Whakaaro: Freedom camping
This whakaaro refers to short-term camping only, not long-term, and is based on my nearly 50 years of freedom camping in New Zealand.
How can we “freedom camp” if we are forced to comply with freedom-restricting rules? The proposed bylaw seems intent on exterminating freedom camping rather than retaining that lifestyle choice and finding ways to welcome those who choose that way of travelling.
It is a fact of human existence that we need to excrete. For years the Government has encouraged tourists to visit and travel around New Zealand with no commensurate increase in public toilets. Money seems to be spent on upgrading old toilets into expensive modern versions rather than providing new ones in new locations. People will generally (but I concede, not always) use toilets if they are provided. Also, what harm has anyone ever come to from someone throwing washing-up water into the bushes?
TDC’s statement, “It is also suggested that not many infringement notices will need to be handed out before the camping fraternity learn that there are significant consequences if caught in breach of Tasman District’s Freedom Camping Bylaw” seems to ignore the constant stream of new people arriving every day during the summer who will have no knowledge of the bylaws, and what’s more, no interest in them. All they want is a cheap or free place to stay, preferably in a nice, safe place where they won’t be hassled.
If a couple visiting New Zealand for three months stayed in campgrounds every night that would cost them approximately $3600. If they already have a van with a bed and kitchen in it, why would they want to waste all that money just for a toilet? Trying to force freedom campers to stay in regular camping grounds is an almost complete waste of time and is doomed to failure. TDC and campground owners seem incapable of understanding that some of us do not want to stay in regular campgrounds. Similarly some people don’t want self-contained vehicles even if they could afford them ($10,000+).
Why is Waitapu Bridge to be only for licensed self-contained vehicles when there are toilets there? If more similar areas could be established by TDC and DOC for the non-self-contained (like Nelson has done), then everyone would be a winner. The campers would stay for a few nights, spend some money and enjoy our area, and leave with good feelings.
I am sad to see this way of life being extinguished by elitist officialdom who only seem to see the actions of a small minority of unthinking travellers as a reason to ban everyone except those who can afford a self-contained vehicle. Many of us will have done our OE on as cheap a budget as possible. Why deny young people from overseas the right to do the same here? It is so easy to forget that you were once young and perhaps similar to them. History shows that oppression never works, whereas compromise will generally produce benefits for all concerned.
River Howe
Submissions close next Tuesday 12 April.
