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Source: ONE News -
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The increasing problem of freedom campers and the mess they are leaving in some of New Zealand's most idyllic spots has prompted action from one community.
The mess has one community board so upset that they have blocked some Queenstown lakeside lay-bys with boulders to stop people camping there.
Rachel Brown from Hawea Community Trust told TVNZ's Close Up programme that it is a huge problem that is rapidly escalating.
She says people are squatting right by the lake leaving human waste.
Brown says they received so many reports from locals who did not want to go to these areas any more. She says they were not getting any response from the council or government so they decided to take action.
"We decided as an emergency procedure just to stop people camping at these three most disgusting spots, just while we wait for a more permanent solution," she says.
Nelson is another area struggling to control freedom campers over summer with security guards moving up to 40 vans a night from one part of Tahunanui Beach alone.
Paul McArthur from the Nelson City Council says locals are disgusted at what freedom campers are leaving behind.
"It ranges from the effluent, defecation and rubbish being left through to using the day facilities like a motor camp, washing clothes in the basins in the toilets and stringing out the washing across the playground," he says.
Tourists hear about these spots through other travellers and the attraction is that these areas are free.
There are designated areas for campervans however these create another problem. They are designed for self-contained vans only but a lot of the time this is not the case with some even camping in cars.
"When the council set that area aside we did put in a toilet as well with the knowledge that non self contained vehicles would end up going there whether we like it or not," says McArthur.
It is not just tourists sleeping on the side of the road though as Heikki Kaariainen who has written a book on New Zealand freedom camping spots, says he comes across many Kiwis too.
"I've seen a lot of middle aged men who have broken marriages and the wife and kids get the house and he's sort of really poor and cannot afford to live anywhere else than in a van or in a car," he says.
The Nelson council uses security guards to move the campers on and locks parts of the beach at night.
Tim Cossar from the Tourism Industry Association says it is an industry issue and that is has been identified as an issue that needs to be addressed.
He says campers are told of the appropriate behaviour to take when hiring vans that are not self-contained but this message does not seem to be getting through.
He says more education or possibly even regulations are needed.
How do you feel about freedom campers? Have your say on the messageboard below.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentnavygreg said on 2010-04-15 @ 22:55 NZDT: Report abusive post
As an ex Queenstown resident I can assure you it is a major problem.It is 90% the customers of wicked campers , ezy rentals and spaceships causing the problems,the other 10% is a "van with a mattress in the back"The above companies need to educate there customers better or they should be fined as well.Almost all NZMCA owner operator vans are self contained.I have come to this conclusion having spent 8 years in the holiday park industry.Heavy fines , now.
outthere said on 2010-04-15 @ 22:15 NZDT: Report abusive post
A sad state of affairs. This kiwi bloke and his lovely wife spent a thrilling 2 weeks freedom camping across our incredible south island. We didn't leave more than a footprint. As tourism catches on more of what is ours will be priced out of our reach. For little more than 3 grand we woke to million dollar views, saw the sun set on some wonderful towns, and met many, many terrific kiwis. Manage it - don't lose it.
duet 2 said on 2010-04-15 @ 14:38 NZDT: Report abusive post
freedom camping is ok
starspangle said on 2010-04-15 @ 14:28 NZDT: Report abusive post
Auckland has the same problem it's not just the South Island. I know of three camper vans that park at Pt Erin Pools car park at night, and they are there every night, I've seen them with the camp chairs out having drinks and cooking on gas fire's, using the toilets to wash their clothes, dishes ect, then they out up a rope between the three camper vans to hang the washing out. You can't see them from the road as there's not light's in the car park and it's surrounded by trees.
Kiwi in Sing said on 2010-04-15 @ 12:48 NZDT: Report abusive post
I live in Singapore, so you can imagine the consequences of littering in this 'fine' city. $1000 for a dropping cigarette butt on Orchard Road (The equivalent of Aucklands Queen Street). They have envionmental officers in plainclothes all over the place. To hear that these guys in NZ are crapping in our beautiful country and leaving litter everywhere, I sday fine the pants off them, put warning signs. In Singapore they might even publsih your name, address and photo!