Responsible Camping Working Group freedom camping recommendations now with Tourism Minister

A working group co-chaired by Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick is recommending a national regime be introduced to better manage freedom camping.

The report of the Responsible Camping Working Group, which has been delivered to Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis for his consideration, makes a number of recommendations, including reviewing current legislation and compliance systems.

However Rotorua MP Todd McClay says the group has let the people of Rotorua down with its recommendation that the Government do five further reviews.

McClay said the working group had said that there would be no legislative change to deal with freedom camping for more than two years.

"Tourism is the lifeblood of Rotorua but dealing with the freedom camping situation has become increasing urgent. We want to welcome visitors to Rotorua but there needs to be better support for our local holiday parks that employ local people and pay very high rates bills and we shouldn't have to wait years and years for any change.

"The Government committing a paltry $69,000 to Rotorua Lakes Council to count a few tourists over summer months is just not good enough. Labour promised millions of dollars to Rotorua when it announced its tourist tax at Te Puia last year during the election campaign.

"So far they've failed to deliver and more working groups and reviews will do nothing for Rotorua tourism operators or freedom camping in Rotorua."

Chadwick said the group reframed its kaupapa to be about responsible camping rather than referring to it as freedom camping.

"Our recommendations would introduce the national consistency we believe is key to managing a growing trend many districts are grappling with.

"Councils need better tools to manage this. Among our recommendations is a review of the Freedom Camping Act or replacing it with new statute that promotes responsible camping.

"We look forward to the cross-government plan of action that will come out of this."

Chadwick said the working group wanted to see use of data and technology to support national change and public education would also be important.

"There is no quick fix and reviewing the rules and regulations may take about two years so it's great that in the meantime, the Government is releasing some funding for councils to help in the short term.

Chadwick said the $69,000 given to the council would "help us better understand use of facilities across our district so we can target resources where they are needed".