Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis has been hearing tales of woe from the regions about freedom campers. Bushes being used as toilets, undies being washed in drinking fountains and other obnoxious behaviour.
Davis is convening a working group to look at law changes that could be up to 18 months away from becoming legislation.
I have little sympathy for visitors who defile and disrespect any place they visit, but maybe we should try improving the infrastructure. Set up places that freedom campers can wash, clean their undies and use the toilets without breaking the law. Maybe they'd stick around a bit longer and spend a little more in the local community.
And let's not forget, Kiwis have been freedom camping for years in Europe.
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