Two freedom camping "ambassadors'' will patrol the Waitaki district this summer camping season.
The Waitaki District Council yesterday announced $170,000 from the $8million "round 2'' of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment responsible camping fund would pay for two part-time contractors ($40,000); improved signage and information ($30,000); and servicing facilities ($100,000).
Council recreation manager Erik van der Spek said the council's ambassadors would patrol "up the valley'' in the Ahuriri ward as well as coastal areas.
"We know people will always try to find places to stay for free and legally they can do this at specific sites. Our aim is to mitigate the risk of illegal camping and damage to our beauty spots,'' he said.
A council statement yesterday said the Freedom Camping Act "specifically states'' councils could not prohibit freedom camping.
"All we can do is define the areas where restrictions are, through the bylaw.''
Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said as the number of freedom campers had risen in the district, previously the council had created a "stick'' to reduce the issue by introducing its responsible camping bylaw, but the ministry funding this year would provide a "carrot''.
"Having ambassadors who can help direct campers to where they should be, including to camp grounds and holiday parks if their vehicles are not self-contained, is a much better look for Waitaki, and it is not reliant on ratepayer funding.''
Last year, $548,000 was granted to the multi-agency Mackenzie and Waitaki Basins Responsible Camping Strategy Working Group to address visitor impacts in the Mackenzie and Waitaki areas ahead of the 2018-19 summer.
While, the Waitaki council would continue to work collaboratively with its partners, including the Mackenzie District Council, this year it applied for funding separately, Mr van der Spek said.
The Mackenzie council received $215,011 for responsible camping ambassadors, signage and education, and servicing and maintenance of camping sites.
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Excellent to see another Council pushing self containment without the "C" word (Certified). This produces an even field for all campers as all campers and should be self contained but only Motor-homes and Caravans can be certified as such. This means locals wanting a night at the local beach etc do not have to meet a whole heap of bureaucratic rules to do so..