Pre-consultation: Freedom Camping Survey

We think it’s important to manage freedom camping in a way that works for everyone–while protecting public spaces and natural places.

Currently, we don’t have a Bylaw that allows us to effectively manage freedom camping in our district. This means, we’re not able to do anything about nuisance behaviour or misuse of local freedom camping sites. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does it is not possible to manage without a local bylaw setting out rules and guidelines. Before making any decisions about where to next, we want to hear from our community to make sure we’re moving in the right direction.

Should we develop a local bylaw?

That’s essentially the question we’re asking. We want to know where you’re camping now, how that’s working and your thoughts on what fair management of these site looks like - as well as what’s worked really well for you when camping in other districts.

We need your feedback—fast!

The survey closes on Friday, 28 February 2025.

Right now, we’re gathering information to help decide whether or not to move forward. If we do, we’ll come back to the community for further consultation before any decisions are made about a Bylaw.

Complete the survey online

OR:

Previous Policy and Current List of Freedom Camping Sites

Currently, we have a policy that is a schedule of another bylaw (confusing right?).

Not only do we wish to simplify this, we’re aiming to improve our ability to manage freedom camping in a way that works for everyone–while protecting public spaces and natural places.

Our current Freedom Camping Policy is listed as Schedule 2 of the Public Places Bylaw 2024:

Bylaws, Policies and Local Legislation | Tararua District Council

To view a list of Freedom Camping sites in the district, visit:

Freedom Camping | Tararua.com

Frequently asked questions

A bylaw is a rule made by the council to keep our community safe, well-managed, and enjoyable for everyone. Bylaws cover things like parking, dog control, alcohol bans, and noise limits. They help protect public spaces, the environment, and ensure businesses and activities operate fairly.

Currently, we don’t have a bylaw that allows us to effectively manage freedom camping in our district. This means, we’re not able to do anything about nuisance behaviour or misuse of local freedom camping sites. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does it is not possible to manage without a local bylaw setting out rules and guidelines.

We want to know where people are camping now, how that’s working and what people think fair management of freedom camping sites looks like in our district. We’re also wanting to understand what’s worked well for people when camping in other districts.

With freedom camping increasing in our district, we need a bylaw to:

  • Keep camping safe and respectful.
  • Protect public spaces from overuse and misuse.
  • Balance the needs of campers, residents, and businesses.
  • Ensure Council can effectively manage freedom camping now and in the future.

The proposed bylaw will:

  • Identify where freedom camping is allowed.
  • Set rules for responsible camping, including waste disposal, noise, and vehicle standards.
  • Ensure compliance with the Freedom Camping Act 2011.
  • Help protect and preserve our camping areas.

Gather feedback – We’re consulting key stakeholders to help Council decide whether to proceed.

Council decision – If approved, the bylaw will be drafted.

Public consultation – There will be more chances to be involved.

The Freedom Camping Transitional Fund made available through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment covers developing the bylaw and implementation (if adopted). Implementaiton includes new signage for Council-owned sites; sites managed by other agencies (e.g., Domain Boards); some privately owned sites (with owner consent).

Take the survey before it closes on Friday, 28 February 2025.

If Council decides to move ahead, there will be more chances to be involved.