Summary
This paper seeks Cabinet decisions for final policy matters to be included in the Freedom Camping Bill (the Bill) and approval for the introduction of the Bill in the week of 16 May 2011, with the view that the Bill be passed through all its stages by mid-August 2011.
- Local authorities and the DOC are dealing with increasing numbers of people freedom camping in unsuitable locations, such as rest areas, reserves, beaches, car-parks, roadsides, and lay-bys. Freedom camping can include camping in a caravan, campervan, bus, car, tent or other temporary structures.
- The behaviour of some freedom campers creates problems for local residents and significant costs for local authorities and DOC. The main problems are the human waste and litter that is being left behind by some freedom campers. This is offensive to local residents and visitors to the region. It also creates a public health risk and undermines New Zealand's image as a 'clean green' tourist destination. Local authorities and DOC are faced with ongoing costs for routine patrols, clean-up and maintenance of free camping sites. Some local authorities are concerned that the anticipated increase in visitor numbers for the Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC), due to begin on 9 September 2011, will exacerbate the problems associated with freedom camping.
- Local authorities and DOC need an enforcement option that provides a proportionate and effective response to problems caused by freedom camping. The proposed Bill creates an infringement regime that will provide local authorities, and DOC, with the flexibility to determine where people can or cannot freedom camp (including camping in self-contained vehicles) on public land and issue infringement notices for inappropriate freedom camping behaviour on local authority controlled land or public conservation land.
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