Queenstown Lakes District councillors will today vote on whether to push forward with a new freedom camping bylaw after the old one was ruled invalid by the High Court last year.
A report prepared by council staff said a rise in freedom campers, along with the lack of enforcement options due to the lack of bylaw, made it challenging for the council to tackle the growing problem.
Councillors will be confronted with photos taken by staff showing a range of the worst freedom camping behaviour, which includes widespread dumping of rubbish, human faeces and abandoned camping equipment.
The council-employed "summer ambassadors" also noted anti-social behaviour, drinking in alcohol-free zones, washing in Lake Wakatipu and issues with over-capacity.
Staff said in the three months to the end of January, there had been a "concerning" number of freedom campers caught breaching national rules, and 217 infringement notices issued.
The most common infringement — with a total of 171 notices issued — was tourists being caught freedom camping in non-self contained vehicles.
"Officers consider that freedom camping presents an important issue to the district’s social, economic, cultural and environmental wellbeing. QLDC has a responsibility to manage freedom camping.
"Left unmanaged, it is likely that a wide range of adverse effects will be experienced, creating tension and dissatisfaction for residents and visitors alike."
Staff said the best way to address the issue was by developing a new bylaw which would make it easy for staff to fine freedom campers who did not comply with it.
Along with the bylaw the council should also educate tourists to promote best practise camping behaviour.
The discussion at today’s council meeting comes after a High Court ruling, handed down last year, ruled Queenstown council’s 2021 Freedom Camping Bylaw was invalid.
That bylaw, which introduced further prohibitions on freedom camping within the district, was put in place after freedom campers were having a noticeable negative impact on the environment.
The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association sought a judicial review and, after the High Court found in its favour, the council had to revert back to the rules under the 2011 Freedom Camping Act, which do not permit a blanket ban.
