Existing freedom camping sites in Rodney that were left out of Auckland Council’s new draft bylaw look set to retained by the Local Board, as part of a new local parks management plan currently being drawn up.
Board members told Council last month that they intended to reinstate self-contained camping at its reserves at Algies Bay; Warkworth Cement Works; Kowhai Park, Warkworth; Mangakura Reserve; Centennial Park, Wellsford; and Goodall Reserve, Sunburst Reserve and Sunrise Boulevard, Snells Beach.
That intention formed part of the Board’s feedback on the new draft legislation that will be presented to Council’s bylaw panel by Warkworth Board member Beth Houlbrooke on April 22.
After considering nearly 550 public submissions on the draft bylaw, members said they supported the introduction of general rules that would require freedom campers to use certified self-contained vehicles, stay a maximum of two nights in any one spot and depart by 9am on the third day. However, they wanted to see a proposal not to allow freedom campers to return to the same spot within two weeks doubled to four weeks.
They also supported restricted areas where freedom camping would be allowed subject to conditions at six sites – 8 Church Hill and Parry Kauri Park, Warkworth; 70 Kokihi Lane, Snells Beach; Wellsford Community Centre and toilet carparks at 118 Rodney Street; and Port Albert Wharf Reserve – despite public opposition to all six.
They did voice concern that the proposed bylaw would make many roadsides and parking bays attractive and open to unlimited numbers of freedom campers and said freedom camping should be banned outside private homes or businesses unless permission was granted by the owner.
The Board also requested that bylaw enforcement was supported with adequate funding and staffing, and suggested that compliance officers should be able to fine offenders or have vehicles towed.
Finally, Board members wanted to ensure that a certified self-contained vehicle meant one with a proper toilet on board and not just a “porta-potty”, and asked Council to provide more dump stations at public toilet sites.
The full list of Rodney feedback can be found under Key Documents and Submissions at https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/freedom-camping-bylaw
