SUBMISSION ON THE SOUTHLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL DRAFT FREEDOM CAMPING BYLAW 2015

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1 08 September 2015 Southland District Council Freedom Camping Review PO Box 903 Invercargill ed to: SUBMISSION ON THE SOUTHLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL DRAFT FREEDOM CAMPING BYLAW 2015 INTRODUCTION 1. The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association Inc. (NZMCA) appreciates the opportunity to submit on the Southland District Council (the Council) draft freedom camping bylaw 2015 (the draft bylaw). We represent the interests of over 60,000 New Zealanders (including 1,536 Southlanders) who share a passion for exploring our country at leisure in their purpose-built motorhomes and caravans. The NZMCA is also a Southland District ratepayer with two properties in Niagara and Te Anau. 2. The NZMCA acknowledges this is a complex issue and applauds the Council for their efforts attempting to find a solution that works for Southland communities within the paramaters of the Freedom Camping Act 2011 (the FCA). To that end, the NZMCA is committed to working constructively with the Council and Southland communities throughout this process. 3. Unfortunately, there is a growing misconception (led by a handful of commercial operators who are vehemently opposed to freedom camping) that the NZMCA forced the Council to amend the bylaw and focus the consultation process on towns achieving Motorhome Friendly Town (MHFT) status. This was never our intention and we sincerely apologise to Council for any misunderstanding. We respect the development of an FCA bylaw follows a clear statutory process and decisions are centered on the most appropriate and proportionate means of addressing perceived freedom camping problems. The MHFT programme is simply an opportunity for towns that see significant benefit in specifically targeting responsible motorhome tourists. The programme's overriding objective is to provide economic support for struggling rural and provincial communities. 4. We see no advantage in subverting the FCA s statutory process by attempting to negotiate outcomes that guarantee MHFT status. Like Parliament, we have only ever expected local authorities to pass fair and reasonable bylaws following the permissive premise of the FCA. If this is achieved then of course Southland towns are welcome to begin seeking official MHFT status. Driving towards a Sustainable Future

2 2 5. The draft bylaw makes the following key changes to the existing bylaw; a) An additional nine (9) prohibited urban zones b) Introducing several default prohibited areas, including (but not limited to) all urban zones, all roads all council car parks, and all signposted picnic areas and lookouts; c) Designated sites in existing prohibited towns, e.g. Te Anau; SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS 6. The prohibitions are extensive. We submit that overall the bylaw does not uphold the intent of the FCA. The NZMCA therefore supports the bylaw in part only. However, by adopting the following recommendations we believe the bylaw will support the premise of the FCA without compromising the expectations of the wider Southland community, who by in large support responsible freedom camping. 7. We support a) the explicit recognition of certified self-contained vehicles (which is also consistent with the majority of community views); b) the general structure of the bylaw from sections 1 to 8; c) the length of stay provisions (maximum 7 nights); and d) Schedule 2 maps, which help illustrate restricted and prohibited areas. 8. We recommend a) Amending Schedule 1 as follows 1. Default prohibited areas Except as provided for in Schedule 2, freedom camping is prohibited on all - (a) Urban zones; and (b) Roads; and (c) Council-controlled car parks; and (d) Council-controlled boating areas (including any wharf, jetty, boat ramp, boat marshalling area); and (e) Playgrounds; and (f) Sports grounds; and (g) Cemeteries; and (h) Walking tracks; and (i) Signposted lookouts; and (j) Signposted picnic areas. b) With the exception of Te Anau (retaining the designated sites within the prohibited area), amending all mapped Urban Zones (Schedule 2) to restricted areas for certified self-contained vehicles.

3 3 BENEFITS OF A PERMISSIVE BYLAW Economic benefits 9. Motor caravanning is worth over $650 million to New Zealand s economy and the latest research reinforces how significant the industry is to local economies, in particular those dependent on the tourist dollar. For example; A report published in October 2012 concluded campervan hirers in the year 2011 spent on average $195 per day during their travels1. The Tourism Industry Association publically supported these findings stating campers were contributing to communities all around New Zealand, supporting local business and jobs, and their 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 their 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 community2; 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; A survey carried out in March 2012 at the Murchison town centre, by CB Marketing Consultants in Nelson, showed the average NZMCA couple spent $117 per day in local businesses. 10. The domestic market is undergoing a significant growth phase with the NZMCA alone forecasting over 80,000 individual members in the next four years. That equates to approximately 50% more domestic motorhomes on the road by the year NZMCA members travel throughout the year, especially over the off-peak season, and therefore provide much needed economic benefit to small business communities outside the peak holiday periods. Social benefits 11. Areas that permit self-contained 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 their facilities. This positive benefit from allowing responsible freedom camping is frequently overlooked. 1 Understanding the Value Created by Campervan Tourists in New Zealand, COVEC (NZ Market Research Company)

4 4 Environmental benefits 12. In addition to the benefits associated with self-contained freedom camping, NZMCA members value the places they park overnight 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. For example, our Southland Area members have embraced the NZMCA s Spring Clean programme and in the past two years they have organised clean-up events at Riverton and the Fortrose foreshore (photos below). Their focus this year is at the Oreti River/Sandy Point Domain. GENERAL COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT BYLAW Public survey 13. The Council has relied on the results of a recent public survey to help justify the proposal as it stands. In our view the draft is less permissive than the current bylaw despite the survey results indicating that a) the vast majority of respondents (including locals) do not identify freedom camping as a problem, b) self-contained freedom camping is widely supported, and c) freedom camping provides significant economic opportunity to local communities. 14. The survey demonstrates an overwhelming level of support for responsible freedom camping opportunities over a wide range of sites in Southland, but strongly tempered with a desire for certified self-contained vehicles only. Prohibited areas and evidence 15. We congratulate the Council and Te Anau Community Board for having the courage to allow certified self-contained freedom camping within Te Anau. We acknowledge this is a significant step forward and would be happy to support the Council and Community Board to promote responsible freedom camping in Te Anau. 16. However, other that Waikawa Recreation Reserve and Te Anau, there is very little evidence of a district-wide problem that necessitates not only maintaining the controls under the current bylaw but further prohibiting freedom camping in the draft. For example, the Council suggests all roads and roadsides must be prohibited to protect the safety of campers and reduce parking hazards. The definition of road is fairly broad and this approach effectively discourages motorhomers from parking on any road or roadside across Southland, in fear of receiving a $200 infringement notice for freedom camping or preparing to freedom camping. Has the council considered the unintended consequences of this bylaw? 2 [accessed 16 July 2014]

5 5 17. The NZMCA was unaware of this roading issue prior to the release of the draft bylaw. We ask the council to carefully consider whether motorhomes parking on roads are in fact creating a district-wide issue, and what the difference is between parking a motorhome on the road and sleeping overnight in that parked motorhome? If motorhomes are indeed causing a hazard on some roads then is it more appropriate to use the councils existing Roading Bylaw to maintain control? 18. The draft bylaw prohibits all urban zones, which presumably are in addition to the urban zones specifically mapped out in Schedule 2. This prohibition seems superfluous if freedom camping becomes a prohibited activity on all roads and council-controlled vehicle-accessible parking areas anyway. 19. The draft bylaw also prohibits car parks, and picnic and lookout areas that are generally designed to accommodate vehicles. What evidence is there to suggest there is a real need to prohibit (as opposed to restrict or permit) all freedom camping at every one of these sites? 20. The FCA expects an evidence-based approach to justify restricting or prohibiting freedom camping, and that bylaws clearly define the areas where restrictions and prohibitions apply (see section 11(3) of the Act). There is a lack of evidence to justify the draft bylaws generally prohibitive approach, and most of the default prohibited areas are not defined to an extent that satisfies section 11(3) of the FCA. Understanding the extent of the problem in Southland, we question whether the draft bylaw is a rationale and proportionate outcome. 21. In light of all this, we recommend reviewing the default prohibited areas and Schedule 2 sites as recommended above. The results of the survey suggest the majority of Southlanders won t object to our recommendations. 22. The NZMCA wishes to speak to this submission at the hearing. Contact: James Imlach Resource Management Planner NZMCA

6 From: Sent: To: Subject: Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Webmaster Friday, 28 August :19 a.m. General Freedom Camping Bylaw Submission Follow up Completed Name: Jude Mulholland & Brenda Wilson Organisation (if applicable): Newhaven Holiday Park There is an opportunity to speak about your submission to councillors who may ask further questions. The proposed hearing date is 27 October. I DO wish to be heard in support of my submission, and am available: I am available to speak about my submission: Afternoon Council is proposing to standardise with the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association Model Bylaw Oppose We have an issue with NZMCA driving change to Council Bylaws. NZMCA have a vested interest - Who are the real beneficiaries of a "Motor Home Friendly" town? See also comments below in additional comments. Council is proposing to reduce the size of the designated area in Waikawa and limit to self-contained camping only. Oppose There has been up to 60 people at anyone time at Waikawa recreation reserve with associated rubbish, effluent, and the need to purchase water. A charge of $10 per van has been mooted. What is this but a camping ground subsidised by rate payers. The suggestion that this issue will be resolved by limiting the site to self-contained vehicles and reducing the size of the site begs the question of who will monitor this and who will pay for the monitoring - will it be the good old volunteer again - if so who will train and insure these people. 1

7 Council is proposing to prohibit open fires at all designated camping sites, other than in safe on-site facilities. This prohibition would not include gas cookers/bbqs. We support the prohibition of open fires at all designated sites ( once again who will monitor this?) Council is proposing to make changes to local freedom camping rules. Some Community Boards and CDAs have recommended new designated sites for self-contained camping (a list of towns and their changes are in the statement of proposal). Oppose We oppose this. Freedom Camping has connotations of - remote - away from it all - lakes & rivers - free from the maddening crowd. Council (read ratepayers) providing designated spaces within urban areas to enable free camping - should then provide toilets, water, rubbish collection and a person to monitor imposed conditions. Council is proposing to introduce new default freedom camping rules. These include default prohibition rules for urban zones, roads, playgrounds, sportsgrounds and cemeteries (for a full list of these rules see the statement of proposal). this but - want to see beaches included in the default prohibition rules. Who is going to monitor "move on"? Who will pay this person? Many NZ beaches are under threat of environmental erosion, and many wildlife are endangered. Lets try to save / protect beach environments. Clearly we would think an exclusion zone around businesses providing camping facilities & paying council dues would be fair to all. Length of stay: - 7 nights free camping - what a bargain. Question: Are self containment stickers now issued for 7 days? Thought the requirement was for 3 day storage of human waste - most cassette toilets on campervans hold only 3 days human waste - Additional Comments: Background comments to this submission: As owners of a Holiday Park we have a perceived conflict of interest - however, we have also been members of NZMCA and with our self contained campervan have experienced both paid and free camping throughout NZ. We accept that NZMCA put great effort into educating the membership and promoting self contained status. Even so we have walked through areas of human waste throughout NZ - Shag Point, Lake Puakaki, Pinders Pond, to name but a few. It is estimated NZMCA members have 25, 000 vans. The rental fleet is 5,500, being a total of 30,500 vans. In addition our experience shows that there are also huge numbers of people touring in smaller vans, station wagons and cars - all being used as sleeping/camping accommodation and all have no toilets or water waste facilities on board. While we are promoting NZ Pure - clean, green image - the reality is the grounds these people are free camping on are contaminated by human waste (its not even buried), toilet paper, tampons, & rubbish - Yes we want to encourage tourists both domestic and international but not at the cost of destroying our environment. - We are a small camp registered for 30 people. We are members of HAPNZ, Catlins Promotions, Catlins Coast Inc, and TIA - Visitors to Holiday Parks in NZ contribute around $1 billion to our economy. On average 23% of tourists daily expenditure goes to Holiday Park accommodation, from this income we contribute to the local economy via rates, compliance costs, rubbish removal, water purchase, linen services, transport operators, trades people, printers, etc.. and of course tax. - We have a modern waste disposal water treatment system with discharge being subject to 2

8 monitoring by the council. Council allows our number of guests according to our systems capacity. However along at Cannibal Bay there can be 25 vans. No toilets are provided and consequently there is faeces and toilet paper in the surrounding paddocks and on the beach fringes. How can this be a fair system? - Freedom camping, should be called what it is - free camping. Just as the term "road rage" sanitised violent behaviour, "freedom camping" romanticises the fact that you bludging your free holiday on NZ rate payers and council budgets. - NZMCA works well for its members, but should not drive council bylaws. NZMCA members enjoy discounted rates at some camping grounds, they have POP's - Park over Property's - where members allow other members for stay for coin donations, they also have there own camping grounds (eg. Niagara Falls) where members can stay for nominal costs. 3

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11 When replying please quo ote: 240/20/ /22/1 Alyson Hamilton 8 September 2015 TO: Michael Sarfaiti (Environmental Health Manager) M SUBJECT: Submission on the Draft Freedom Camping Bylaw-Riverton Township MEMO: The Riverton/Aparima Community Board considered your report regarding the above and resolved that the Southland District Council, maintain the current ban onn freedom camping within the Riverton Township boundary and that the revised freedom camping sites of Bath Road, Carrol Street and Taramea Bay be removed from Freedom Camping sites within the Riverton Township. Alyson Hamilton AREA OFFICER RIVERTON PO Box 903 Tel 15 Forth Street Fax Invercargill New Zealand Internet r/15/9/16256 r sdc@southlanddc.govt.nz

12 From: Sent: To: Subject: Webmaster Friday, 21 August :19 p.m. General Freedom Camping Bylaw Submission Name: John Robson Organisation (if applicable): There is an opportunity to speak about your submission to councillors who may ask further questions. The proposed hearing date is 27 October. I DO NOT wish to be heard in support of my submission I am available to speak about my submission: Council is proposing to standardise with the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association Model Bylaw Neutral/No Preference Council is proposing to reduce the size of the designated area in Waikawa and limit to self-contained camping only. Council is proposing to prohibit open fires at all designated camping sites, other than in safe on-site facilities. This prohibition would not include gas cookers/bbqs. Council is proposing to make changes to local freedom camping rules. Some Community Boards and CDAs have recommended new designated sites for self-contained camping (a list of towns and their changes are in the statement of proposal). Oppose I oppose having "Freedom Camping" with any town area but specifically Te Anau. NZ motorhome association members are well catered for with the facility they have purchased and developed off Sandy Brown Road. There is an excellent range of DoC sites along the Milford Road to cater for true freedom camping but even those sites have a small charge to cover the cost of mowing toilet paper etc. Te Anau is extremely well served by a range camping grounds whose owners have outlayed significant capital and effort over a long period of time to provide facilities that are great quality and in settings that are memorable. I do not believe we have any obligation to allow people to freedom camp in a sealed carpark because the statement is actually an oxymoron. I have travelled 1

13 internationally relatively extensively and part of the cost of travel is accommodation and I have never expected a town to allow me to do so for free. I am in the tourism industry but not an accommodation provider and the image of Te Anau we sell overseas does not fit with vehicles parked in a public carpark with people cooking outside them. I regret, through obersvation, that I have come to the conclusion that freedom campers are of little benefit to the town because there budget is so tight. Campers that are truly self contained can go and park beside a river within 5 km of town, park the NZMCA site off Sandy Brown Road or use one of the great DoC camps on the Milford Road. "Freedom" camping in town will increase rubbish as a great number of the people in the cheaper vans have little social responsiblity and no room inside to store rubbish so will just leave it behind and drive off. I urge the council not to proceed with this draft proposal. Council is proposing to introduce new default freedom camping rules. These include default prohibition rules for urban zones, roads, playgrounds, sportsgrounds and cemeteries (for a full list of these rules see the statement of proposal). Additional Comments: 2

14 file:///c:/trim/trim/temp/context.8468/t000i63c.html Page 1 of 2 8/09/2015 Message From: To: Cc: Sent: Received: Subject: Webmaster [EX:/O=SOUTHLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL/OU=SDC/CN=RECIPIENTS/CN=WEBMASTER] General [EX:/O=SOUTHLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL/OU=SDC/cn=Recipients/cn=General] 13/08/2015 at 4:19 p.m. 13/08/2015 at 4:19 p.m. Freedom Camping Bylaw Submission Name: Samantha Organisation (if applicable): speak about your submission to councillors who may ask further questions. The proposed hearing date is 27 October. I DO NOT wish to be heard in support of my submission I am available to speak about my submission: Council is proposing to standardise with the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association Model Bylaw Neutral/No Preference Council is proposing to reduce the size of the designated area in Waikawa and limit to self-contained camping only. Neutral/No preference Council is proposing to prohibit open fires at all designated camping sites, other than in safe on-site facilities. This prohibition would not include gas cookers/bbqs. Neutral/No preference Council is proposing to make changes to local freedom camping rules. Some Community Boards and CDAs have recommended new designated sites for selfcontained camping (a list of towns and their changes are in the statement of proposal). Oppose In the case of te anau ido not want to see freedom campers anywhere in the town center. Freedom camping is a wilderness experience and should be kept as such especially in places such as te anau which has multiple options for campers in town. As a local though I do not want to break the law but want the opportunity to take my kids camping as we have done - responsibly in the past. We are aware of not leaving anything except for footprints wherever we stay. I would therefore like suggest maybe locals could take a test to get a camping license for the area and/or queens reach could be ticketed by doc happy to pay a fixed amount per night could be pre booked say 20 spots and 20 available on morning from the doc Office. This could be policed by doc and no ticket gets an instant fine. I actually think that responsible locals could get a license to camp anywhere that is nota specifically designated no freedom camping zone such as the town centers, i am happy to pay for accommodation in towns but want to enjoy the outdoors with my family and due the nature of our work we cannot travel far from northern southland during the summer but still would like to enjoy the area with my family and friends when we can. Council is proposing to introduce new default freedom camping rules. These include default prohibition rules for urban zones, roads, playgrounds, sportsgrounds and cemeteries (for a full list of these rules see the statement of proposal).

15 file:///c:/trim/trim/temp/context.8468/t000i63c.html Page 2 of 2 8/09/2015 Generally I think CDA should decide some small towns could welcome overnight stayers Additional Comments:

16 From: Sent: To: Subject: Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Webmaster Friday, 21 August :39 p.m. General Freedom Camping Bylaw Submission Follow up Flagged Name: Kathy Singleton Organisation (if applicable): N/A There is an opportunity to speak about your submission to councillors who may ask further questions. The proposed hearing date is 27 October. I DO NOT wish to be heard in support of my submission I am available to speak about my submission: Council is proposing to standardise with the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association Model Bylaw Neutral/No Preference For the most part I accept the proposed bylaw but do not like the idea of "freedom" camping including all forms of camping. I would only accept self contained camping. That is any camping where there is no sign anyone has been there except perhaps a flattened surface which will return to normal within a few days. Any open fire cooking to be only in designated, pre-established areas. Council is proposing to reduce the size of the designated area in Waikawa and limit to self-contained camping only. Council is proposing to prohibit open fires at all designated camping sites, other than in safe on-site facilities. This prohibition would not include gas cookers/bbqs. Neutral/No preference I do not object to open fire cooking in pits or similar established areas. 1

17 Council is proposing to make changes to local freedom camping rules. Some Community Boards and CDAs have recommended new designated sites for self-contained camping (a list of towns and their changes are in the statement of proposal). Neutral/No preference I do not approve of some areas suggested by the Te Anau Community Board. I understand the rational for some of the sites is the site exposure to the general public in the hope this would encourage good behaviour by the campers. One site suggested, the car park at the Events Centre could easily lead to campers trying to use the facility within the centre. This is not on. An alternative I suggest is to designate 3 or 4 parking spaces on the east side of the marina car park opposite the public toilets and camper dump station. While not very public, I believe it is exposed enough to encourage good behaviour. If campers need a shower they should be prepared to pay for the privilege. Either by spending the night in a camp ground or paying at the Te Anau Toilets. I believe any designated freedom sites should not be on the lakefront or any other desirable site. Freedom campers should not occupy prime sites. Movement activated camera's are reasonably priced now. I think any sites, designated or not, that have been prone to vandalism or bad behaviour could be monitored and checked to ensure identification and restitution sought of the perpetrators. Council is proposing to introduce new default freedom camping rules. These include default prohibition rules for urban zones, roads, playgrounds, sportsgrounds and cemeteries (for a full list of these rules see the statement of proposal). Additional Comments: One issue of concern is the definition of "camping". I know of someone who being tired on a state highway, well away from an urban area, stopped on the side of the road, put their seat back and went to sleep. They were woken and told they had to move on. Could something be included to clarify anyone obviously not "living" in their vehicle to be exempt? 2

18 file:///c:/trim/trim/temp/context.4732/t000l4rx.html Page 1 of 1 8/09/2015 Message From: To: Cc: Sent: Received: Subject: Webmaster [EX:/O=SOUTHLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL/OU=SDC/CN=RECIPIENTS/CN=WEBMASTER] General [EX:/O=SOUTHLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL/OU=SDC/cn=Recipients/cn=General] 8/08/2015 at 4:15 p.m. 8/08/2015 at 4:15 p.m. Freedom Camping Bylaw Submission Name: Sandra Soper Organisation (if applicable): There is an opportunity to speak about your submission to councillors who may ask further questions. The proposed hearing date is 27 October. I DO NOT wish to be heard in support of my submission I am available to speak about my submission: Council is proposing to standardise with the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association Model Bylaw Be great to be more campervan friendly than we currently are. Having a few spaces close to town for selfcontainedvehicles would be awesome and may help spread tourists income among more businesses. If people are not paying for a site they may by a meal locally. Council is proposing to reduce the size of the designated area in Waikawa and limit to self-contained camping only. Neutral/No preference Council is proposing to prohibit open fires at all designated camping sites, other than in safe on-site facilities. This prohibition would not include gas cookers/bbqs. Oppose Part of camping but if there is an issue with the current situation that I am not aware of then I suppose you need to eliminate risks. Council is proposing to make changes to local freedom camping rules. Some Community Boards and CDAs have recommended new designated sites for selfcontained camping (a list of towns and their changes are in the statement of proposal). Council is proposing to introduce new default freedom camping rules. These include default prohibition rules for urban zones, roads, playgrounds, sportsgrounds and cemeteries (for a full list of these rules see the statement of proposal). Additional Comments: Well done for addressing this contentious issue

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20 South Catlins Promotions Incorporated Our aim is to promote the South Catlins as a place to visit, live and work, and to help retain the Catlins heritage and natural history. C/-Janette Buckingham Secretary Draft Freedom Camping Review To whom it may concern, South Catlins Promotions is a community organization which has promoted the South Catlins area since Our aim is to benefit the South Catlins community in the way described below. Our objectives are: a. To work alongside local and national government agencies to improve local amenities, facilities and services. b. To help protect our history and natural heritage i By contributing to community discussions regarding development and conservation ii By taking action, either on our own initiative or with other organizations iii By continuing education of the community and the visiting public c. To promote sustainable management of the effects of an increasing number of visitors to the area, so that the unique Catlins environment, including landscapes, wildlife and local heritage are maintained and enhanced. d. To work co-operatively with other organisations wherever our charitable purposes are fulfilled. e. To further the above objects, and any other charitable purpose related to the above objects, which the members deem desirable, and when this is acceptable to the Commissioner of Inland Revenue. The issue of Freedom Camping has, and I imagine will continue, to inflame and divide The Catlins community long after any new regulations come into force. I feel that Council has gone to great lengths to consult with the community and is endeavoring to strike a balance between a rock and a hard place. South Catlins Promotions has worked very hard over the many years to promote the area to increase visitor numbers to the area in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way. The aim being that the community may benefit not only financially but socially too, and continue to see The Catlins as a great place to live, work and visit. The concern with Freedom Camping is that these visitors bring little or no economic benefit to this area but can cause financial strain by using and at times abusing available rate-paid resources i.e. rubbish bins, water and sewerage or simply using the side of the road for personal comfort which can often be at our iconic sites. One of the main concerns S.C.P would like to highlight is the Waikawa Domain being used as a freedom camping zone, as this directly affects the Curio Bay camping ground business. With the proposed upgrade and development of the camping ground and heritage center to

21 manage visitors to the area, it seems ambiguous to allow travelers free camping so close to this facility. But we do recognize the importance of the local community being able to have control of their own area and by excluding non self contained campers this should help to alleviate some of the negative parts of the situation at Waikawa. The new Default Freedom Camping Rules are a very positive move to resolving community frustration and anxiety but the message No Toilet, No Camping should always be the rule and the Default rules not applying to riversides, parks and beaches could open up problems with non self contained campers. If the proposed draft is adopted then we ask that - Good clear multi lingual signage is displayed. Breaches to the bylaws will be acted on. - A donation box is erected at Fortrose and Waikawa for campers to use to cover costs to council. There is continued pressure applied to camper van rental companies to educate their clients on the local camping rules. camper van self contained stickers/identification. There is pressure applied to Government to form a national policy on Freedom Camping which standardizes the whole of New Zealand. That the Freedom Camping bylaw is reviewed as required and regular surveys are conducted to gauge public opinion particularly in The Catlins. With the increased tourist numbers to The Catlins a proactive approach would seem sensible. Educational messages on the Freedom Camping bylaws and expectations are spread via council, information sites, websites and brochures. We do not wish to speak to this submission. Yours faithfully Dianne Miller Chairperson South Catlins Promotions Inc

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27 file:///c:/trim/trim/temp/context.4468/t000auso.html Page 1 of 1 8/09/2015 Message From: To: Cc: Sent: Received: Subject: Webmaster [EX:/O=SOUTHLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL/OU=SDC/CN=RECIPIENTS/CN=WEBMASTER] General [EX:/O=SOUTHLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL/OU=SDC/cn=Recipients/cn=General] 8/09/2015 at 8:42 a.m. 8/09/2015 at 8:42 a.m. Freedom Camping Bylaw Submission Name: Yvonne Service Organisation (if applicable): Southland Conservation Board There is an opportunity to speak about your submission to councillors who may ask further questions. The proposed hearing date is 27 October. I DO wish to be heard in support of my submission, and am available: I am available to speak about my submission: Morning, Afternoon Council is proposing to standardise with the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association Model Bylaw Council is proposing to reduce the size of the designated area in Waikawa and limit to self-contained camping only. Council is proposing to prohibit open fires at all designated camping sites, other than in safe on-site facilities. This prohibition would not include gas cookers/bbqs. Council is proposing to make changes to local freedom camping rules. Some Community Boards and CDAs have recommended new designated sites for selfcontained camping (a list of towns and their changes are in the statement of proposal). There is a need to prohibit freedom camping from within the town boundary of all Southland towns except for designated sites. At present it doesn't include Te Anau and some other towns. Council is proposing to introduce new default freedom camping rules. These include default prohibition rules for urban zones, roads, playgrounds, sportsgrounds and cemeteries (for a full list of these rules see the statement of proposal). Neutral/No preference The Southland Conservation Board does not have a concensus on this issue. Additional Comments:

28 file:///c:/trim/trim/temp/context.10184/t000hvon.html Page 1 of 1 8/09/2015 Message From: To: Cc: Sent: Received: Subject: Webmaster [EX:/O=SOUTHLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL/OU=SDC/CN=RECIPIENTS/CN=WEBMASTER] General [EX:/O=SOUTHLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL/OU=SDC/cn=Recipients/cn=General] 4/09/2015 at 1:22 p.m. 4/09/2015 at 1:22 p.m. Freedom Camping Bylaw Submission Name: Nigel Stirling Organisation (if applicable): There is an opportunity to speak about your submission to councillors who may ask further questions. The proposed hearing date is 27 October. I DO NOT wish to be heard in support of my submission I am available to speak about my submission: Council is proposing to standardise with the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association Model Bylaw Neutral/No Preference Council is proposing to reduce the size of the designated area in Waikawa and limit to self-contained camping only. This is costing the ratepayer too much money, to provide water and sewerage facilities when there is camp ground down the road. Council is proposing to prohibit open fires at all designated camping sites, other than in safe on-site facilities. This prohibition would not include gas cookers/bbqs. Would this prohibit a controlled small bonfire on the beach eg. Fortrose Council is proposing to make changes to local freedom camping rules. Some Community Boards and CDAs have recommended new designated sites for selfcontained camping (a list of towns and their changes are in the statement of proposal). How easy would it be in the future for a town to change its status. If somebody started a camp ground at Fortrose could we change the status of the free camping zone. Council is proposing to introduce new default freedom camping rules. These include default prohibition rules for urban zones, roads, playgrounds, sportsgrounds and cemeteries (for a full list of these rules see the statement of proposal). Additional Comments: