Decision to be made on camping

Council to decide on freedom camping at Bowentown.

Rules controlling freedom camping at Bowentown could be tightened following a strong community reaction that motor homes were "spoiling beautiful little Anzac Bay".

The future of freedom camping at the popular bay next to the northern entrance of Tauranga Harbour will be decided by the Western Bay District Council tomorrow.

Councillors will be weighing up arguments for and against continuing with the status quo in which Waihi Beach community patrols often counted 15 to 24 vans parked overnight during the summer.

Nearly a third of submitters sought a complete prohibition on freedom camping while 38 per cent supported options that involved fewer vans and a summer holiday ban. Only 16 per cent supported the status quo, with similar numbers suggesting alternatives to the options canvassed by the council.

The 160 written feedbacks included Waihi Beach ratepayer and community patrols member Graham Tillson who said Anzac Bay was one of the most attractive places in the Bay but it now frequently resembled a camping ground.

"While on regular security patrols over the summer period, I often counted 15 to 24 vans parked there overnight."

He said vans parked in the central area effectively blocked the magnificent view of the inner harbour from those sitting under the trees.

Mr Tillson echoed other residents who favoured restricting freedom campers to the large parking area on the Seaforth Rd, just past the roundabout.

"They would not be dominating a popular prime scenic reserve or over-stretching community toilet facilities."

Bowentown holiday maker Meryl Finlay said she saw up to 24 parked in the designated area, plus more parked under the trees.

"It is not a pretty sight seeing all their washing hanging out for everyone to view, even washing lines strung up between the trees."

Mrs Findlay said there were enough alternative areas for freedom campers without "congesting and spoiling beautiful little Anzac Bay for the day visitors".

Many seeking no change or minor changes were motor home owners, including Waihi Beach resident Helen Meiklejohn, who said vans at Anzac Bay offered overnight security from vandalism and cars doing wheelies. She suggested restricting vans during the main summer holidays to overnight only so that they occupied other parks during the day.

She said some van owners parked well away from reserves and beachfronts overnight but as soon as they woke up they headed for a beachside site to enjoy the dawn and day. "Freedom camping can be managed well and I hope the council will choose to do this and not bow to the pressure of the brigade for whom any campervan is one too many, no matter where it is parked," she said.

Public feedback on freedom camping options for Anzac Bay

Permanently banned: 75 (32.5per cent of submitters)
Reduced van numbers in two separate areas: 42 (18 per cent)
No changes until bylaw reviewed 2017: 37 (16 per cent)
Halve current area and Christmas to Feb 7 ban: 35 (15 per cent)
Other suggestions: 31 (13.5 per cent)
No changes but Christmas to Feb 7 ban: 12 (5 per cent)