Kiwi crackdown on rogue campers

New legislation introduced to the New Zealand parliament this month designed to stamp out illegal camping, will see wrongdoers slapped with $200 instant fines while those who illegally dump sewage from a campervan will face fines of up to $10,000.

"Freedom camping is an important part of our tourism industry and great Kiwi lifestyle but we cannot tolerate irresponsible campers spoiling our most iconic areas with human waste and litter," New Zealand Environment Minister Nick Smith said.

According to Dr Smith, the number of freedom campers, or those that camp outside caravan parks or designated campsites, has doubled over the past decade to 110,000 international visitors and more than 40,000 New Zealanders.

"The existing system where each of our 67 districts has its own bylaws is not working for the responsible freedom camper wanting to do the right thing or for councils wanting to protect their local environment," he said.

The new Freedom Camping Bill will enable councils to determine where camping is allowed, where it’s restricted to campervans with self-containment, and where it’s prohibited.  The Department of Conservation will be able to make similar rules on the reserves it manages. 

Other aspects of the Bill include nationally consistent signage and practical enforcement provisions, while a website will be provided outlining where people can and cannot camp nationally.

"We need some national consistency because most freedom campers are unaware of what district they are in one day to the next, but we also want to protect the rights of local communities to decide where freedom camping is to be allowed," Dr Smith said. 

"We also want to encourage self-contained campervans by having restricted areas that don't have toilets, as the most serious problems arise from freedom camping without sanitary facilities," he said.

The new legislation will provide for a $200 instant fine for illegal camping that may be imposed on the camper or the vehicle.  New regulations will require campervan hire companies to record and disclose details so fines can be enforced. 

Fines up to $10,000 may also be imposed by courts on a successful prosecution for illegally discharging a campervan's sewage.

"We will be working hard with councils to ensure these new freedom camping measures are in place for the 85,000 visitors expected for Rugby World Cup 2011, so as to protect the environment and our clean, green tourism brand,” Dr Smith said.