Freedom camping rules backed in Rotorua

New national freedom camping laws will be in line with policy developed by Rotorua District Council and have been given the thumbs-up by the local tourism sector.
Environment Minister Nick Smith outlined the policy move yesterday, saying freedom camping was an important part of New Zealand's tourism industry and "Kiwi lifestyle".
"But we cannot tolerate irresponsible campers spoiling our most iconic areas with human waste and litter," Dr Smith said.
The number of freedom campers had doubled in the past decade, to 110,000 international visitors and more than 40,000 New Zealanders, and the system of each district having its own bylaws was not working, he said.
The new Freedom Camping Bill will be introduced to Parliament this month and should be in place before the Rugby World Cup starts in September. It will still allow councils and the Department of Conservation to determine where camping is allowed, but there will be nationally consistent signage and fines to enforce the rules.
A $200 instant fine will be introduced for illegal camping and successful prosecution for illegally discharging campervan sewage may lead to fines of up to $10,000. Campervan hire companies will have to record and disclose details of renters so fines can be enforced.
Rotorua District Council parks and recreation manager Garry Page said the measures were well aligned with the council's Activities on Rotorua Open Public Place policy and it had approved freedom camping sites at Lake Okareka's Boyes Beach, the Trout Pool reserve at Okere Falls, Guy Rd reserve in Rerewhakaaitu and Vale Rd reserve on the Waikato River.
Tourism Industry Association deputy chairman, Rotorua's Oscar Nathan, said freedom camping was an issue the association had been working on for some time.
"It's not just international visitors, but also Kiwis, who need to be responsible for behaviour that respects our environment. It is definitely something that requires a national approach and consistency of application, which is why it has been such a lengthy process to this point."
Holiday park and campground owners have been keen to protect their commercial interests as well as the environment. Rotorua's Holiday Accommodation Parks Association chairman Dave Adams, of Rotorua Top 10 Holiday Park, said the changes would achieve those goals and provide a means to enforce freedom camping policy.
"We have been talking with the council, trying to sort out a sensible policy, basically in line with what the Government is doing," he said.
But Mr Adams said Rotorua District Council had included non-self-contained campervans, which the Holiday Parks' Association was still arguing against because of the pollution from litter, human waste and waste water.
He said great camping spots were available and there was plenty of information about where freedom camping was acceptable and what was expected from campers at www.camping.org.nz.
Mr Adams said the instant fines would be a good deterrent to the irresponsible.
"If people want to come here and have a cheap holiday by wrecking our environment, that's not responsible tourism."