Have your say on freedom camping

The public can have a say on Auckland Council’s proposed Freedom Camping in Vehicles Bylaw, with consultation open now until Monday, February 18.

The draft bylaw defines the number of sites across Auckland where freedom camping is allowed. It has been developed under the Freedom Camping Act 2011, which means that the council can only restrict or prohibit the activity if it has robust evidence to do so at a particular site.

Staff carried out assessments of more than 1000 council-controlled sites, which has led to the inclusion of 422 sites where Council proposes to prohibit or restrict freedom camping.

A bylaw under the Freedom Camping Act will mean enforcement officers can issue a $200 infringement fine to anyone who breaches a prohibition or restriction.

Auckland Council’s Regulatory Compliance unit uses a graduated enforcement approach. This means they will help people to comply with the rules in the first instance by giving information and advice on the regulations.

Councillor Linda Cooper, who chairs Auckland Council’s Regulatory Committee, says Council must provide enough places where people can freedom camp to meet demand, so that there is less of the over-crowding and nuisance activity experienced in the past.

“It’s crucial that we have a balanced bylaw that allows visitors to explore and enjoy our region, but also puts appropriate safeguards and regulations on areas that we need to protect,” she says.

“A lot of work has been done over the past year, including working closely with local boards and stakeholders, and now it’s time to hear what Aucklanders think.”

The public consultation period runs from 3 December to 18 February 2019.

Info and to make a submission visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz and look for Have your Say.

You can also come along to the drop-in session in Orewa on Saturday, February 16, Orewa Community Centre, 40-46 Orewa Square, 10am-12pm.

Local areas where Council proposes to prohibit Freedom Camping in its proposed bylaw:
Orewa: Arundel Reserve; Grant Park; Kinloch Reserve; Loop Rd Reserve; Orewa North Lookout; Orewa Reserve; Remembrance Reserve; Western Reserve.

Silverdale/Millwater: Silverdale War Memorial Park and Metro Park East.
Whangaparaoa: Swann Beach Reserve, Manly; Whale Cove Reserve, Stanmore Bay, Fisherman’s Rock Reserve, Army Bay; Little Manly Reserve; Manly Park (boat ramp area); Red Beach waterfront reserve.

Stillwater and Dairy Flat: Stillwater Reserve (including adjacent roadside parking); Three Streams Reserve, Dairy Flat Highway.