Where Should The Lines Be Drawn On Freedom Camping?

This is the last chance to make a submission on Council’s plan to introduce a bylaw that will allow freedom camping in Marlborough but impose some limits on the areas where freedom campers may put up their tents or park their campervans.

The new bylaw would allow campers to stay at a range of designated spots across the region – so long as the rules about refuse and waste are followed.

The new bylaw would also give Council the power to issue a spot fine of $200 to anyone camping in the wrong place.

The bylaw proposes a specific ban on freedom camping inside the town boundaries of Blenheim, Picton, Havelock, Seddon and Renwick, and to rule out freedom camping on Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Drive and the French Pass Road.

Council reserves would also be out of bounds to tents, campervans, house trucks and caravans – but there are designated reserves where some camping is allowed so long as the vehicle is self-contained (can carry own waste).

Previously, Council bylaws banned freedom camping except for designated camping sites.

More details of the draft bylaw can be found on Council's website under Parks & Reserves.

Submissions on new bylaw must be received by the Council by the end of the day on Friday 25 May.

Submissions by email should be addressed to: Freedomcampingsubmission@marlborough.govt.nz.