The Whanganui freedom campsite was transformed into a shelter for homeless people during the coronavirus lockdown. It is considered safer than any emergency accommodation in the city.
However, users and volunteers are concerned that their security will be compromised in alert level 2. They also fear that a proposed camping law will make it even more difficult for the city’s homeless, a report said.
According to the mayor of the city, although he believes that the current hub is not sustainable long-term, he would like to partner with social agencies in order to create one.
During the coronavirus-induced lockdown, homeless people transformed the Anzac Parade liberty camping site into the Whanganui Homeless Hub.
Whanganui City Council shut down all public toilets after alert level 4 was activated. The toilet block at Anzac Parade was opened by the council, attracting the city’s homeless population.
Social services and healthcare providers could easily engage with homeless people at the hub, which was better than having them move around the city.
Homeless people were especially fearful of a proposed bylaw to limit freedom camping. It would also make it illegal to camp at designated sites for more than 2 nights per month.
Sunnex stated that the bylaw would require vehicles to be self-contained at nearly all freedom camping sites.
Hamish McDouall, mayor of Whanganui, said that he would be happy for homeless people to remain at Anzac Parade during alert levels 4 and 3, but that they would have to leave afterward.
People who lived in buses and vans at freedom camping sites were known to be prone to littering and other anti-social behaviors.
He said that people like this made it worse for visitors to the city as well as those who live near freedom camping sites.
“There must be some control over the exploitation of the facilities that we provide for free.”
He was however keen for social services to provide a space for the homeless.
“I don’t mean hiding them or screening them off. I am talking about getting them to places where our councils and other services can help.”