Responsible Camping Strategy

Over recent years the numbers of campers in both self-contained and non-self-contained vehicles has increased dramatically, particularly in Motueka and Golden Bay. The increase in freedom and budget campers has come with challenges, including littering, waste disposal, noise, public space conflicts, safety, and commercial competition concerns.

We want to continue to be welcoming hosts to people wishing to enjoy the uniquely Tasman experience, and we expect our visitors to respect the special places and communities as they pass through.

The Responsible Camping Strategy provides direction as we manage responsible camping through regulations and by providing facilities and visitor information. It may lead to future rule changes in the Tasman Freedom Camping Bylaw.

The following principles have provided useful values-based guidance in all areas of the development of this Strategy and will continue to guide its implementation.

1. To protect the hauroa/health of the environment
Ensuring activities respect and protect the health of the environment and cultural values
2. To show manaakitanga
Respect and kindness to others, being a responsible host, making visitors feel welcome and nurturing relationships
3. To ensure sustainability
The places, facilities, and services we provide are environmentally, culturally and financially sustainable
4. To be adaptable and responsive to change
To monitor changing circumstances and effects of camping to inform decisionmaking
5. To work in partnership with iwi
Ensuring Māori cultural values are protected for future generations
6. To work together with others
Continually seeking opportunities to work with our communities to provide positive outcomes
7. To be effective and efficient in the use of resources
Sustainably manage limited resources to meet our objectives
8. To keep our community and visitors safe
Ensuring our wider family, friends, community, and visitors are safe

Council has to consider national legislation in deciding on its management approach to responsible camping.

The default position under the Freedom Camping Act 2011 is that freedom camping can take place on all Council owned or administered land unless it is necessary to either:

• protect the area,
• protect the health and safety of people who may visit the area; or
• protect access to the area.

Any restriction has to be a proportionate and reasonable response to the issues.

The Freedom Camping Act explicitly prevents Council from prohibiting freedom camping in all Council owned or administered land.
Council can also prohibit or restrict freedom camping on some of its land under other legislation (e.g. the Reserves Act).

Fancy some night time reading? Take a peek here at the Freedom Camping Act 2011