Camping alongside a lake, mountain or the ocean for the night is the quintessential New Zealand holiday for visitors and residents alike.  Whether you are a keen to slumber in a tent, or in the luxury of a campervan, it is important to know the in’s and out’s of where you can stay to make the most of your holiday.

With the certification requirements for self-contained vehicles having changed, councils are taking the opportunity to update their freedom camping bylaws.  For the Manawatū District Council this includes not just looking at the do’s and don’ts of freedom camping but the locations as well.

“There are some amazing camping locations throughout the district – some that offer picturesque river access for swimming while epitomising the character of the district”, explains Mayor Helen Worboys.  “As a Council, we need to ensure that the designated locations on offer are still meeting the needs of our community and showcasing the Manawatū.”

While MDC wants to hear from local residents, it’s equally important to hear from visitors who are discovering the District while using these locations.  In addition to the online advertising of the early engagement period, signs with QR codes have been posted at parks and reserves encouraging easy access to the feedback questions.

The MDC early engagement webpage also hosts information on how the certification requirements for self-contained vehicles has changed, directing interested readers to the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board who are now the regulator of the certification.

The early engagement period is open now and will close March 1.  To share your thoughts on Freedom Camping throughout the Manawatū visit: Freedom Camping | Make your mark Manawatū (manawatudc.govt.nz) or fill out a hardcopy feedback form at the Manawatū District Council office located at 135 Manchester Street, Feilding.