People sleeping in vehicles that are not certified or self-contained could soon be banned from freedom camping spots, but tents will still be allowed.

The Central Otago District Council considered a new Freedom Camping Bylaw in December, but have deferred a decision until after summer, with some councillors warning they will “cop it in the neck.”

Both Mayor Tim Cadogan and deputy Mayor Neil Gillespie reminded the council about issues from several years ago, before Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) took control of the situation at its freedom camp spots around Lake Dunstan.

Lowburn and Bendigo particularly were becoming congested and facilities overflowing, causing concerns for residents and others trying to use the areas recreationally.

The situation had settled with Covid-19 disrupting overseas backpackers from coming into the country, but early numbers at freedom camp spots this season are already looking strong.

A report to council by parks and recreation manager Gordon Bailey showed Cougar Security had noticed peak numbers were already back to pre-Covid-19 levels.

In particular, the smaller tourist camper vans, and also an increase in local people living rough - but mostly from Friday night to Sunday.

Pinders Pond Reserve near Roxburgh was becoming a year-round, long term camping location, driven by the housing crisis and rising rental costs.

There have been increased levels of domestic issues and intoxicated campers refusing to be moved on due to not being able to drive, in recent times.

The council noted in its report that people experiencing homelessness were exempt from infringements relating to freedom camping. Pathways for assistance for people experiencing homelessness would be explored. 

The report said recent changes to freedom camping legislation was anticipated to reduce the number of small non-self-contained tourist camper vans, but also possibly increase those living in tents.

LINZ currently has designated Bendigo and Champagne Gully as sites where non-certified self contained vehicles can camp, but Lowburn and Jacksons areas only allow certified self-contained vehicles.

The council has agreed to monitor the effectiveness of these recent changes and enforcement provisions in freedom camping legislation over the 2023/24 summer season.

They would also defer a decision to development a Freedom Camping Bylaw until after the April 2024 council meeting.

Gordon said depending on what happened over summer, the council could choose to develop a freedom camping bylaw, which could help manage the impacts of freedom camping.

“The changes to the freedom camping legislation that came into force [last] year may change campers’ behaviours, so the monitoring [of] camping behaviour on council land over summer will help make an informed decision on whether a freedom camping bylaw should be developed or not."