Rural Women: Freedom camping out of sorts with agricultural sector

The lack of enforcement on freedom camping fines is causing problems for the Waipa area. Photo / 123RF

Lack of enforcement and education around freedom camping has led to ongoing issues in our rural communities says Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ).

"This summer has been great for both domestic and foreign tourists, however, freedom camping has once again caused angst in our rural communities," says national president Fiona Gower.

"Overseas experience shows us that farms can be affected by disease outbreak (such as E. coli) through waste left behind by freedom campers and any loss of income is not acceptable to farming families.

"Adverse effects on human health and that of our environment are clearly issues for all New Zealanders.

"RWNZ supports the concerns of those communities affected by large numbers of disrespectful freedom campers, especially in tourist hot spots such as Queenstown, Wanaka and others.

"RWNZ believes that the government needs to ensure that the legislation is fit for purpose so that rural areas especially road reserve, paper roads and private land are protected from the adverse effects of freedom camping," says Fiona.