Communities urged to support camping efforts

Communities are being encouraged to back national efforts to better manage freedom camping in their areas this summer.

The New Zealand Freedom Camping Forum is working with communities around the country in an effort to maximise the opportunities that vehicle-based camping brings, while minimising problems.

“The Forum has developed a strong campaign at the national level but better management of freedom camping will only be successful when communities and councils work together to build on that campaign,” Forum chairman and Tourism Industry Association (TIA) Advocacy Manager Geoff Ensor says.

“The Forum firmly believes that each community must manage camping in consultation with all interested parties. Because camping rules vary around the country, we all need to ensure that visitors have good agreed information about where they are allowed to camp.”

Mr Ensor is addressing a series of 18 community meetings around the country, providing updates on the national Where Can I Camp? campaign (www.camping.org.nz) and advising on how local groups can build on that work. He has also been encouraging communities to work with neighbouring regions, to achieve a strong consistent approach to freedom camping.

“Well-managed camping opportunities can increase the economic benefits of tourism by encouraging visitors to spend more during their stay. The Forum is anxious that campers continue to be welcomed and enjoy good experiences in our regions.”

As a result of agreements by the Forum, the majority of campervan rental operators are now strongly recommending that their clients stay in holiday parks, Department of Conservation (DOC) camping areas or other designated camping areas. Similar messages are included in the latest Lonely Planet and Rough Guides New Zealand editions.

The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association, representing more than 20,000 private vehicles, has also been encouraging its members to camp responsibly.

In tandem with these educational efforts, Local Government New Zealand is developing a nationally consistent enforcement regime to tackle problem camping.

“We can make a difference with consistent information to campers but some enforcement will always be required. We need that to be fair and consistent around the country,” Mr Ensor says.

Freedom camping was highlighted in TIA’s recent document Local Government + the Visitor Industry: A Powerful Partnership as one area where it wanted to partner with councils to develop better guidelines for local areas.

The Forum is also looking for ways to better educate private vehicle users about camping in New Zealand. It has become clear that problems are often created by New Zealanders and international visitors camping in private vehicles during their holiday, Mr Ensor says.

Better management of freedom camping will continue to be a priority for the Forum and for TIA, particularly in the run-up to Rugby World Cup 2011, he says.

“We are aware of the importance of this issue to our environment, our tourism industry and New Zealand generally. Our recent community meetings have demonstrated strong support for the Forum’s approach and a willingness to take up the campaign at the local level,” Mr Ensor says.

* The New Zealand Freedom Camping Forum was convened by TIA in December 2007 in response to concerns about the impacts of freedom camping in some regions. Membership includes representatives from rental vehicle operators, local government, tourism organisations and central government. For more information, visit www.camping.org.nz

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