It’s time to have a say on Auckland Council’s proposed Freedom Camping in Vehicles Bylaw.

The draft bylaw defines the number of sites across Auckland where freedom camping is allowed. Consultation is open from Monday 3 December to Monday 18 February 2019.

View a map of the proposed freedom camping areas and restrictions.

The draft bylaw has been developed under the Freedom Camping Act 2011, which means that the council can only restrict or prohibit the activity at a site if it has robust evidence to do so.

Staff have carried out assessments of over 1000 council-controlled sites, which has led to the inclusion of 422 sites where freedom camping is proposed to be prohibited or restricted across the region.

Improving consistency

Councillor Linda Cooper, who chairs Auckland Council’s Regulatory Committee, encourages Aucklanders to let the council know what they think.

“We want to effectively and proactively manage freedom camping in Auckland. Currently, we only have a few old bylaws from past councils, so this bylaw will provide consistent rules across the region and brings enforcement powers,” she says.

“We need to provide enough places where people can freedom camp to meet demand, so that we have less of the over-crowding and nuisance activity that we’ve previously experienced.

“It’s crucial that we have a balanced bylaw that allows visitors to explore and enjoy our region, but also puts appropriate safeguards and regulations on areas that we need to protect.

“A lot of work has been done over the past year, including working closely with local boards and stakeholders, and now it’s time to hear what Aucklanders think."

“You can give site-specific feedback on our website, but it’s important that you provide evidence as to why you think freedom camping should or should not be allowed there,” says Councillor Cooper.

What you need to know about the draft bylaw

• The draft bylaw proposes to prohibit or restrict freedom camping at 422 council managed areas.
• A bylaw under the Freedom Camping Act will also mean enforcement officers can issue a $200 infringement fine to anyone who breaches a prohibition or restriction.
• Auckland Council’s Regulatory Compliance unit uses a graduated enforcement approach. This means they will help people to comply with the rules in the first instance by giving information and advice on the regulations.
• The public consultation period runs from 3 December to 18 February 2019.
Have your say now

Find out more about Auckland Council’s proposed Freedom Camping in Vehicles Bylaw.

You can also come along to one of our drop-in sessions in February:

• Grey Lynn: Saturday 2 February, 10am-12pm, Grey Lynn Library Hall, 474 Great North Road.
• Pukekohe: Saturday 9 February, 10am-12pm, Pukekohe Town Hall, Massey Avenue.
• Howick: Monday 11 February, 6pm-8pm, Nixon Park Community Hall, 70 Sale Street.
• Te Atatu South: Tuesday 12 February, 6pm-8pm, Te Atatu South Community Centre, 247 Edmonton Road.
• Northcote: Wednesday 13 February, 6pm-8pm, Northcote War Memorial Hall, 2 Rodney Road.
• Orewa: Saturday 16 February, 10am-12pm, Orewa Community Centre, 40-46 Orewa Square.
• Warkworth: Saturday 16 February, 2pm-4pm, Warkworth Masonic Hall, 3 Baxter Street.

© Scoop Media