Oscar Nathan: Consistency key to enforcing camping rules

Discovering the beauty of the great Kiwi outdoors is something many of us view as a right of citizenship.
That same fascination to explore and discover drives many of our international visitors to travel here from afar - eager to get outdoors, meet our people and explore our landscapes.
Visitors with a propensity to free-wheel and travel by their own design are known as FIT - Free and Independent Travellers - ranging from wealthy, high net-worth individuals who discreetly stay at our most luxurious lodges, to those who choose to economise by freedom camping.
A small, but growing, proportion of this latter group has raised the ire and condemnation of host communities up and down the country because of the undesirable impacts of their waste and disrespect.
But before we cast judgment from on high, be clear the freedom camping challenge isn't simply a visitor issue. We need to ensure we are promoting and providing travellers with vehicles and equipment that doesn't inadvertently set us up for the abuse of freedom camping.
This is something the New Zealand Freedom Camping Forum, including representatives from rental vehicle operators, local government, tourism organisations and central government, needs to keep addressing.
It is easy to see why many have become frustrated with the various interpretations and regulations that apply up and down the country, administered largely through by-laws of nearly 70 different district authorities.
The Government's decision to enact powers allowing local authorities to issue instant fines against the small group that is camping irresponsibly is timely, particularly ahead of the Rugby World Cup, which could see an army of potential freedom campers arriving in the country in little more than 100 days.
Consistency in application is crucial. It isn't just about protecting the rights of local communities to decide where they do or don't want freedom camping. It is just as much about communicating a consistent national framework, under which those who ignore warnings of unapproved activity will not be tolerated.
Environment Minister Nick Smith made it clear consistency on these new rules was important and they needed to be in place so everyone coming to enjoy the Rugby World Cup and iconic spots around the country could do so confidently, without the threat of freedom camping getting out of control.
For these new legislative powers to be effective, they must be complemented by a strong communication strategy, educating visitors about the services available and the expectations we have as hosts.
The penalties for breaching that trust also need to be clear.
Here in Rotorua, we take a firm line on freedom camping, as we provide a plentiful supply of holiday parks and other infrastructure. But, in other remote areas such as the East Coast, that is not the case, which is why communication will remain key.
- Oscar Nathan is the managing director of the RENOSC Group