Amendments to the Freedom Camping Act and to our bylaw

• A report went to Council in mid-November to provide an update on changes to freedom camping legislation and to amend our freedom camping bylaw. You can read the report here: https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2023/11/... (15 November 2023, agenda item 9), Freedom Camping Bylaw amendments due to legislative changes.
• In summary:
• In June the Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023 (SMVL Act) made changes to the Freedom Camping Act 2011, which impact on how freedom camping is regulated across the country
• The SMVL Act made changes in three key areas:
  • how people can camp on council (and other) land;
  • the system for certifying self-contained vehicles; and
  • the types of penalties and infringement amounts (fines).
• The SMVL Act required councils to amend their freedom camping bylaws in response to the changes
• The amendments to our bylaw were able to be done by a resolution of Council, without the usual need to consult (because the changes related to the amended legislation)
• There were no changes to the maps / places where people can and can’t freedom camp - the changes largely related to definitions and terminology. The amended bylaw can be viewed here: https://ccc.govt.nz/freedom-camping-bylaw/

Increase to infringement fines:

• New regulations made by the Minister of Tourism increased the fine for breaching a freedom camping bylaw from $200 to $400
• Other fines increased, and new fines were added in relation to self-contained vehicles
• A summary of offences and fines is on our website and in the Know Where to Camp brochure – with more detailed information available in the Council report (mentioned above), or in the Freedom Camping (Penalties for Infringement Offences) Regulations 2023.

Updated Know Where to Camp campaign

• The Council received funding from MBIE’s freedom camping transition fund, enabling us to update our Know Where to Camp brochures, fund online advertising for freedom camping information, and to update the Council’s website
• The purpose and focus of the funding is for councils to communicate the recent freedom camping law changes
• We're encouraging campers to know where to stay, protect our environment and understand the rules
• This season’s updated freedom camping brochure includes:

o strengthened messaging about self-contained vehicles

o updated maps and information

o an additional panel on:

• the new rules for self-contained vehicles, and
• the new offences and fines in the amended Freedom Camping Act
• 15,000 brochures will be distributed throughout the season, with copies available at camper / motorhome rental outlets, backpackers / hostels, i-sites, Council libraries and service centres, and in cafes in Akaroa and Little River – as well as being handed out by Armourguard to freedom campers
• A digital campaign is underway, targeting visitors camping and directing people to our ccc.govt.nz/camping webpage

Compliance, monitoring and enforcement

• As usual, our contractors (Armourguard) will be undertaking proactive monitoring and enforcement activities over the summer months
• This will occur in the mornings and evenings (when freedom camping occurs), across the district, and with a focus on known popular or problem areas
• If board members (or anyone else) would like to raise concerns about freedom camping activities, call it through to the Council’s contact centre on 03 941 8999 or 0800 800 169, at any time, and it will be passed to Armourguard and to staff
• Any concerns about rubbish, recycling, maintenance or damage can also be actioned through the Snap, Send, Solve app (or the contact centre).