The campers were a hazard and spoiling one of the region’s most iconic surf breaks, he said.
The carpark was back-to-back motor homes, vans and people-movers driven by tourists who made it hard for local surfers to safely find a place to park.
“Red Bus” had turned into an “disorganised, busy, disrespectful campsite, in a 100kmh speed zone” because of the freedom campers, he said.
Mr Te Aho said people needed to protect their backyards.
“And also look after our visitors by allocating safe, user-friendly camping locations, while hopefully contributing to the local economy.”
The petition coincides with an announcement by Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis of a meeting in March with more than 20 of the country’s mayors.
Noise, litter, human waste, overcrowding and moreRecurring issues like noise, litter, human waste, overcrowding and blocked access to public spaces caused by people camping on sites without proper facilities would be addressed, Mr Davis said.
Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon has confirmed he will be there.
“We feel the legislation (for freedom camping) was rushed through during the Rugby World Cup (2011) in New Zealand and there are a few gaps,” he said.
Mr Foon said freedom camping ran at a loss for Gisborne District Council (GDC).
The fee charged barely covered rubbish removal, let alone patrolling sites, cleaning and issuing fines to people who lit fires.
“However, there is a benefit to shopkeepers. They buy petrol, food and go to the museum.”
Mr Foon said he would be looking to the Government to see what it could offer, as it was costing communities money to make sure freedom camping kept up with the demand of tourism.
“We want tourists to respect our beautiful paradise and have a good time, but we also want to make sure they are not causing more costs for us.”
Mr Davis said the number of international visitors who freedom-camped in New Zealand had risen from about 30,000 to 115,000 annually.
“For tourism to continue growing in New Zealand and remain successful over the longer term, we need to listen to our communities and get this right.”
Two complaintsGDC director environmental services and regulation Nick Zaman said they had received two complaints about campers parked at Red Bus car park this summer.
“It is typically only an issue when the weather, surf and extended weekends and public holidays coincide.
Mr Zaman said GDC enforcement staff patrolled freedom camping and prohibited sites around the region regularly.
“We are aware some campers are parking lengthways and taking three carparks at a time, and we do issue a $200 fine for camping outside the designated area that is mapped and signposted at the site.
“However, we can only enforce it when we know they have camped overnight.”
Campers turning up to park or surf during the day are able to park as any other user.
As part of upgrades along State Highway 35, the carpark will be sealed and a new road-marking layout installed in the next few months. Road marking would provide a bit of order to inconsiderate parking, he said.
People can call the council 24 hours a day to report complaints and send a photo through the council Facebook page or website.
The freedom camping bylaw was reviewed with the community in 2016. The next review is due in 2019, but you can also make a submission for the council to consider if a review is required sooner.
Daniel Proctor of Ngati Uepohatu, Ngai Tamanuhiri and Ngati Rangiwaho said the Makorori carpark should not be zoned as a freedom camping area, plain and simple.
“The logic behind zoning our busiest surf break carpark as a freedom camping area truly boggles the mind.
“Yet the whispers are that the area will be further developed to support the freedom camper, without thought to the surfers who not only clean up after these “tourists? have left, but also police their activity in and out of the water."
Beautiful beachesWe were blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, he said.
“Beaches that also produce amazing surf, and with that, some of the best surfers. Some of our supreme surf breaks are serviced by a carpark called Red Bus at Makorori Beach, named after the bus which parked there for years.
“Ironically, the bus has now transformed into dozens and dozens of freedom campers who wish to enjoy the beach and famous waves they provide.
“The carpark has had some renovations in the recent past, which caused some concern among the surfing community who frequent Makorori.
“Likewise, this influx of at times 25 vehicles parked there for days on end also causes concern and squeezes out the local surfer.”
Mr Te Aho said he had seen car accidents, near-misses with logging trucks and a child almost hit.
Vehicles were parked for days on end while drying an “eyesore” of clothing, plus Mr Te Aho said he had encountered verbal abuse. There was also the recent vandalism when three vans’ brake lines were cut at the carpark.
The Gisborne petition, Remove Freedom Camping from Makorori car park! is at www.change.org
