Freedom Camping Bylaw 2015 Review

We're reviewing our Freedom Camping Bylaw and seeking your thoughts!

This was prompted by several submissions to our 2015-2025 Long Term Plan opposing the current freedom camping rules at Anzac Bay.

What is this page for?

You can make a submission using the online submission form below. Before you do, it's important you look at the current proposals for Anzac Bay and other sites, as well as Council's preferred options. These are stored in the document library.

Further information about our proposed changes is in the Statement of Proposal. You can also view current maps, key dates and other relevant documents.

Anzac Bay: Background

Prior to the Freedom Camping Act being introduced in 2011, overnight freedom camping was not permitted at Anzac Bay.

The Freedom Camping Act 2011 states Council can not completely prohibit freedom camping throughout the District and can only restrict or prohibit freedom camping in order to protect a specified area, the health and safety of people who may visit, or access to the area.

The Freedom Camping Act 2011 triggered the need to establish our Freedom Camping Bylaw in 2012 which resulted in an increase in the number of freedom camping sites in the District, including Anzac Bay.

In response to feedback from our Drop In Day at Waihi Beach in July 2015, we considered a number of options in relation to addressing concerns about freedom camping at Anzac Bay.

We are also proposing to add a number of other sites within the District, either as prohibited or restricted freedom camping sites.

How can I be involved?

We’d like to hear your feedback on these proposed changes so we're holding ‘Have Your Say’ sessions to encourage these discussions. You’re welcome to attend either session on:

• Wednesday, 30 September 5pm-7pm at Council Chambers, Barkes Corner, Tauranga; or

• Saturday, 10 October 10am-1pm at Waihi Beach Community Centre.

This is your opportunity to share your views about the proposed changes with Councillors and other members of the public at a roundtable discussion. These sessions replace formal hearings.

Alternatively, you can provide feedback:

• Online on this website.

• Email your feedback to freedomcampingreview@westernbay.govt.nz

• Complete the feedback form available at our service centres listed below;

Council’s Library and Services Centres, located at Katikati, Te Puke, Omokoroa, Waihi Beach and Barkes Corner, Greerton; or

• Post to Chief Executive Officer, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Private Bag 12803, Tauranga 3143.

Feedback closes 4pm on Wednesday, 21 October, 2015

Once we have completed the consultation process, we will then make a decision based upon the information and feedback received. The decision is likely to be made in November and will be posted on our website.