Solution found for Waihi Beach's freedom campers

A block of unused land on Emerton Road in Waihi Beach has been put aside for freedom campers.

Waihi Beach's newest freedom camping spot is a win/win for everyone, the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association says.

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council has found a solution to freedom campers overcrowding a site at Anzac Bay.

The council has leased a block of unused land on Emerton Road in Waihi Beach to the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) for freedom campers.

"That's a great approach by the council," NZMCA chief executive Bruce Lochore says. "It's a win/win for everyone involved — the council, our members and, importantly, the local community.

The pressure on Anzac Bay has been relieved, the council is now earning revenue from a non-productive piece of land and our members in certified self-contained vehicles have a low-cost place to stay in a very desirable location."

For Western Bay Mayor Garry Webber it is a great compromise and council says it is delighted to have worked with the association to provide a solution for the community and responsible freedom campers.

The Waihi Beach Park — one of more than 40 such properties the NZMCA owns or leases throughout the country — can accommodate around 50 motorhomes or caravans and has been quickly put to good use by members.

The site was tidied up by association members.

Sited within walking distance of the local shops and the beach, the new park will encourage more of the NZMCA's 80,000-plus individual members to stop, stay and shop in the area.

Mr Lochore says a key factor in establishing the Emerton Rd site is the ability to use Local Government New Zealand's campground exemption guidance. This enables such parks to be set up without the need for all the facilities of commercial campgrounds.

"The vast majority of our members travel in certified vehicles, so they don't need all the bells and whistles.

"All they need is a safe environment to camp with fellow members, secure in the knowledge they are complying with the council's bylaws."

Mr Lochore says that the NZMCA takes its responsibilities seriously to ensure the site is set up to a high standard.

"We engaged expert planners, engineers and archaeologists from Opus to manage the resource consent process. Later this year we will plant native trees and shrubs around the perimeter of the site, in accordance with our resource consent, to help soften the visual appearance and beautify the park."