WE WANT. Freedom Camping Policy 2017 Review Draft. Submissions on the. We are. Ruapehu.

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1 WE WANT. Submissions on the Freedom Camping Policy 2017 Review Draft We are. Ruapehu.

2 Submissions Received Numerical Order Submission No Submitter Page No 1 Craig Woolliams 3 2 Anthea Hatfield 9 3 VL Chapple 13 4 Gaile Bilton 14 5 Unknown 15 6 Geoffrey Cullen 16 7 Wendy Miller 18 8 James Imlach NZ Motor Caravan Association 22 9 Jenni Pendleton National Park Community Board John Luigi Hotter Waiouru Waimarino Community Board Jim MacKereth Clyde Hotel and other camp grounds Michelle Dolheguy Ohura Community Meeting Lyn Neeson Ruapehu Federated Farmers 41

3 Submissions Received Alphabetical Order Submission No Submitter Page No 2 Anthea Hatfield 9 1 Craig Woolliams 3 4 Gaile Bilton 14 6 Geoffrey Cullen 16 8 James Imlach NZ Motor Caravan Association 22 9 Jenni Pendleton National Park Community Board Jim MacKereth Clyde Hotel and other camp grounds John Luigi Hotter Waiouru Waimarino Community Board Lyn Neeson Ruapehu Federated Farmers Michelle Dolheguy Ohura Community Meeting 35 5 Unknown 15 3 VL Chapple 13 7 Wendy Miller 18

4 3 Submission: 1 Document: A Craig Woolliams 14 State Highway 1 Shop Monsoon Waiouru india@xtra.co.nz SUBMISSION TO RDC LIQUOR To reduce Waimarino-Waiouru Ward and National Park Ward s On Licence trading hours from 3am to 2am. I am strongly opposed to this proposal. Liquor outlets already have it tough with trading hours reducing due to younger drinkers preloading and when visitors to the area cannot enjoy extended hours socialising the economy will be further impacted. Bars play a big part in managing clients within safe standards by having them in a controlled environment and if they are out on the street at 2am there will be a big problem. There are to be no more than seven Off Licences in the Waimarino-Waiouru Ward of the Ruapehu District. There are currently 7 Off Licence holders in this Ward. is proposed to cap the amount of Off Licences issued in this Ward at 7. Waiouru should be singled out and allowed 2 off licences. With the army slowly pulling out of the area the Four Square and Canteens Act licence likely to go some time in the future that will leave a MONOPOLY in Waiouru with only the current bottle store. I am negotiating with a proposed tenant for my property to place a Dairy on the main road to service passing traffic/tourists and they are likely to require a licence. This proposal could impact on our town getting another valuable business to stop travellers. I am not opposed to capping licences but any move that would create a monopoly in one area would be wrong and cause problems. I suggest Waiouru is capped at 2 FREEDOM CAMPING RDC s Freedom Camping Policy states Council s expectations of visitors who choose to freedom camp in the Ruapehu District. It s pretty simple, really. Those expectations are: 1. Self-contained vehicles only. No tents, retrofitted vehicles 1, or anything else that isn t properly fitted to contain three days worth of all forms of human waste Freedom Campers must treat their campsites and other people with respect 3. They are welcome to stay for three nights before they need to move on to a new location 4. No camping in areas where No Camping or Overnight Parking signs are displayed (Note that Council doesn t make rules for Conservation Reserve) The policy also contains information about where freedom campers can dispose of both solid and grey waste. Most of the changes to the

5 4 Freedom Camping Policy are cosmetic, the intent has not changed. The only updates proposed in the 2017 review of the Freedom Camping Policy are to emphasise the existing position. This is not a POLICY. Too flimsy even by councils own admission Most of the changes to the Freedom Camping Policy are cosmetic 1. Does this then exclude any vehicles that owners have built eg a bus into a camper? 2. Why not quote a standard? I am building house next to the Rangitikei River and am VERY clear what the expectation is regarding the sewerage system. Council contradicts itself with the statement No retrofitted vehicles, or anything else that isn t properly fitted to contain three days worth of all forms of human waste Just saying the same thing in a whole lot of words. Either we allow self-contained vehicles of a certain standard or we don t? The policy should state only self-contained vehicles that comply to the NZMCA Standard (Appendix 1) DOG POLICY (d) Requirement to provide an approved digital photo as one of the criteria for Responsible Owner status Unless the dog has been chipped Waiouru exercise area: Little thought or interest has been displayed in this matter for Waiouru. The map even states that state highway 4 now runs through the town. Many Waiouru Town residents own dogs that are regularly walked off the lead and there has not been any issues in the 15 years I have lived here. Why change that now? In terms of an exercise area there is NO requirement as the locals have access to many off street privately owned and defence areas that they can run their dogs. The area behind the toilets was for commuters to relieve their dogs and now that is not available they tend to use private property eg my front lawn! I propose council erect no dog signage on the main road to ensure people keep their dogs in their cars when stopping OR reinstate the perfectly good area behind the toilets and include dog doo bins as well. If people keep their dogs on a lead and pick up the poo then what is the problem? They are doing it in front of lawned businesses now so why not behind the toilets? Owners or persons in charge of dogs entering permitted areas are required to remove their dog s droppings. What about private land? If council is taking away the only place in Waiouru that a dog could poop (behind toilets) then at least give private business land owners the authority contained in this policy as well.

6 5 Inside loo rule for self-contained camper vans and motorhomes Last updated 13:12, December AMANDA CROPP/Stuff.co.nz British traveller Justin Wall is all for a decent sized motor home loo. It might be a bit of a squeeze, but a new standard proposed for self-contained camper vans will insist on loos that can be used inside the vehicle. It also requires sufficient "head and elbow room" so campers can comfortably relieve themselves even when the bed is made up. The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) commissioned the revised standard and hopes it will help avoid the mess that marred overcrowded freedom camping spots last summer.

7 6 n/a This camper van toilet meets a proposed new "self contained" standard because it can be used inside the vehicle. Some council bylaws will now only permit freedom camping by vehicles certified as self contained, and that includes the capacity to carry at least three days' waste. READ MORE * Safety campaign to cover overseas drivers with BYO vehicles * High tech ablution block stops freeloading by freedom campers * Almost 60 new or upgraded toilet facilities needed in Canterbury for tourist crowds But NZMCA spokesman James Imlach said some certified camper vans came with portable toilets that could only be used outside the vehicle.

8 7 n/a Luxury motor homes boast bathrooms more than a few steps up from the port-a-potties seen in some camper vans. "[Some] had toilets that were just for show and were never coming out of their packaging. "The toilets are fine, they're pretty good facilities, it's the way they're installed. It's just that people can't get to them." British traveller Justin Wall said he wouldn't be interested in hiring a camper with an "outside" loo, and at 193 cm he only just fitted into the onboard toilet in the motor home he and his partner rented for their travels around the country. The revised standard would also tighten up the certification process to ensure it was carried out by sufficiently qualified people. The Standards NZ review committee said self-regulation had been "largely ineffective" in dealing with issues around interpretation and application of the standard, and strongly recommended a regulatory body be reintroduced. Imlach said the Ministry for the Environment had previously filled this role, but relinquished it in 2012 following funding and staffing cuts. Public submissions on the proposed changes close on February 20. General manager of Escape Rentals Brendan Pope said about half their fleet of 200 vehicles was currently self-contained, but would be retro-fitted to meet the new standard. "We won't get much change out of $100,000." The aim was to progressively change to a fully self-contained fleet over the next three or four years.

9 8 Raising the toilet standard was a good move, Pope said, but it would not solve the problem with independent tourists - so-called "vanpackers" - who bought their own un-self contained vehicles for freedom camping. "We want it to be sustainable and it's really good when people respect it and do it right." Tourism Holdings has the largest fleet of rental campers. Chief executive Grant Webster said it supported the change and with 98 per cent of its vehicles self-contained, costs were minimal. Jucy general manager Heather Bailey said about 85 per cent of its fleet would meet the new standard and the company was pleased the industry was taking steps to protect the environment. Steve Hanrahan chairs the Responsible Camping Forum, an industry group with representatives from campervan hire companies. He said there were no figures available on the total number of rental camper vans and motor homes nationally, but he estimated there would be at least The forum was mounting a social media campaign this summer encouraging both Kiwi and international freedom campers to obey the rules and act responsibly.

10 9 Submission: 2 Document: A

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16 15 From: Rebecca Bell Sent: Wednesday, 20 September :54 a.m. To: Consultation Subject: Freedom Camping Feedback from Chat Space - no names Submission: 5 Document: A Should be a charge at the Ruatiti Domain Similar to DOC campgrounds Downers are providing free firewood to campers No issue with freedom campers Don t like freedom campers that leave a mess or rubbish

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23 22 05 October 2017 Submission: 8 Document: A Ruapehu District Council Private Bag 1001 Taumaranui ed to: consultation@ruapehudc.govt.nz SUBMISSION ON THE RUAPEHU DISTRICT COUNCIL DRAFT FREEDOM CAMPING POLICY & BYLAW (2017 REVIEW DRAFT) Introduction 1. The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (the NZMCA) appreciates the opportunity to submit on the Draft Freedom Camping Policy (the draft policy) along with the Ruapehu Draft Bylaw 2017, where it discussed freedom camping (the draft bylaw). The following comments apply to the relevant provisions in both the draft policy and bylaw. 2. Established in 1956, the NZMCA currently represents over 75,000 New Zealanders who share a passion for exploring our country at leisure in their purpose-built motorhomes and caravans. Approximately 3,000 individual NZMCA members reside in the Tarakani Region (including Ruapehu). 3. NZMCA members are taxpayers, local ratepayers, and domestic travellers who enjoy freedom camping in their hometowns and districts throughout the country. Therefore all members, particularly those residing in the Ruapehu District and host visitors travelling in motorhomes and caravans, will be directly affected by the proposed bylaw. 4. The NZMCA is a strong advocate for responsible freedom camping in certified selfcontained (CSC) vehicles and we applaud the recognition of CSC vehicles within the policy and bylaw. Following support from local government, central government, and industry operators nationwide the NZMCA recently commissioned Standards NZ to amend the Self-containment Standard NZS 5465: The amendments to NZS 5465:2001 were adopted by Standards NZ in June 2017, following unanimous support from the Standards Development Committee. 1

24 23 Summary and key recommendations 6. We support: a. The generally permissive intent of the draft policy and bylaw, and the appropriate recognition of CSC vehicles; and b. Permitting freedom camping for up to three nights per calendar month in any one area (the current policy permits one night); 7. We do not support: a. The broad powers assigned to Council enforcement officers under section 5.5 of the draft policy; and b. Schedule 1 prohibiting freedom camping in all domains, recreational, historic, scenic, and amenity reserves (with the exception of Ruatiti Domain). 8. We strongly recommend: a. Amending clause 5.5 of the draft policy to reflect section 36 of the FCA; b. Reviewing Schedule 1, including undertaking a proportionality test and appropriate site assessments in line with section 11(2) of the Freedom Camping Act 2011 (the FCA) to determine where it is necessary to prohibit freedom camping in each of the local authority areas concerned; and c. Clearly defining all prohibited local authority areas in line with the requirements set out under section 11(3) of the FCA. Freedom camping a traditional activity and key benefits A traditional activity enjoyed by New Zealanders 9. Unfortunately, the freedom camping narrative often portrayed through mainstream media often leads us to believe freedom campers are primarily budget-conscious international tourists spoiling our environment. This couldn t be further from the truth. Parliament has explicitly recognised through the enactment of the FCA that freedom camping is a traditional activity enjoyed by many New Zealanders throughout the country. When discussing the presumption of the FCA the then Minister of Conservation, Hon Kate Wilkinson, stated Freedom camping is a valued tradition in New Zealand, as we have heard, and this Government wants to ensure that it stays that way.the presumption is that 2

25 24 people can camp unless a location is specifically restricted.this bill is purposely pro-camping, as we recognise that the majority of freedom campers are responsible and take great care to clean up after themselves. 1 Furthermore, when discussing the benefit of the FCA to New Zealand families the former MP for Christchurch Central, Nicky Wagner, stated The [FCA], for the first time, enshrines the right of New Zealanders to go freedom camping as a default setting. New Zealanders can camp as of right on public land and Department of Conservation land, unless there is a good reason not to allow it In creating these by-laws, [local] authorities need to prove that there is a real problem. This bill ensures that they can no longer impose blanket bans and it will give consistency across the country [Local] authorities can impose those by-laws within only very limited geographical areas. The National MP for Taupo, Hon Louise Upston, also gave Parliament a personal account when discussing the purpose of the FCA: the main point I want to make is that [the FCA] is about protecting the right of New Zealand families to camp, I want to give a personal example. I was raised camping by the lakes, by the rivers, and by the beaches. I remember times with my son when staying in a camping ground was not affordable at the time. So we would pack up the borrowed tent, jump in the car, and drive to a place that was yet undiscovered. This bill protects the right of New Zealanders to have those kinds of adventures in this country because it will stop the blanket [ban] by-laws We urge the Council to appreciate freedom camping is not merely an activity undertaken by young overseas tourists travelling on a shoestring budget. Parliament has recognised that New Zealanders (including tens-of-thousands of NZMCA members) value the opportunity to explore New Zealand and freedom camp in a variety of settings, including sites located in urban, residential, town centre, rural, and remote areas. 11. Because of this, the NZMCA is well-resourced to protect and support the ability for its members (and indeed all New Zealanders) to freedom camp in a CSC vehicle, while supporting communities and encouraging decision-makers to adopt clear, proportionate, and reasonable bylaws

26 25 Economic benefits 12. Motor Caravanning is worth over $650 million to New Zealand s economy and ongoing research reinforces how significant the industry is to local economies. For example; An independent market research report 2 published in October 2012 found campervan hirer s in the year 2011 spent on average $195 per day during their travels. Tourism Industry Aotearoa publically supported these findings stating campers were contributing to communities throughout New Zealand, supporting local business and jobs, and spending was not limited to tourism operators rather spread across a wide range of businesses in the community; In February/March 2014 the Central Otago District Council surveyed 1,000 campers at popular freedom camping spots across their district. According to the Council s results: the average camper spent $91 a day while visiting the district, 78% were domestic visitors, and 64% over 60 years of age. The Council s Parks and Recreation Manager, Mathew Begg, noted that this spend was quite significant to their community 3 ; A survey carried out in March/April 2012 at Ferry Road, Taupo (a restricted freedom camping area) showed the average motorhome visitor spent $401 per visit. Also of note, over 100 local businesses signed a petition to the Taupo District Council supporting the preservation of freedom camping at this site; and Results from a 2012 survey by CB Marketing Consultants in Nelson showed the average NZMCA couple spent $ per day in local businesses while visiting the small town of Murchison. 13. The domestic market is undergoing a significant growth phase with the NZMCA forecasting over 80,000 individual members within the next 1-2 years. That equates to approximately 50% more domestic motorhomes on the road by the year NZMCA members travel throughout the year, especially during the off-peak season, and therefore provide much-needed economic support to small business communities outside the peak holiday periods. Social benefits 14. Places that permit CSC freedom camping generally suffer less from vandalism and other undesirable social behavior as self-contained campers provide free security for the area. Many community clubs and associations nationwide have formed reciprocal relationships with the NZMCA allowing our members to park overnight for the security it provides to 2 Understanding the Value Created by Campervan Tourists in New Zealand, COVEC (NZ Market Research Company) 3 [accessed 16 July 2014] 4

27 26 their facilities. This positive benefit from allowing responsible freedom camping is often overlooked when assessing areas under FCA s criteria. Environmental benefits 15. In addition to the benefits associated with CSC freedom camping, NZMCA members value the places they stay and take special care to look after and improve them. Members regularly volunteer their time with local organisations and authorities to tidy up sites, pick up litter, and plant vegetation. Again, this positive benefit is frequently overlooked. Comments on the draft policy Overall intent and proposed restrictions 16. The NZMCA supports the generally permissive intent of the draft policy which enables visitors travelling in CSC vehicles to freedom camp in any local authority area (unless otherwise prohibited) for up to three days per calendar month. This extended timeframe recognises the set up and value of CSC vehicles and will encourage visitors to stay longer throughout Ruapehu, which will ultimately benefit local businesses. 17. We note that while the draft bylaw also restricts freedom camping to CSC vehicles only there is no similar restriction on the number of days a person can freedom camp in any single area. It is unclear whether this outcome is intentional or a drafting error. If necessary, to ensure the three day timeframe is enforceable, the NZMCA is not opposed to this becoming a new restriction within the bylaw. Empowering enforcement officers 18. The intent of section 5.5 of the draft policy appears to give enforcement officers the power to move people on for any reason, which may include reasons beyond the scope of the FCA. People risk receiving a $200 infringement notice if they do not comply with an officer s request to move on. However, a notice may be invalid if the reason relied on by an enforcement officer is not a recognised offence under the FCA. 19. In our view, the intent of this policy is to remind visitors that if an enforcement officer believes on reasonable grounds they are causing an offence under the FCA, they must move on if requested to do so. Failure to move on may result in an infringement notice. If this is the case, we suggest rewording the policy to be more consistent with powers offered to enforcement officers under section 36 of the FCA, i.e. An enforcement officer may require a person who he or she believes on reasonable grounds is committing or has committed an offence under the Freedom Camping Act 2011 to leave the local authority area. 5

28 27 Prohibited areas 20. The list of prohibited areas is very broad and there is a high degree of uncertainty as each site is not clearly identified. This raises questions as to reasonableness and robustness of the site assessments that should have been undertaken in line with the FCA s requirements (section 11). Furthermore, section 11(3) of the FCA explicitly requires the bylaw to define a prohibited area by either or both of the following ways: a. A map; b. A description of its locality (other than just its legal description) 21. It appears the list of prohibited reserves simply transposes the default camping-related provisions from the Reserves Act 1977 into the draft policy and bylaw, and that the intent is to continue to discourage people from parking overnight on reserve land that may not be available for freedom camping within a corresponding reserve management plan. With respect, this is not the correct process local authorities should follow when making bylaws under the FCA and it leaves the bylaw open to a judicial review. 22. The Council should identify the local authority areas where freedom camping is creating problems and through the site assessment process determine whether there is a need to prohibit freedom camping through a bylaw made under section 11 of the FCA. 23. We strongly recommend reviewing the proposed list of prohibited areas and adopt a scoring method / assessment criteria similar to the South Taranaki DC. We also recommend defining each prohibited local authority area by way of clear description and an aerial map. This will make it easier for visitors to clearly identify where they can and cannot freedom camp. It will also make it easier for tourism organisations like the NZMCA, Campermate, and Rankers to provide accurate site information through their respective travel apps. 24. We would appreciate the opportunity to speak to this submission. Yours faithfully, New Zealand Motor Caravan Association Inc. James Imlach National Policy & Planning Manager E: james@nzmca.org.nz P: ext

29 28 Submission: 9 Document: A From: Jenni Pendleton Sent: Monday, 9 October :31 AM To: Rebecca Bell <rebecca.bell@ruapehudc.govt.nz> Subject: submission for Freedom Camping Policy J Pendleton pobox 99 National park Village From the NPCB We do not wish to be heard Freedom Camping We support the restrictions for Freedom Camping. At the same time we see the need for effective enforcement to ensure the restrictions are respected both on the ground and by messaging through social media. We also support proposal to provide a freedom camping area in conjunction with the National Park Village Park and Ride facility which will further support the restrictions and contain freedom camping within a controlled area. Jenni Pendleton Chair NPCB

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42 41 SUBMISSION TO RUAPEHU DISTRICT COUNCIL From RUAPEHU FEDERATED FARMERS Submission: 13 Document: A Submission on: 1) Public Places Bylaw 2) The Animal Control Bylaw 3) Public Health & Safety Bylaw 8 October 2017 Contacts: Lyn Neeson President Ruapehu Federated Farmers RD 1 Taumarunui or alyn@xtra.co.nz INTRO Ruaupehu District Council Bylaw Review This submission is representative of members views and reflects the fact that resources management and government decisions impact on our members daily lives as farmers and members of local communities. PUBLIC PLACES Ruapehu Federated Farmers supports the review of the Freedom Camping section of this bylaw. Freedom camping has become an increasing problem through the district. RFF supports the areas permitted in the review and the conditions around self containment for a minimum of three days. We are concerned at the lack of reference to penalties and enforcement. We believe random checks in the late evening in areas of concern be an option with spot fines sheeted home to the hire companies involved and orders to move on. Relief Sought: That a section be included to cover enforcement and instant fines. ANIMAL CONTROL BYLAW RFF is in agreement with the bylaw with two exceptions 1) We do not believe families with small children in particular should be confronted by dogs on the main retail section of Hakiaha Street. Relief Sought: That no dogs be permitted on Hakiaha Street between the corners of Katarina Street and Turaki Street. 2) We do not believe there is any justification for changing the status of Cheery Grove as a dog exercise area.

43 42 Relief sought: That Cherry Grove status for dog exercise remain unchanged. BEE YARDS RRF would also like RDC to introduce boundary separation rules (if possible) for bee yards to prevent poaching where new areas are being planted for manuka honey production. Any bylaw should only apply to new sites and should not impact on sites already in place. PUBLIC HEALTH and SAFETY BYLAW ALCOHOL POLICY: These policies, because of the complex rules demanded by central government, have become an onerous burden for the community. RDC needs to simplify where they can so we support attempts to do so. We question the need to cap the number of Off Licences, particularly in the Ohura Ward. We consider that because of the rural nature of the ward and the widespread and sparse population, any restriction to a number is unnecessary. Relief Sought: That reference to a cap on Off Licences be removed so far as the Ohura Ward is concerned. Ruapehu Federated Farmers thanks Ruapehu District Council for the opportunity to provide this submission. We would like the opportunity to speak to our submission. Thanks