Future freedom camping areas proposed

Feedback on proposed freedom camping areas in the Taupo District is being sought to help guide the development of a draft bylaw.

Freedom camping is permitted in any local authority area under the Freedom Camping Act, however a bylaw can be made to restrict or prohibit freedom camping from any area within a district. Any freedom camping bylaw must not completely prohibit freedom camping in all areas of the district.

A working group made up of various stakeholders was established earlier this year to help councillors make an informed decision on what the future of freedom camping could look like. The group identified a number of proposed areas for freedom camping. Feedback is now being sought on those proposed areas to help guide the development of the draft bylaw.

Policy manager Nick Carroll said feedback on proposed freedom camping areas is the first stage in the bylaw consultation process.

"We're seeking feedback on these areas and any other areas people might like to see used for freedom camping to help guide the drafting of a freedom camping bylaw. Once the draft is prepared, it will be made public and the community will be invited to give further feedback on this document between 16 January and 17 March 2017."

To have your say on the areas proposed to allow freedom camping, visit our freedom camping consultation page here and fill out the short survey or email your thoughts to freedomcamping@taupo.govt.nz by 5pm on Friday, 25 November.