Freedom camping bylaw to be considered
1 June 2016
A working party is being formed to investigate introducing a bylaw to help Taupo District Council manage growing numbers of freedom campers visiting the district.
Reid's Farm will also be closed to campers over the winter months to allow rehabilitation work to take place, in line with its reserve management plan. The closure will come into effect on Monday, June 20 and remain in place until September 30.
The decisions were made at this week's council meeting following an earlier workshop where councillors heard from police, the harbourmaster and a Department of Conservation representative about issues the district was facing from freedom camping.
Policy manager Nick Carroll said freedom camping had received some negative national media attention and concerns had been raised as to whether the council was adequately dealing with the issue. At Reid's Farm in particular there had been increased numbers of campers and a surge in complaints to police about criminal activity, he said.
There are a number of issues associated with the increase in negative attention including growing numbers, pressure on places where freedom camping is allowed, and an increase in the number of complaints. There has also been extreme pressure on Reid's Farm and growing issues with disorderly behaviour, conflicts with day users, and risks to people's health and safety.
We recommend an integrated approach be taken to evaluate the benefits and costs of a freedom camping bylaw, as well as a review of the Reid's Farm reserve management plan, to reduce the potential for unintended consequences.
Mayor David Trewavas said the current reserve management plan for Reid's Farm allowed for closure to campers from May 1 to September 30, however, this had not been actioned since 2011. The reserve required some maintenance and a jolly good tidy up. The closure would allow this work to take place in time for the busy summer season, he said.
Councillors Bernhard Chrustowski, Maggie Stewart and John Williamson were nominated to sit on the working party alongside other key stakeholders to look at freedom camping issues. The first meeting will be held within the next two months. Any future bylaw or amendment to the Reid's Farm Reserve Management would require consultation with the community.
A comprehensive review of the Reid's Farm reserve management plan will also be undertaken. Initial feedback will be sought from the community at the start of the process with another opportunity for people to give feedback once a draft has been prepared.
ENDS
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410
Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549
Taupō District Council
www.taupo.govt.nz
