The Wairoa District Council passed its new Freedom Camping Bylaw earlier this month.

Mayor Craig Little said Wairoa’s new bylaw is more in line with the Freedom Camping Act and will support Council in monitoring and regulating freedom camping throughout the district.

“We had some issues last summer and we don’t want that to happen again.”

“I was impressed that the people of Wairoa took an active interest in helping us to develop a good bylaw for the Wairoa district. We received quite a number of submissions and have taken into account what our community have put forward.”

“We’ve made further amendments, including prohibiting Alexander Park, reducing overnight stays to three nights rather than the proposed seven and decreased the camping area at Oraka and Mahanga on the Mahia Peninsula.”

“Council had some really robust discussions with our community and we think we’ve got it to a good place that balances our obligations under the Act and making sure that visitors and locals alike are able to experience the awesome places we have here in Wairoa, whilst ensuring the preservation of our environment.”

“It’s important we start rolling out signage and information about the new bylaw so our community and visitors know what’s happening. We’re planning to have all this information out as soon as possible so we’re ready for the coming summer season,” Mr Little said.

For more information:

Kitea Tipuna
Communications Strategist
Wairoa District Council
06-838-7309

5 July 2016

Back to Archive