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New freedom camping bylaws will come into effect from September 1 after being endorsed by Auckland Council last month.
Along with 13 new prohibited freedom camping areas, the bylaw also clarifies rules around the definition of ‘certified self-contained vehicle’, a no return period of two weeks and sets a maximum stay on Waiheke Island.
Anyone who breaches the bylaws will face a $200 fine, removing the need for Council to enter into lengthy court proceedings to prosecute bylaw breaches.
Regulatory committee chair Linda Cooper presented the Freedom Camping in Vehicles Bylaw 2022 to the Governing Body on June 23.
She said the bylaws were the result of six years of work.
“The bylaws provide clear rules for freedom campers to follow and will enable responsible freedom camping to take place in Auckland,” Cooper said.
Independent Māori Statutory Board member Glenn Wilcox said issues such as increasing homelessness had impacted on the number of people living in cars.
“This is a very dynamic issue, and it might change in a couple years,” he said.
Cr Greg Sayers was concerned that freedom campers could circulate in one area.
“There is potential for someone to freedom camp in one localised area over a 365 day period,” Sayers said.
The bylaws allow for a two night stay in at a freedom camping site. Sayers said he would have preferred a one night option instead.
Cr John Watson said freedom camping was a big issue in the Albany ward.
“They are not poor people. They are turning up with jet skis,” Watson said. “People are becoming more brazen. Let us hope this will help to stop what is generally anti-social behaviour.”
Mayor Phil Goff said it was a balancing act between the freedoms of campers and the needs of locals.
“Councils that have been overly restrictive have had their bylaws overturned,” he said.
“The fact that we have infringement fines rather than prosecution is a big step forward.”
While the adoption of the bylaw was carried, Cr John Watson, Greg Sayers, Wayne Walker and Sharon Stewart voted against a recommendation that said the bylaw was the most appropriate and proportionate way of addressing freedom camping problems.
