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Marlborough District Council Looks Into Legalizing Freedom Camping

Two weeks are left for the public to comment on a proposal to legalize the freedom campsites in Marlborough, New Zealand.

According to a report, out of the five sites owned by the Marlborough District Council, two violate national reserve rules. At the same time, four of them have been declared “technically non-compliant” under the region’s environmental plan since it doesn’t specifically allow freedom camping.

The council requires permission to use its Wynen St. car park, Lake Elterwater Reserve, and Wairau Diversion sites. The committee submitted a request last month. It also applied to legitimize self-contained camping at the Taylor River Dam site, which must be in line with the reserve rules.

A spokeswoman for the council claims that resource content applications pre-date plans to review the freedom camping bylaw. The bylaw was enacted in August—nine months after the last amendment—due to pressure from RVers.

The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association asserted before the High Court that the council’s new bylaw was “disproportionate and unreasonable” because it left only five council-owned properties in Marlborough. The council has defended its bylaw but agreed to allow the public six weeks to read it over.

The period ended in October. The “responsible camping panel” consisting of two commissioners and one councilor will consider the submissions over three days in February. It is expected that the bylaw will be enforced by next winter.

If the four campsites pass the current review and their applications are approved, the council’s next step is to permit camping at Renwick Domain and Taylor River Dam under the Reserves Act.

Camping is permitted only at New Zealand reserves under the law if allowed for in a reserve management plan or if Conservation Minister Kiritapu Allan provided consent. The Renwick Domain and Taylor River Dam sites have neither.

The government has given the council the power to permit camping on its reserves. However, the council’s spokeswoman stated that it is still waiting on the final draft’s release to the public.

If a campsite doesn’t pass the latest bylaw review, then its permission will not take place.

Approval will depend on what the commissioner thinks of the council’s request and the opinions of the public.

In their applications for resource consent, council officers state that none of the sites is likely to cause any negative impact.

However, to ensure safety, the council has decided that it would prohibit people from cooking or hanging laundry outside of vehicles within Wynen St. car park. If they break the rules, they could be fined AU$200.

The council also hopes to establish two camping areas at the Wairau Diversion. One is east of the Hinepango Stream and is currently closed to vehicles following the July storm.

The council has allocated AU$900,000 for landscaping the site and constructing separate toilets and shower blocks, along with an area for dishwashing or kitchen under its long-term plan.

The second site has been designated “temporary” and is west of the stream.

Only one of the diversion’s sites will be open at a time.
The council will take feedback on its four resource consent applications at www.marlborough.govt.nz until November 25.

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HenryAbyss
HenryAbyss
February 23, 2024 10:40 pm

Did you know that the Marlborough District Council is exploring new liberated camping areas? It’s important to involve all stakeholders in this decision for a balanced and inclusive approach.

James White
James White
March 14, 2024 2:20 am
Reply to  HenryAbyss

The Marlborough District Council is indeed looking into creating new designated areas for freedom camping in the region. It’s part of their efforts to manage and regulate camping activities more effectively. This initiative aims to strike a balance between promoting tourism and preserving the environment for future generations.

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Hi, you might find this article from Modern Campground interesting: Marlborough District Council Looks Into Legalizing Freedom Camping! This is the link: https://moderncampground.com/australia/new-zealand/marlborough-district-council-looks-into-legalizing-freedom-camping/