Security at Reid’s Farm increased for safety

Security at Reid's Farm increased for safety

Extra security will be employed at Reid's Farm over summer to ensure visitors have a safer stay at the popular freedom camping reserve.

Taupo District Council consents and regulatory manager Scott Devonport said security patrols are currently being carried out twice a day by security contractors and patrols will continue over the holiday season to ensure everyone using the reserve stays safe.

"There will be a permanent presence at Reid's Farm from December 28 to January 3 with security guards based at the reserve to ensure campers are following the rules for everyone's safety."

Mr Devonport said campers would be asked to move on if they had set up in the wrong area and would also be stopping vehicles entering Reid's Farm to check for alcohol.

"Reid's Farm has a complete liquor ban from noon on December 27 until 7am on January 4, and guards will seize any alcohol found at the reserve or being brought to the reserve in vehicles," he said.

Reid's Farm is currently managed by a reserve management plan that was adopted in 1997 that allows short term camping in specific areas. Over recent years freedom camping has grown in popularity and camping at Reid's Farm has significantly increased, as have complaints around anti-social behaviour.

A comprehensive review of the management plan for Reid's Farm is now underway which will help council make improvements, increase safety, address the recent issues around camping, and work with community groups to boost the overall visitor experience.

A draft reserve management plan for Reid's Farm was adopted by Council at its meeting on December 13 and public consultation on the proposed plan will take place in February 2017, in conjunction with consultation on a draft bylaw for freedom camping. After considering initial public feedback and the working group's findings, the draft plan proposes reducing the length of time people can stay at the reserve and moving campers away from the Waikato River to the upper terrace area.