'They s*** in our waterways': Tourism Minister Stuart Nash takes aim at freedom campers instead urging a focus on attracting high-spending visitors. Video / Guy Williams / ODT
A motorist is fuming after copping a $200 fine after choosing to not drink and drive and spending the night safely in a public carpark.
Tao Scott, from Tauranga, is awaiting legal advice over the ticket issued last Saturday morning, after he chose to sleep off the drinks he'd had the night before in his self-contained van in a carpark.
"It seems drink driving is recommended in Queenstown District. I have been given a $200 fine in Arrowtown for NOT drink driving," he said.
"It feels like extortion ... I will absolutely be fighting the Queenstown bylaw, it's inhumane."
The 36-year-old said three other vehicles had also stayed in the same carpark overnight but had not been ticketed.
Tao Scott, 36, at the Crown Range freedom camping area. Photo / Supplied
Scott, who said he was a New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) member, believed the signage in the public carpark was misleading after he parked in an area seemingly reserved for campervans.
According to Google Maps, a 2019 image of what was believed to be the entrance to the same Ramshaw Lane carpark had a sign which stated, "strictly no camping". Scott acknowledged he didn't see this sign.
Scott's ticket specified his offence was "freedom camping in a prohibited area without prior permission".
A Queenstown Lakes District Council bylaw prohibits freedom camping in town centres, residential areas and along key stretches of road. The bylaw was currently being challenged by the NZMCA.
Outside those areas, visitors in certified self-contained vehicles could park for up to two nights at any particular spot on Department of Conservation, district council or NZ Transport Agency land, provided they were a safe distance from a road.
Scott emailed the council, requesting a reduced fine of $50 given his intent not to drive intoxicated, misleading signage, the fact his van was self-contained and that it was a one-off incident.
In response, a council staffer said they would not grant a reduced fine and stated Scott's right to pursue court action if he wanted to take the matter further.
He was expecting advice from Community Law Otago on Tuesday. Asked whether he could afford the fine, Scott said he would "pay it and not eat".
"People should have the right to feel safe to explore the local areas and spend time and money in the place at their own affordability," he said.
Tao Scott woke to find a $200 fine for sleeping off drinks the night before in a carpark in Arrowtown. Photo / Supplied
Scott said freedom campers could be treated with more empathy and respect, rather than having to wake up to significant fines.
"Wouldn't it be nice if the [council] officer knocked on your window and said, 'Can you move'? It was just a kick in the face."
Scott, who bought the van late last year, said he had endured tough times in his life which, at one point, made him think he should take his own life.
Through a series of support groups and festivals where he found confidence and self-love, Scott's mentality was now much healthier.
