The rising popularity of freedom camping will see Whangarei District Council develop a freedom camping bylaw.
Many councils around the country have freedom council policies, and specific areas designated for freedom campers, with the Far North Distract Council recently making eight sites available.
But Whangarei does not have a policy on the issue, despite freedom campers moving around the district and staying overnight, particularly in summer. One of the concerns about freedom camping is the lack of toileting and other facilities.
A popular site in Whangarei is the park behind the Whangarei Aquatic Centre in Riverside, with sometimes five or six vehicles camped overnight. Others include the car park near the Port Rd end of Te Matau A Pohe bridge and the car park near the Riverbank Theatre at the Town Basin
Greg Innes, chairman of the council's Planning Committee said the council values the tourist community.