HPNZ Chair, Peter Crawford

Freedom camping, which allows travellers to camp in public spaces without charge, has become a hotly debated issue in many regions. As the conversation has evolved, some regions have implemented bylaws which on the whole, I think are a positive because they usually provide for a local approach to permitting, monitoring, restricting, reviewing and enforcing a framework.

My observation is Freedom camping bylaws lead to better management of freedom camping and are therefore net positive to Holiday Parks. Bylaws for many regions have now been reviewed multiple times, the themes below are equally applicable to the first time a bylaw is being introduced as they are to when it is reviewed.

Involvement in your local bylaw

I suggest all Holiday Park professionals consider three things before they get to invested in the process:

1. Have you read and understood the Freedom Camping Act?
2. What does success look like for you?
3. How much resource (your community profile, your time, your money, your community goodwill) do you want to devote to this issue.

The first point is critical, basically finding a starting point. We need to accept that the law permits freedom camping and understand that it highlights the only reasons why Freedom camping may be restricted. Additionally, if your region already has an existing Bylaw you’d want to familiarise yourself with that also.

Then, write down what would you be happy with as an outcome? Personally I had to review my initial ideas on this and eventually moved to my ideal being HPNZ premise of no camping within urban areas, and self-contained elsewhere.

Finally, how much resource are you willing to invest to argue on your point using only the reasons which are permitted within the framework?

I highlight the permitted reasons as you’ll find everyone around you will assume your reasons to be mainly or purely commercial reasons, which are not permitted by the Act. Those making an argument for more/ unrestricted freedom camping will include some of your: council officers, councillors, friends (and possibly your family), your neighbours and many large influential groups (including NZMCA who are on the whole well organised & funded).

For me in New Plymouth, I have spent over 200 hours on this learning the rules, doing surveys & submissions, attending community meetings, monitoring and recording freedom camping, printing & distributing flyers on proposed changes. I’ve used a bit of personal profile including being in the paper, on the radio, using my own Facebook and business connections. I’ve expended a bit of ‘political capital’ and ‘community goodwill’, although I’ve also gained some back and think on balance I am now in a better place with our local councillors & community that prior to becoming involved.

I’ve not lost friends over this matter, but have held opposing views on this publicly, as well as with some family members and a few staff members. My advice is to be confident in your position, respectful to others and not to ‘become the nutter in the room’ (to use a term from Fergus!) especially when something goes against you – this is very much a marathon, not a sprint.

Observations

Below are some observations and tips for those still interested in being involved…

Freedom camping does have a couple of commonly cited positives; It may be a way that regional areas can boost tourism by providing more affordable travel options for people to stay in an area. This may mean they are better able to participate in the economy in other ways such as via hospitality, activities or maintenance (both of people and vehicle).

Personally, I’ve not found any reliable evidence of this, or had a single business tell me they think Freedom camping is so good for their business that it should be promoted. I accept that there could be some benefit but will publicly dispute that benefit outweighs the community cost (at least in my local area).

This best response to this I heard was from an iwi representative that was concerned about the impact on the whenua, she said ‘if people really want to contribute to the economy, they should pay the costs for their holiday and not stay on otherwise vacant land for free’.

Another positive is allowing lower income Kiwi’s to travel. I think this argument has merit but there often seems to be a desire to camp at only the prime spots, for the least contribution. This does not stack up in a tourism conversation, as tourism is two way, the host community usually benefits economically.

I often highlight, there are many low cost camping options available to allow for lower income Kiwis (or lower budget internationals), they include holiday parks, DOC or club camping areas which already exist, and attempt to work on a user pays model (which I personally believe is important).

I explicitly dispute and disregard homelessness or other social/ community issues from a tourism conversation (although sometimes accepting them as a practical point to consider during an enforcement conversation).

Key Tips to Submissions

Here are some key tips to help you craft an effective submission that resonates with decision-makers:

1. Understand the Proposal

Before you begin drafting your submission, make sure you fully understand what is being proposed. Councils usually release documents outlining the specific changes to the bylaws. These might include changes to designated camping zones, permitted durations for stays, or relaxed rules around the facilities campers must have, such as toilets or rubbish disposal. Make sure to review the proposal in its entirety to know exactly which aspects you want to oppose.

Tip: Highlight specific sections of the proposal in your submission to show you’ve done your homework, and always speak to your submission in the council meetings.

2. Use Local Data and Examples

One of the most powerful tools at your disposal is local knowledge. Council members are more likely to listen to concerns that are grounded in real-world examples. If your community has experienced problems with freedom camping in the past—such as littering, overcrowding, or damage to public spaces—include those details in your submission. You could also refer to nearby regions that have faced issues after similar bylaw changes.

Tip: If possible, include any info you have such as the cost of cleaning up after freedom campers, which is usually done by residents or paid council staff – ask them what they have witnessed/ had to clean up. Photo’s are amazing! I have had many people dispute my numbers, damage done to parks, or the actions/ behaviour I have witnessed… then I show them the photos. Make sure you can prove your assertions, and don’t exaggerate them.

3. Emphasize Environmental and Community Impacts

One of the main concerns about easing freedom camping restrictions is the potential strain on the environment and local infrastructure.

You can make a strong case by outlining how increased freedom camping might lead to:

• Environmental degradation: More campers could mean more waste, destruction of natural habitats, and strain on fragile ecosystems.
• Health concerns: Areas with poor facilities might see an increase in human waste or unsanitary conditions.
• Overuse of public amenities: Campers often use public toilets, showers, and rubbish disposal points, which can lead to overburdened facilities.
• Impact on local communities: The influx of travellers could change the dynamics of small communities, contributing to noise, overcrowding, and parking shortages.

Tip: Remember your commercial concerns are not relevant, but if you organise a meeting of other parks in your area and coordinate your submissions, you can often be influential using the accepted points above.

4. Propose Alternatives

Instead of simply opposing the changes, consider proposing alternatives or middle-ground solutions. For example, you could advocate for designated freedom camping areas with proper facilities, strict enforcement of existing rules, or even a permit system. Providing solutions shows that you are not against freedom camping itself, but rather the potential negative consequences of loosening restrictions without safeguards.

Tip: If other areas would be acceptable for responsible camping, highlight them. Or if other regions have implemented alternatives you like, cite those examples. I’m currently watching Gisborne’s approach where they allow locals for free, but sell a rubbish bag and two day permit for $15 to tourists.

5. Be Respectful and Constructive

While it’s important to be firm in your opposition, it’s equally important to be respectful and constructive. Council members are more likely to take your submission seriously if it is well-reasoned and courteous. Avoid emotional language or aggressive tone. Instead, focus on presenting facts and reasoned arguments.

Tip: Do not become ‘the nutter in the room’, this is very much a marathon, and you want to remain approachable/ respected to participate in the next round. I’ve seen people do a great presentation then get upset by the questions and completely lose their credibility; just stay calm and have an answer available for when you disagree or are not sure.

6. Get Community Support

An individual submission can be impactful, but a submission backed by community support is even stronger. Consider working with your neighbours, local organizations, local iwi, environmental groups or resident associations etc, possibly collect signatures, help them through the survey or submit a joint letter. The more people who express their concerns, the more likely the council will take notice.

Tip: Always, attend public hearings or meetings where the bylaws will be discussed (even if by video conference). Presenting your case in person adds massive weight to your written submission. The councillors are typically busy and may have missed your submission (there are often hundreds), additionally councillors could be less informed on each issue they are making decisions on. You have to educate them to your point of view.

7. Meet Deadlines and Follow Guidelines

Finally, make sure your submission is submitted on time and follows any specific guidelines the council may have. This might include formatting requirements, submission deadlines, or a specific form to use. Missing these details could mean your submission is not considered.

Tip: Be careful when completing the surveys. Often the questions are loaded to get a particular result, and the results summarised for the councillors, ‘such as 85% of respondents think we should be a more welcoming district’ If this was an important part of the council report you may  want to clarify that you support that statement but not the methodology being proposed (as some councillors would read that as 85% support more freedom camping).

Final words

By taking a thoughtful, fact-based approach to your submission, you can make a compelling case for your local bylaws. Understand the proposal, use local data, emphasize the impacts on the environment and community, propose alternatives, and maintain a respectful tone. When done well, your submission can help protect your community and its natural surroundings from the potential negative effects of freedom camping.

“There is no such thing as free camping – there is a cost whether it is to local ratepayers or DOC. I fully support the concept that the user should pay.”