New regulations transform New Zealand’s freedom camping

Thursday, March 28, 2024

New regulations are set to reshape the landscape of freedom camping, as conveyed by industry insiders and local government efforts to regulate the activity. Starting from June of this year, the criteria for a vehicle to be deemed “self-contained” will become stricter, requiring built-in plumbing rather than just a portable toilet for certification.

This shift in policy affects both personal and rental vehicles differently, with the latter facing a tighter deadline of December this year for compliance, while personal vehicles with existing portable toilet-based certification have until June of the next year to adhere to the new standards.

The certification process will now be exclusively handled by the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board, moving away from the previous practice where volunteer Self-Containment Officers could conduct inspections. Furthermore, various councils are introducing by-laws aimed at environmental preservation, limiting the areas accessible to freedom campers.

Andy Haslett, managing director of Mad Campers, highlighted the challenges and confusion these changes bring, especially for rental companies. He noted a newfound unity among operators as they navigate these regulations together. However, Haslett expressed concerns about the differentiation between rental and private vehicles in the new rules and the feasibility of meeting the modification and re-certification deadline.

He praised the collective efforts of councils, companies, and certifying agents in promoting responsible camping practices, citing noticeable improvements in recent summers. Despite these strides, the uncertainty surrounding the ability of his company’s fleet to meet the December deadline remains. Haslett pointed out the apparent lack of resources available to the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board to certify all vehicles in time and called for more understanding and collaboration within the industry to address these challenges effectively.

This regulatory overhaul aims to enhance the freedom camping experience for all stakeholders, driving towards more sustainable and responsible tourism practices. However, the path to compliance presents significant hurdles, underscoring the need for concerted efforts and clearer guidance to navigate the transition successfully.

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