Thursday 19 May 2016

Freedom camping ban extended

The temporary closure of five designated non-self-contained freedom camping sites has been extended until 31 May 2017 by Christchurch City Council Chief Executive Dr Karleen Edwards.

The extension coincides with the Council conducting a partial review of the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2015. This review will determine whether amendments to the restrictions in the Bylaw around non-self-contained freedom camping should be made across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula. The Council will also be conducting a more extensive review of the Bylaw, with the intention of having that review completed by 1 May 2017.

Dr Edwards says the temporary closure was first put into effect in March 2016.

"Our designated non-self-contained freedom camping sites saw significant overcrowding over the 2015/2016 summer season, which made the sites unsafe for campers, visitors, local residents and the environment.

"The simplest solution, and one that was available to us under the terms of the Bylaw, was to temporarily close those sites to all forms of freedom camping until the individual issues can be addressed," Dr Edwards says. "The closures had a positive effect on the problems, and we're going to continue with the temporary closures through the next summer season. It's the most effective way to keep people – and the environment – safe."

The temporary closures prohibit any form of freedom camping at the designated non-self-contained freedom camping areas at French Farm, Wainui, Addington Park car park, Lower Styx River and Windsport Park. The beach and reserve at French Farm have reopened, and the self-contained restricted freedom camping site at French Farm will also reopen on 1 June 2016.

Restricted freedom camping in self-contained vehicles remains in place for limited stays inside the city's urban boundaries – including urban and other areas on Banks Peninsula – in accordance with the Bylaw introduced last year.

"Christchurch still welcomes campers from all walks of life," Dr Edwards says. "Tourist numbers are expected to increase, and this decision demonstrates the Council's commitment to their health and wellbeing and ensures we remain an attractive place to camp. There are many picturesque, low-cost camping grounds around the city and Banks Peninsula for people to enjoy."

The Bylaw review was originally scheduled for 2017/18, and has been brought forward to address the issues which have prompted the temporary ban. Councillors have requested that Council staff work with other councils and Local Government New Zealand to seek a full government review of the Freedom Camping Act, to help ensure more consistency of regulation and enforcement between local authority-controlled areas and crown land.

A detailed map of freedom camping boundaries and restrictions is available on the Council's website at ccc.govt.nz/camping

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