Freedom camping bylaw now in effect

From today, our new freedom camping bylaw has come into effect around the district, banning campers from Ferry Road and limiting areas where non-self-contained campers can stay.

Councillors adopted the bylaw after hearing submissions late last month.

Policy manager Nick Carroll said the bylaw also meant freedom campers would be allowed to camp in permitted areas for a maximum of three nights and/or four days before they needed to move on.

Camping on reserves remains prohibited under the Reserves Act with the exception of Hipapatua Recreational Reserve (Reid's Farm), Whakamaru Domain, Whakamaru Recreational Reserve and Mangakino Recreational Reserve.

"Non-self-contained camping vehicles will be allowed to stay in these reserves because of the amenities available in them, such as toilets," Mr Carroll said. "This means we have options for all kinds of campers in our district."

Anyone breaking the bylaw will be liable for a $200 infringement.

The bylaw will be reviewed in five years unless issues arise that require it to be reviewed sooner.

For more information on the bylaw, visit our freedom camping page.

1 December 2017.