Regarding the Freedom Camping Act 2011 and unintended consequences

An open letter to Rt Hon John Key, Minister of Tourism, New Zealand regarding the freedom camping act 2011 and unintended consequences including high court challenge of Thames Coromandel District Council by the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association

Rt Hon John Key Minister of Tourism New Zealand 10/04/2014

Dear Sir,

Regarding the Freedom Camping Act 2011 and unintended consequences.

The freedom camping act was established largely at the behest of local bodies that found themselves powerless to control overnight camping in their districts. Media reports of unsuitable behaviour (defecation, littering & theft) were becoming more frequent and there was a clear indication from the Tourism Industry, Councils and residents that this new and growing trend was not good for tourism and not good for New Zealand.

The Minister for the environment recognised the need for control to be established and aimed to do so before the Rugby World Cup.

It may be that this timeline led to what has proven to be some unfortunate consequences.

It is important to recognise that there was very little authorised so called freedom camping before the act. Most ratepayers throughout NZ objected to subsidising these visitors, and councils actions and bylaws reflected that attitude, by way of their request for legislation to control so called freedom camping. While some (Gisborne) councils had in place management schemes, in others (Thames) request for service statistics show complaints concerning freedom camping to be the single most frequent reason for the call.

Secondly, proponents of unlimited freedom camping are want to point out that they have always done it and it is our birthright. Sadly, the always done it part is in a way correct, but the real truth of that statement is that it has also always upset those affected. Until the 1970s every summer holiday saw hundreds, if not thousands of holiday makers freedom camping along the coast of the Bay of Plenty from Opotiki to Waihou Bay. This wasnt a birthright as so many claim, this was trespass, pollution and desecration of wahi tapu sites. As soon as these locals found themselves sufficiently empowered, the practice was stopped.

See original here:

Freedom Camping Act 2011 and unintended consequences