Freedom camping bylaw goes to public
A proposal to drop three problem freedom camping areas around Nelson will go to public consultation.
Removing freedom camping at Isel Park in Stoke, the Maitai Cricket Ground and Kinzett Terrace is part of a proposed new Nelson City Council bylaw.
On Thursday, councillors voted for the draft Responsible Camping bylaw to go out for public submissions which are open until May 7. A hearing is scheduled to be held later in May, with a final decision expected in the middle of the year.
Another part of the proposed bylaw would see freedom camping spaces in three central city carparks increased. The Montgomery carpark spaces would increase from 25 to 31, Wakatu carpark spaces would go from 20 to 21 and Buxton carpark would increase from 23 to 30, including provision for 10 non-selfcontained vehicles. Buxton was identified as a suitable location due to its proximity to 24-hour public toilets.
Freedom camping in self-contained vehicles would still be allowed at Wakapuaka Reserve (three vehicles) and Queen Elizabeth II Drive Gardens.
Under new Government regulations the definition of self-contained vehicles has been toughened, requiring certification from a plumber, effective from the middle of next year.
Overall there would be 105 freedom camping spaces in the city under the proposed bylaw, an increase of five.
Councillors heard that three areas proposed to be dropped as freedom camping areas attracted the most public complaints.
At Isel Park most of the complaints were about campers exceeding the three vehicle limit, while at Kinzett Terrace there were reports of threatening and abusive behaviour – not always related to campers – that saw police called, a council officer said.
The Maitai Cricket Ground was increasingly popular with mountain bikers and other recreational users and was no longer appropriate for freedom campers, the officer said.
A nearby resident said freedom campers had thrown rubbish into his property and urinated against his fence.
Nelson mayor Nick Smith told the meeting the visitor industry was vital for the region, particularly as it rebuilt from the Covid-affected years. But he said freedom camping had to be balanced with sensible rules to manage its impact on the environment.
He believed the proposed bylaw struck the right balance, and the extra spaces in central city carparks were appropriate because they could be monitored by parking wardens.
By Warren Gamble, Nelson Mail
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