No evidence to back freedom camping bylaw in Whanganui

Whanganui District Council will more closely monitor the impact of freedom camping in the district. Photo/Bevan Conley

Whanganui District Council has found no evidence to suggest it needs a bylaw to control freedom camping.

The issue came before council in April after a discussion about turning a disused dangerous goods store on Taupo Quay into a 24-hour toilet facility.

Under the Freedom Camping Act 2011, freedom camping is permitted generally but councils can make bylaws placing restrictions on the activity.

But a report to council's strategy and finance committee concluded "an environmental scan of Whanganui's freedom camping landscape has not shown any clear evidence of problems that warrant regulatory intervention ..."

Instead the committee voted on Tuesday for council to better monitor freedom camping in order to identify issues and look at improving infrastructure for freedom campers.

There was little appetite among councillors for a bylaw.

Mayor Hamish McDouall said Whanganui was getting a small share of the country's freedom campers and those who came here were responsible.

Data from GeoZone, which tracks some freedom campers who use the service, shows Moutoa Quay is the most popular spot for freedom campers to park up.

"I just don't think it's a problem," Mayor Hamish McDouall said.

"We are not Queenstown. We've just got to accept that."

He said being freedom camper friendly was an advantage for Whanganui in terms of tourism.

"It's a point of difference."

Councillor Rob Vinsen said Whanganui was not at the point yet where a bylaw was required.

"Let's hope that we actually get that problem because then if there's that many people coming in you have to solve it, and that's not a bad problem to have."

Meanwhile, councillor Philippa Baker-Hogan said locals should not be forgotten in the debate.

"We do have a responsibility to the community and people who are paying rates for these facilities, and the moteliers, to ensure we don't become a place where people can come and use our facilities and not contribute.

"There needs to be a bit of push and pull here."