Media Release

Release date: 3 October 2014

Freedom Camping Bylaw not this summer

The draft Freedom Camping Bylaw will not come into effect until after the end of the summer camping in 2015.

The season that began on Sunday with the start of daylight savings will continue just as it has in previous years.

The Hearings Committee heard submissions on the draft Freedom Camping Bylaw at a meeting on September 10.

A petition from Rere residents and a total of 16 submissions were received, with seven presented verbally to the Committee.

The issues raised in the overall submissions were sites, fees and permits, restrictions, number of nights and permission for use of prohibited sites.

As a result of submissions, the recommendation was that the Bylaw will not come into effect until after a larger review is completed on how Freedom Camping will be funded. Says chief executive, Judy Campbell.

Council will begin the review during October to consider whether permits will be user-pays, as they are now, or funded by rates, in time to make a decision by the end of summer camping.

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Freedom Camping Bylaw not this summer