Tourism minister Stuart Nash has released a discussion document about bettering freedom camping. Photo / Paul Taylor
Tourism minister Stuart Nash has released a discussion document about bettering freedom camping. Photo / Paul Taylor
There's a new trend in freedom camping, and it's not driven by tourists.
Where there was once issues with campers from out of the region at Westshore Beach, now it's people sleeping beside the beach in their cars that neighbours are worried about, and worried for.
Tourism minister Stuart Nashon Friday released a discussion document to get feedback on how to solve the nation's freedom camping problems before international tourists return.
In the new document Nash mentioned four proposals:
1. All vehicle-based freedom camping would be limited to certified self-contained vehicles only, or
2. Vehicle-based freedom campers would be required to either stay at a site with toilet facilities, or stay in a vehicle that is certified as self-contained.
3. Improving the regulatory tools for government land managers; and
4. Strengthening the requirements for self-contained vehicles.
More people are being seen sleeping near and in freedom camping areas in Hawke's Bay. Photo / Paul Taylor
Westshore residents say taking away the ability for tourists to camp beside them with just a portable toilet is a good idea for the future.
But at the moment, there are few issues, bar homelessness.
Westshore resident Bob Bird said freedom campers generally don't disturb him, except for those that sleep in their cars.
"I'm very aware that people drive further down the Esplanade and are sleeping in the back of their cars," he said. "You see them in the mornings."
Nash said he hoped the proposals might reduce the negative impacts on local councils, communities and keeping to the country's 100 per cent 'Pure' brand.
"The most consistent complaints I hear about the tourism sector relate to abuse of the freedom camping rules," Nash said.
"A sub-group of visitors are spoiling the experience for more responsible campers and for locals who are left to clean up the mess."
Bird said he has seen a big improvement in freedom campers around his area, which could be due to the fact that there are fewer people currently touring around.
"It's improved out of sight compared to what it was, but at the same time people still camp out up the road near the toilets and I don't think the council goes and looks up there," he said.
Another West Shore resident, Neil McCormick, who is relatively new to the area, said the local community are good at policing the free camping area across the road.
However, there are only four spots there for campers and McCormick said he wouldn't want to have any more space available.
McCormick has a certified self-contained campervan and recently went on his maiden free camping voyage down to Nelson.
He said he welcomes the proposals to limit those camping spaces to certified vehicles only.
Submissions on the proposals are invited by May 16.
Nash said the government needs to act before the borders reopen to readdress some of the systematic issues New Zealand was facing before Covid-19.
"Freedom camping in self-contained vehicles has a place for Kiwis and international visitors," he said.
However, change is needed where vehicles are not self-contained, so communities have more confidence in the system."
