LGOIMA Request Details

What was the total moneys collected by the manawatu district councils' for the 2021-2022 summer camping season?

$25,781.65

If freedom camping outside the Scheduled 1 or 2 or 3 areas highlighted and described in the manawatu district council's freedom camping bylaw.(Reserves and Parks) But still in the Local Authority Area. Are there any Restrictions or is it Prohibited in the freedom camping bylaw or any other bylaw?

In accordance with clause 3.1(d) of the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2020, people using self-contained vehicles are welcome to stay on public land outside of those areas described in Schedules 1, 2 and 3 of the Bylaw. Non-self-contained freedom camping is only provided for in camping grounds, approved camping areas, or in the areas described in Schedule 3 (and subject to any specific restrictions specified in the schedule for those areas).

Clause 3 of the bylaw sets a general expectation that people will freedom camp responsibly within the Manawatū District. This includes respecting public and private property, protecting the community and environment (particularly rivers) from harmful contamination or fouling. Freedom campers are required to remove all waste and not cause any damage to the areas they use.

Land which is owned by the Council and is under any lease or agreement managed by other legislation, is not considered as freely available public land which can be utilised for Freedom Camping purposes.

The Freedom Camping Bylaw is the only bylaw that prohibits certain areas for freedom camping. However, there are other restrictions within Council's other bylaws that may be relevant to activities that may be carried out in conjunction with Freedom Camping. For example, if you wish to bring pets or consume alcohol within public areas, restrictions within the Dog Control Bylaw 2019, Animal Bylaw 2019 and/or Public Places Bylaw 2020 may apply.

Clause 6 of the Bylaw prohibits freedom camping in any of the areas defined in Schedule 1 of the Bylaw. Clause 7 outlines restrictions that apply to freedom camping within Schedule 2 areas (freedom camping areas that are restricted to self-contained vehicles only) and clause 8 outlines the restrictions that apply to freedom camping within Schedule 3 areas.

A copy of the bylaw is available on Council's website via this link: Freedom-Camping-Bylaw-2020.pdf (mdc.govt.nz)