Submissions close 6 September

Background
Kawerau is a popular location for freedom campers. Council introduced the Freedom Camping Bylaw in 2019 to protect the environment, landscapes, waterways and visual amenity.
Five years on, it is time to review the bylaw and incorporate the new Self-Contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023 and the subsequent changes to the Freedom Camping Act 2011.
The review proposes changes including a maximum of seven nights in any one calendar month and recommends changes to the places where freedom campers can stay or can apply to stay in advance in special circumstances (with groups for example).
What we’d like to know
Council is proposing the reviewed Draft Freedom Camping Bylaw as a means to manage freedom camping, while protecting the areas that are significant or raise concerns around health and safety. Let us know your thoughts of the changes?
Need more information?
Please visit our website www.kaweraudc.govt.nz
For printed info, visit the Council Office, Library or isite

Question Title

* Name/Organisation

Question Title

* Phone Number

Question Title

* Address

Question Title

* Email

Question Title

* A hearing is proposed for the 25 September 2024. Would you like to present your submission in person to Council at the hearing?

Question Title

* Do you support the introduction of the Freedom Camping Bylaw as proposed?

Question Title

* Do you support or oppose the introduction of a limit of seven (7) nights of freedom camping in total in one calendar month?

Question Title

* Reasons you support or oppose the proposed Freedom Camping Bylaw or specific areas of the Bylaw?

Question Title

* Do you support the new proposed restricted and prohibited sites? This would mean:
1. Prideaux Park - extend current restricted area to include the grassed area along the northern side of the Kawerau Bowling Club;
2. Maurie Kjar Aquatic Centre carpark- reducing the area overall;
3. Firmin Field - reducing the area for freedom camping to provide better parking for hirers of Firmin Lodge.
4. Ron Hardie Recreation Centre - now prohibited due to health and safety concerns with Sulphur levels;

Question Title

* The reasons for your support or opposition of the proposed restricted and prohibited sites as outlined above?

Question Title

* Do you agree with introduction for prior approval to freedom camp in special circumstances?

Question Title

* Do you agree with enabling Boyce Park, Waterhouse Street Reserve and Firmin Field along the eastern edge of the carpark, as sites for freedom camp in self-contained vehicles only with prior approval?
(Access needs to be provided by Council as reserves do not have vehicle access)

Question Title

* Please outline the reasons for your support or opposition of the proposed prior approval for self-contained vehicles (as above)

Question Title

* Do you agree with introduction of obtaining prior approval to freedom camp in non-self-contained vehicles and tents, within the restricted area/s:
- Waterhouse Street Reserve
- Firmin Field (on the field itself)
(Would only be permitted in conjunction with the hireage of Firmin Lodge due to the capacity of the infrastructure (public toilets)

Question Title

* Please outline any changes you would like made to the prior approval for non self-contained vehicles and tents (as above)

Question Title

* Please provide any further comments you have on the proposed Freedom Camping Bylaw.

Question Title

* Terms and Conditions
Submissions are public documents. While personal contact details may be removed from any publicly available copy, the submitter’s name will be published unless you specify otherwise.

Question Title

* Privacy Statement
The contents of your submission and your name will be made public through Council agendas and as a result will be published on our website.

T