-
Watch Video
-
Related
Despite new laws being passed on freedom camping that ramp up fines for illegal camping, freedom camping isn't totally banned.
Lawrence Yule, president of Local Government New Zealand, told TV ONE's Breakfast the law changes introduced yesterday are just there to rein in people who have "deposited their goods all around New Zealand".
The penalties include an instant $200 fine for illegal camping and fines of up to $10,000 for illegally discharging a campervan's sewage.
Yule said previously it cost thousands of dollars to collect a $200 fine through a long, drawn-out court process.
But the instant fine will allow for more efficient collection and if people choose not to pay there will be more options to recover costs, Yule said.
He said freedom camping will still be allowed in some areas and councils will identify where it's allowed, which will generally be close to toilets and rubbish bins.
He said an influx of 'non contained' vehicles - those without toilets - has caused all sorts of problems.
Yule said people will need to be educated about the changes and signage will be important.
The New Zealand Freedom Camping Forum said the new laws would help promote responsible camping practices.
"The forum has been working closely with local government to develop these laws, which will help councils to better manage freedom camping in their areas," Forum chairman Tourism Industry Association New Zealand Advocacy Manager Geoff Ensor said.
"It is important to highlight that nearly all commercial campervan companies in New Zealand are members of the forum and fully support its efforts."
Environment Minister Nick Smith revealed the changes at the Motor Caravan Association's Annual General Meeting in Nelson yesterday.
The minister said freedom camping is an important part of NZ's tourism industry but the number of campers has doubled over the past decade to 110,000 international visitors and more than 40,000 New Zealanders.
The new Freedom Camping Bill will be introduced to parliament this month and will enable councils to determine where camping is allowed, where it is restricted to campervans with self-containment, and where it is prohibited.
The Department of Conservation will be able to make similar rules on the reserves it manages.
Smith said the ministry would be working hard with councils to ensure the freedom camping measure were in place for the 85,000 visitors expected for the Rugby World Cup which kicks of in September.
See how the changes may affect you - pdf
What do you think about the new rules? Have your say on our messageboard
Add a Comment:
Post new commentnavygreg said on 2011-05-21 @ 02:37 NZDT: Report abusive post
I lived in Queenstown for 6 years working in the tourism industry. I was so sick of going for a walk in "my backyard" and having to dodge human waste , food tins ,toilet paper , 2 min noodle wrappers etc .I dont blame the campers , I blame the cheap rental companies, who are renting campervans that are just a van with a bed in the back.Who wants to go to a spot from heaven to see a graffiti covered van parked up surrounded by rubbish and laundry strung out ? I totally support changing this
Levi73 said on 2011-05-17 @ 19:15 NZDT: Report abusive post
New Zealand Tourism authorities (incl. the govt) are lending themselves to false advertising. This country is being portrayed in the media as a tourist-friendly, clean place where people are free... well it seems as if the government has been lending itself to many revealed untruths this week- "kiwisaver will remain intact", a preschool that's been built and should have opened months ago, never did, Pike River Mine bodies not retrieved (families being stone-walled). Does govt lie all the time?
OMG1984 said on 2011-05-16 @ 19:55 NZDT: Report abusive post
Yip just another government group making money from people and not addressing the real issue lack of facilities or education. No, make a buck and or force tourists into overpriced defined parks. Whats the next thing to fine the masses, breathing? walking , cycling gosh there potentials there.
Koogie said on 2011-05-16 @ 12:16 NZDT: Report abusive post
I can understand the need for more rules ..I own a camper myself but I think that more area's should be available for campers with self containment certs..and places monitered and instant fines given if staying in areas that request this. Some of the blame must go to rental companies that hire out to overseas freedom campers and dont have the camper equiped with a portaloo of some kind..maybe the laws should change in that area too.
musiclover111 said on 2011-05-16 @ 10:46 NZDT: Report abusive post
Instead of penalizing tourists, the government needs to build more toilets in these trouble spots!!! Long-drop toilets are not expensive to build. It's called investing in tourism!