Freedom campers follow rules

Summer camping 'has been extremely popular since October'.

THE threat of fines for disobeying freedom camping rules appears to have had the desired effect.

Gisborne District Council reported that it had not needed to issue a single fine over the summer holidays.

The council’s freedom camping bylaw came into effect in November, prohibiting freedom camping at certain spots.

The bylaw applies to the whole of the Gisborne district and refers to freedom camping (as defined under the Freedom Camping Act 2011) as free camping anywhere on public land that is not restricted or prohibited.

"Our contractors were on site three to five times a week, although there weren’t any infringements issued", GDC planning and development group manager Nedine Thatcher-Swann said.

Just two official warnings were issued.

"Most people without permits moved along with just a verbal warning and often returned with the correct permits at a later date.

"We have received several requests for service (RFS) from campers about some facilities, which we really appreciate because we were able to respond quickly."

She encouraged people to report any breaches of the rules through the council’s webpage or Facebook page.

Fines can only be issued for breaching freedom camping rules in prohibited and restricted camping areas.

Camping is still permitted at Gisborne District Council's summer permit camping areas, which comprise nine registered campsites and over the summer period include Doneraille Park, Tolaga Bay, Kaiaua and Tokomaru Bay north and south.

For more information on camping regulations, see the GDC website.