Twice-daily compliance visits keep eye on summer campers

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

A total of 1200 summer camping permits have been issued so far this season with registrations now taking place online.

More than 600 vehicles have been recorded as freedom camping since the end of November.

Gisborne District council compliance officers are visiting sites twice daily and have issued over 25 notices, predominantly for camping in prohibited areas, or for vehicles not being self-contained.

Other issues around rubbish dumping and camping in prohibited areas have arisen, but a GDC spokesman said education from compliance officers had been well-received by locals and visitors alike.

GDC made a commitment to increase monitoring of freedom and summer camping areas this season.

The Marina Carpark was closed to freedom camping after complaints that it was having an adverse impact on public access, amenity, user safety and the environment.

There are now three freedom camping areas in Gisborne, all with a three-night limit — Kaiti Beach, Makorori and Motu. Camping is only permitted at these sites in a self-contained vehicle on formed public parking areas.

From April to September five more areas become available for freedom camping, in Tiniroto, Tolaga Bay, Kaiaua Beach and at two sites in Tokomaru Bay.

Summer camping requires a permit and is available at Turihaua Beach from December 26 through until February 1.

Other summer camping areas are Turihaua Point, Pouawa Beach, Waihau Beach/Loisels, Tolaga Bay, Kaiaua Beach, Tokomaru Bay, Waipiro Bay and Doneraille Park.

Campers must have a chemical toilet and display the permit on their vehicles.