freedom camping laws are an opportunity to ease community concerns and create a stronger approach to managing camping around the country, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

A new freedom camping bylaw in Gisborne means several changes will be implemented from this season, says Gisborne District Council.

A freedom camping bill coming before the parliament should be sent to select committee for debate, says Federated Farmers.

Tackling freedom camping is an issue long overdue for workable solutions, according to industry leaders.

Building a tourism system that maximizes the wellbeing of everyone is something that should be hammered out while international borders are closed, says MBIE’s tourism director Karl Woodhead.

Marlborough District Council says it will review its new Responsible Camping Control Bylaw 2020 to respond to concerns raised by the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association.

Queenstown Lakes District councillors will meet today to approve a proposed draft for an update to freedom camping regulations in the region.

New rules aim to restrict number of nights, number of vehicles, and allow only self-contained vehicles.

Queenstown Lakes District Council is seeking feedback on freedom camping in the district via a survey.

An advocacy group wants an inquiry into the freedom camping situation in New Zealand after a related members’ bill on the matter was picked from the ballot last week.

More stringent freedom camping restrictions are on the cards if a members’ bill drawn from the ballot Thursday makes its way into law.

Submissions on new freedom camping proposals due 16 May.

Further public meetings have been scheduled for the government to consult on its new freedom camping proposals.

Consultation on the government’s freedom camping propopsals is starting with public meetings from today, Tuesday 20 April.

The Govt is proposing industry picks up more of the bill for freedom camping enforcement.

Vehicle rental companies may be required to collect fines under a new set of proposals.

Queenstown Lakes District Council is taking legal advice after the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) challenged the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2019.

Less litter, cleaner public toilets, happier visitors and more promotion of the Coromandel were the successful outcomes of the $656,566 Responsible Camping Fund granted to Thames-Coromandel District Council.

The Waikato River Authority is calling for a full review of freedom camping regulations in order to protect the country’s waterways.

The money should be spent helping operators survive the pandemic, says an industry group.

Marlborough District Council is seeking public submissions on the district’s Freedom Camping Bylaw.

Freedom camping sites should not be allowed to reopen at Covid-19 alert level 2, says Holiday Parks New Zealand.

Porritt Stadium in Hamilton has been set up as a Covid-19 self-isolation site for freedom campers at the request of the Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management Group.

Nelson and Tasman commercial campgrounds will provide temporary space for freedom campers who don’t have a place to stay for the next four weeks in isolation.

Holiday parks are the best option for campervan visitors as districts close or limit freedom camping sites.

Kāpiti Coast District Council will continue surveying freedom campers in the district in March after doing so through the summer season.

Responsible Campers Association has lodged a complaint with the Ombudsman over Kaikoura District Council’s new freedom camping bylaw.

Christchurch City Council is closing North Beach Car Park to freedom camping in the weekends during surf lifesaving season due to concerns over safety and public access.

Off-roader’s, hunters, trampers, river users and other outdoor groups are calling on Minister Kelvin Davis to address what they say are inequalities in freedom camping.

Kaikoura District Council has launched a survey to guage the camping experience in the district.

The Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment has awarded its Responsible Camping Summer Research 2019/20 project to Auckland’s Fresh Information.

Local residents and iwi have expressed concerns to the Tasman District Council Council relating to pollution and health and safety at the Waitapu Bridge freedom camping site.

As the hot weather ramps up, the Department of Conservation is urging people not to light fires in prohibited areas.

New research from Massey University has revealed New Zealanders are divided over their feelings towards freedom campers, with growing concern among locals about the risks of over-tourism and the toll on the environment.

Waikato District Council has added staff in the form of responsible camping ambassadors to help manage freedom camping over the summer season, following extra funding from the government.

Responsible Camping Ambassadors are now across the Coromandel, as the district looks to combat the challenges of freedom camping.