Mark Ebrey: Can campervans go from green nightmare to opportunity?

While some councils welcome freedom campers, others struggle to find a solution. Photo / File

Queenstown's ban on "freedom campers" and Whanganui's open invitation to this particular tourism sector show this is an issue that polarises communities depending on its local effects.

The number of campervans on our roads seems to be growing exponentially and the potential ecological effects of "freedom" camping are such that something drastic needs to be done – and soon.

There is a simple answer – remove the economic imperative that drives the misnamed "freedom" camping model that has somehow become the catchcry of not only those in self-contained motor homes but also the multitudes who hire campers with names like "Wicked", "Escape" and even "Spaceships".

While the operators of these brands are sensitive to the issue and generally encourage their customers to use campgrounds where they can access toilets and showers, the reality is that many hirers are interested only in saving money so they can spend more on other things. Sadly it is the environment that suffers as a result.

The way to solve most of the problem is to make it compulsory for all hire campervans without a self-containment certificate to purchase a non-refundable accommodation pass for every night away from the hire company depot.

This does not need to be as draconian as it sounds and could be a "win-win" solution for everyone. (If the hire companies don't want to subscribe to the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association self-containment programme and standards, then Vehicle Testing Services could offer a similar certificate as part of its Certificate of Fitness examination.)

Currently many of these campers do not go to campgrounds or, if they do, it is only for one night in three so that they can shower and do their laundry. The holiday park industry receives little or no revenue from these campervans.

The campervan hirers say campgrounds want too much money and they don't want or need all of the trappings the major holiday parks offer. There is right on both sides.

There needs to be an area set aside at all campgrounds where budget campers can park up overnight for a realistic fee that includes free use of toilets and waste disposal, but could involve coin operated showers and laundry facilities that could generate more income for the accommodation provider. Those that choose could opt to pay extra for a power hook-up.

An average dorm bed in a reasonable quality backpackers is around $25-$35 in New Zealand, so a $10-$15 per person overnight charge in a campground should be considered value for money. From a campground operator's perspective there is a chance to leverage this by providing coin-operated internet, shower and laundry facilities.

One of the biggest players in the campsite market and operating in many of the scenic areas that are the major attraction for overseas visitors is the Department of Conservation and it offers minimal service but low cost options for budget campervans in most parts of the country.

A Conservator-General has said the department needs to act like a business and recover more costs from users where it can, so that taxpayers funds can be better targeted towards protection of threatened flora and fauna.

This suggests campervan hirers could have a choice in the voucher packs they are required to purchase – from a minimal-cost DoC option through a low-cost holiday park opportunity to a full service pack where they can pre-pay for everything.

By making the accommodation vouchers non-refundable, there is no incentive for "freedom" camping where the main objective is to avoid the costs associated with staying in a campground. This doesn't prevent a hirer from genuinely "freedom" camping in areas where it may be permitted, but recognises that such opportunities are actually quite restricted in New Zealand.

The revenue from unused vouchers could go into a contestable fund that local authorities, Land Transport New Zealand and DoC could access to provide more public toilets and waste disposal options in areas where the so-called "freedom" campers are currently congregating.

It may even help encourage councils to make more reserves available for self-contained campervans in areas where there are few or no commercial campsites available.

If the campervan companies are genuinely interested in helping create a sustainable solution for the unsavoury practices that many of their customers are currently adopting, they should have no problem in joining the Tourism Industry Association's "Camping Our Way" organisation and working out a voucher system that works for everyone.

The Holiday Parks Association can play its part by recognising the extra business they will receive and giving a good "bulk buy" discount to campervan hirers.

The New Zealand Motorhome Association should be encouraged to bulk buy on behalf of its members as well because the reality is that many will avoid using their onboard toilets where possible.

To be truly effective, however, local authorities need to have effective enforcement options and to use them. Instant fines that are double the cost of the accommodation voucher, payable on demand, or be wheel clamped until paid up, would soon get the message across.

• Mark Ebrey is a former tourism operator in Taumarunui.