New rules on freedom camping

Tough new freedom camping rules will see $1000 fines for illegal camping and only self-contained vehicles with fixed toilets being allowed to stay on land managed by councils.

The laws are being brought in to prevent abuse of the system and clean up New Zealand’s freedom camping image.

The Self-Contained Vehicles Bill, set to be introduced to Parliament next year, will outline fresh new standards that campers will have to adhere to.

Unveiling the regulations in Queenstown yesterday, Tourism Minister Stuart Nash said the system as it stood had created an unfair burden on small communities and damaged New Zealand’s reputation as a high-quality visitor destination.

‘‘At the heart of the new law will be greater respect for the environment and communities,’’ he said.

‘‘We are setting clear, minimum expectations for campers. Higher standards must be met before vehicles can be certified as truly self-contained.

‘‘Abuses in the past included campers slapping bogus blue stickers on vehicles to falsely claim compliance.’’

The new rules have been widely welcomed. Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult said the changes were necessary to prevent ongoing abuse by a minority of campers.

‘‘Not only will this ensure that freedom camping takes place in vehicles that are fit for purpose, these vehicles are likely to have significantly more resale value, so they won’t be dumped in our backyard.’’

Under the new regulations vehicles will be certified as self-contained with fixed toilets, the rules overseen by agents authorised by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board.

There will be a ‘‘right vehicle, right place’’ approach, meaning there will be places for backpackers in budget vehicles, and places for motor homes and caravans.

The infringement system would be strengthened with fines of up to $1000, replacing the current $200 penalty.

Despite $27 million of Government investment in freedom camping programmes since 2018, there have continued to be problems, including the inappropriate disposal of human waste, Nash said.

Other issues revealed during public consultation earlier this year include uncertified vehicles, parking outside

designated areas, including on private driveways and front lawns, littering, and disposal of human waste.

The new legislation means freedom campers need to be in certified selfcontained vehicles to stay overnight on land managed by local councils, unless land is designated for non-certified vehicles.

Vehicles that are not self-contained will be able to stay on Department of Conservation land, unless there is a formal prohibition.

Freedom campers can continue to stay overnight in tents, where permitted.

The new rules may also be extended to cover land managed by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, and Toitū Te Whenua-Land Information NZ.

The changes will start with the Self-Contained Vehicles Bill being introduced to Parliament next year and phased in over two years to allow owners time to ensure their vehicle meets new certification standards.

The Government has also committed $10m to support local councils to educate freedom campers and develop local bylaws over two years.

‘‘Abuse of freedom camping by domestic and international travellers not only damages our 100 per cent Pure brand, it erodes public support for tourism and undermines its social licence to operate,’’ Nash said.

The number of freedom campers in New Zealand peaked at about 245,000 in 2019.

‘‘When international borders reopen tourism will not match pre-Covid levels, but we can expect greater pressure,’’ he said.

‘‘The changes will also benefit small business owners who run backpackers’ hostels or campgrounds and who have lost business.

‘‘Hostels and campgrounds are perfect for the budget-conscious traveller who may have considered freedom camping in the past.’’

The 108,000-member New Zealand Motor Caravan Association chief executive Bruce Lochore said the organisation had advocated that freedom camping should be limited to certified selfcontained vehicles for 10 years.

About 5000 members with portapotties in their vehicles would be adversely affected by the decision.

‘‘Unfortunately, it is this type of responsible camper who will pay the price for the irresponsible camper the minister has pointed to and is trying to rid us of,’’ he said.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Chris Roberts said his organisation was broadly supportive of the proposed rules.

‘‘Visitors who camp in a vehicle are a relatively small but important sector of New Zealand’s tourism industry.

‘‘The bad behaviour of a small minority has tended to overshadow the fact that the vast majority of campers do the right thing and make a valuable contribution,’’ he said.

Holiday Parks New Zealand chief executive Fergus Brown said the proposed rule changes made sense and would benefit the holiday park sector.

‘‘Holiday parks provide a range of options for all camping styles and budgets, and we are pleased that the minister has noted the important role our businesses play,’’ he said.