17 October 2014

Wellington Welcomes Freedom Campers

Wellington City Council’s environment committee agreed at yesterday’s meeting to welcome and allow campers visiting the Capital to freedom camp except in some parts of the city.

The Council has been permissive but at the same time protective of Wellington’s open green spaces, reserves, flora and fauna.

Changes have been made to part (12) of the Public Places by-law consistent with the Freedom Camping Act 2011. Parliament originally intended to prohibit freedom camping and now the permissive legislation allows it, except where it is prohibited. The recommendations from the committee will have further public consultation after the November Council meeting.

Councillor Helene Ritchie says, “Visitors and campers to Wellington will be able to enjoy the city and the natural environment we have so close to the heart of the CBD, the harbour and the Coast. However, camping will be prohibited in central city parks such as Frank Kitts or Waitangi Park; campervans will eventually have a new site on Port land, and camping on reserve land or inner city parks will still not be allowed”.

The Bylaw will regulate camping in specific public places to protect particular areas and the health and safety of visitors to these areas, with notices and friendly rangers who will have warrants but will only as a last resort exercise the power that they will have to fine people up to $200 who damage plants or leave litter behind.

49 submissions were received as part of the consultation on the draft bylaw and most were supportive of the proposed changes.

While freedom camping in most reserves is still restricted under reserve management plans, except for some coastal areas, freedom camping will be encouraged at the Te Kopahou Reserve entrance at Owhiro Bay, and campers in self-contained vehicles will be able to stay at the southern end of Evans Bay marina.

Councillor Helene Ritchie says, “We welcome the increasingly diverse range of visitors who will come and enjoy our city as a result of these changes.”

ENDS

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