Unity on freedom camping approach

Industry representatives, local government and other stakeholders in New Zealand tourism have agreed a united approach to managing freedom camping this summer.

At a meeting of the New Zealand Responsible Camping Forum, convened by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA), attendees agreed to continue with a range of measures to tackle issues associated with freedom camping.

Explaining the joint approach, TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts stated “as the tourism industry has grown, we have seen an increase in the number of freedom campers.

“Most campers – both New Zealanders and international visitors – obey the rules and act responsibly. The Forum does not tolerate the minority of travellers who cause problems.

“There is no single fix to the management of freedom camping. A strong regional focus, providing good information and adequate infrastructure, backed by enforcement measures, remains the best approach.”

Local Government New Zealand President Lawrence Yule agrees tourism infrastructure is a key piece of the puzzle but how it is funded is an issue for councils in tourist destinations, many of which are funded by a small ratepayer base.

Yule explained “the Government’s $12 million Regional Mid-sized Tourism Facilities Grant Fund for small tourism facilities is a good step in the right direction but we need to think about other ways of funding infrastructure.

“It is important that communities are not disproportionately burdened with the costs of building toilets and carparks.

“For both the industry and communities, tourism needs to be well funded and managed, and a concerted approach through the groups like the Forum to tackle these issues is necessary.”

The New Zealand Responsible Camping Forum was established in 2007 and brings together representatives from the tourism industry, rental vehicle operators, and central and local government.

At its latest meeting, Forum members agreed to commission research to better understand the extent of freedom camping. This follows government estimates that around 12,000 international visitors a year (0.4% of all international arrivals) use freedom camping as their main form of accommodation.

Roberts added “we need to know more about where they are staying, for how long, and why they choose to freedom camp. It would also be valuable to know what they are spending their money on.

“With better information, we can better understand their motivations and manage how campers behave.”

A particular target group this summer will be people travelling in privately-owned vehicles. While the major rental vehicle operators provide freedom camping information to their clients, the Forum wants to find ways of educating private vehicle owners in the behaviour expected of them.

Roberts believes social media is likely to be key in reaching this group, and the Forum is keen to implement a social media campaign over the summer, concluding “the central message to freedom campers continues to be ‘Assume nothing – always ask’ before deciding to freedom camp.

“Two apps – Camping NZ or Campermate – offer excellent information, while i-SITE Visitor Information Centres and Department of Conservation Visitor Centres can also help.”

Meanwhile, two campervan rental companies, thl and Jucy, are working with the Thames-Coromandel and Queenstown-Lakes District Councils to improve collection of freedom camping fines.

Under the three-month trial, the councils notify the campervan companies of fines within 24 hours. The companies can then remind their customers of the fine when they return the vehicles, and encourage them to pay promptly to avoid a possible administration fee. LGNZ says the scheme is running well and has potential to be rolled out further.

Image: Maui campervan (top) and Chris Roberts (below).

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