Tuesday 2 August

More free camping proposed

Community meetings to discuss the proposed new sites and restrictions to the regions’ freedom camping spots will be held in Gisborne, Tolaga and Tokomaru Bay this week.

People will have the chance to ask Council staff more questions and give feedback in person at three meetings set for:

Wednesday 3 August, 5.15pm at Gisborne Yacht Club Kaiti Beach
Thursday 4 August, 5pm at The Haven, Tokomaru Bay
Thursday 4 August, 6.30pm at Tolaga Bay Fire Station

The proposed bylaw for freedom camping is open for feedback now until Monday 15 August.

The changes propose to add new sites at Kaiti Beach, Rere falls and rockslide and also allow summer campground areas at Tolaga Bay, Tokomaru Bay, Kaiaua Beach and Doneraille Park to be used for freedom camping during the off season from April to September.

These would be added to the existing encouraged sites at Motu rest area, Marina car park and Makorori car park.

Restrictions specific to each site are also proposed, as well as adding Titirangi Reserve to the list of areas where freedom camping is prohibited.

“Summer camping during the daylight savings period at our nine registered summer camp grounds would stay the same,” says strategic planning manager David Wilson.

“In a survey completed earlier this year the community told us resoundingly they want to keep it as-is with the paid permit system.”

“We also know freedom camping, which is camping for free without a permit, happens both legally and illegally on other Council land within the district, including our urban areas, So the changes to the bylaw will help us manage where freedom camping can happen and to put some controls in place to ensure responsible camping.”

“We’ve specifically listed Titirangi Reserve as a prohibited areas because it’s a high-use recreational spot with significant cultural values.”

Under the law freedom camping is allowed on most Council land, but Council cannot ban freedom camping in all areas.

ENDS

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