I’ve received a number of queries about the proposed freedom camping bylaw that council’s Regulatory Committee has approved to go out for consultation (date to be confirmed).
The below parks in our area have been proposed to allow freedom camping in the designated carparks, despite being contrary to the Kaipatiki Local Board’s resolution on 20 June (KT/2018/119) where we asked for the areas to prohibit freedom camping, and despite camping not being allowed for under their reserve management plans anyway…
Little Shoal Bay Reserve:
Non-self-contained vehicles to be allowed in the carpark between Dudding Park Sportsfield and the bowling club (solid blue on map).
Birkenhead War Memorial Reserve:
Certified self-contained vehicles to be allowed in the carpark at the Mahara Ave end of the park from the Leisure Centre to the BMX pump track (solid yellow on map).
A F Thomas Park:
Certified self-contained vehicles to be allowed in the carpark off Northcote Road, opposite Onewa Domain (solid yellow on map).
Prohibited areas:
Also attached are a few examples of prohibited areas (solid red on maps). Freedom camping is already not allowed in our reserves, however this can be more easily enforced if listed as prohibited under the Freedom Camping Bylaw.
Why is this happening?
The Freedom Camping Act 2011 requires all councils to have rules allowing freedom camping. Auckland Council is doing this via a freedom camping bylaw. The Act does not allow council to make a bylaw that has the effect of prohibiting freedom camping in Auckland.
The Regulatory Committee has stated that the intent of the bylaw is to address the harms from freedom camping by increasing the supply of sites in suitable areas and providing for improved enforcement. Staff were directed by the committee to create a bylaw that is regionally consistent and simple, will include a schedule of prohibited and restricted sites and provides flexibility for further sites to be added if issues arise in the future. The committee has also agreed that a humane approach to enforcement will be taken to protect vulnerable members of the Auckland community.
