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No changes to freedom camping in Gisborne district

Wednesday 18 May 2011, 9:39AM

By Gisborne District Council

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GISBORNE

The new Freedom Camping Bill announced by Environment Minister and Acting Conservation Minister Nick Smith at the weekend will not affect people using designated freedom camping areas in the Gisborne district.

Gisborne District Council has 10 freedom camping sites which are well used over the summer months. Council collects a permit fee which covers the cost of removing rubbish and toilet waste from those areas.

Council's group manager Environment and Policy Hans van Kregten says that the new national restrictions for freedom camping are not expected to apply to those areas. "Council approved a small technical change to its Public Places Bylaw in April to make sure that current successful freedom camping practices enjoyed over the summer months can continue."

"Freedom camping is important in Gisborne, both for its own residents and visitors. It is an activity that council is keen to support, so that people can enjoy a remote and simple camping experience in a beautiful environment. Council bylaws give council the powers to make sure that the effects of freedom camping on approved sites are well controlled and that rubbish and effluent disposal take place in a way that is not environmentally damaging or offensive."

Mr van Kregten said that the new legislation will provide additional ways for council to control camping in car parks, reserves and beaches not designated a freedom camping area. "The new rules will also help to make people understand that minimum waste disposal standards for freedom camping will be in place across the country. This is a positive aspect of the Bill.

Freedom camping is starting early in the Gisborne district this year so that visitors to the district during the Rugby World Cup can experience this unique kiwi tradition.

People can freedom camp in the Gisborne District at Turihaua Beach, Turihaua Point, Pouawa Beach, Waihau Bay - Loisels Beach, Tolaga Bay at Blue Waters, Kaiaua Beach, Tokomaru Bay, Waipiro Bay, Donneraille Park between 9 September 2011 and Easter Monday 2012.

For more information on freedom camping