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A resident has asked Auckland Council to redesign the Gulf Harbour Hammerhead Reserve freedom camping site in an effort to improve compliance.
At council’s Regulatory and Community Safety Committee on July 2, Alan Parker said the camping rules are not well displayed, difficult to police and often ignored.
He presented councillors with a number of recommendations, including clear signs noting the restrictions, parks designed for caravan sizes, physical barriers to emphasise when campers were not using the allocated site, and consequences for non-compliance.
He said his aim was to send a message that it was not worth overstaying on the Hammerhead.
He said campers can leave briefly and return to the area shortly after.
Council’s compliance staff told Parker that cameras in the area could be used to identify overstayers.
Freedom campers are allowed at the reserve for two nights maximum, over a four-week period. Parker encouraged council to extend this to a three-night stay.
“Three nights gives them two full days to explore the area and spend money in our area,” Parker said
Cr Wayne Walker said the area was well equipped for freedom camping and wondered if there was a potential hazard to the status quo and Cr John Watson was concerned about any increase as it would be different to other parts of Auckland and could create a loophole.
Parker was encouraged to speak with the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board about his idea.
Council sets the freedom camping rules, but the local board is the overall controller of the reserve.
