Iwi leader Bayden Barber sick of freedom campers at Waimarama Beach ‘doing their business wherever’

Although there are no designated freedom camping areas at Waimarama Beach one resident says that doesn’t stop some campers. Photo / NZME

There are no freedom camping spots at Waimarama Beach — but an iwi leader says that doesn’t stop campers “doing their business wherever”.

Ngāti Kahungunu chairman and resident Bayden Barber said such campers were a big problem in summer.

“They leave lots of mess where they camp. There are no toilets, so they are just doing their business wherever,” he said.

“Council signage is not adequate and needs to be larger. There is no policing of these areas, which is why locals like me have to do it.

“I often have to remind them that there is no camping in these areas (Tiakitai Rd where the rocks are).”

He said the rocks had blocked off the worst place for freedom camping and there was a camping ground in Waimārama.

A Hastings District Council spokesperson said there were no Hastings bylaws prohibiting freedom camping.

“We don’t have general signs saying, ‘no freedom camping’ in areas that are not designated for self-contained vehicles.

“The only rules in the parking space that would apply would be abandoned vehicles, which means council staff will check on a vehicle parked on a street without being moved for a minimum of seven days.”

The Evers-Swindell Reserve in Clive is a popular freedom camping site. Photo / NZME

Hastings has designated sites for self-contained vehicles at Evers-Swindell Reserve, Clifton Rd Reserve, Haumoana Domain, Pākōwhai Country Park, Puketapu Domain, Maraetotara Falls carpark, and Dartmoor Bridge Reserve. In these freedom camping areas, signs advise what people are allowed to do.

The spokesperson said in these areas people were allowed to stay for a maximum of two nights a month per site.

“All dogs must be on leads, no fires can be lit and their current certified self-containment motor caravan/caravan warrant must be on display.”

Within Hastings City, visitors can stay in specified public car parks for a maximum of two nights. Parking is free overnight (6pm to 8am), however, normal charges apply during the day (8am to 6pm).

“Security contractors patrol Evers-Swindell Reserve, Haumoana Domain and Clifton Reserve nightly and report any issues to council. If visitors are not compliant with the rules a trespass notice can be issued.”

The most common issue they dealt with was littering.

“From time to time we also have to deal with people lighting fires and defecating in open spaces.

“When this behaviour is reported to council we respond appropriately, potentially issuing a trespass notice for major or persistent issues.”

They said in general the majority of freedom campers followed the rules.

Wairoa also has freedom camping spots which thousands of people flock to over the summer.

Wairoa District Council chief executive Kitea Tipuna said over the past two summer seasons, there had been very few freedom camping infringements issued.

“We have staff monitoring the camping situation, and sometimes we may need to have an educational chat, and people may have to move on, but generally, we are impressed with the visitors who flock to our district,” Tipuna said.

Respect was key. “As long as campers are compliant, self-aware of others and respectful of our whenua and infrastructure, then we welcome them to enjoy a holiday in our district.”

Hot spots over the summer break are at Mahia. The council said this year, the Blue Bay site has been slightly restricted in size because of coastal erosion and in a bid to give campers more space.

Freedom camping is national legislation that allows people to camp on public land that isn’t a recognised camping ground or holiday park. Freedom camping is permitted in any local authority area within the district unless it is restricted or prohibited.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.