Whakatāne District Council has officially adopted its new Freedom Camping Bylaw, along with key amendments to the Public Places Bylaw, following a thorough public consultation process. These changes are part of the Council’s effort to provide clearer guidance for visitors while ensuring public safety, environmental protection, and access to key areas across the district.
The new Freedom Camping Bylaw separates freedom camping rules from the existing Public Places Bylaw, aiming to simplify the regulations for visitors. The changes reflect legislative updates and address community feedback received during the consultation period.
Councillors agreed to several key changes to the Freedom Camping Bylaw to enhance public safety and respond to community concerns.
Freedom campers in restricted areas can now stay for up to three nights within a four-week period, an increase from the previous two-night limit. To ensure public safety, freedom camping is prohibited in the Awatarariki Debris Flow Area in Matatā. Additionally, freedom camping will not be permitted at Rex Morpeth Park and in extended areas along West End, Ocean Road, and Port Ōhope Reserve. Based on community feedback, the Council has also decided to prohibit freedom camping at Edgecumbe Domain.
The Council believes these updates strike a balance between encouraging visitors and protecting local amenities.
Harvey Keravel, Whakatāne District Council’s Acting Manager of Strategy and Performance emphasised the changes are designed to enhance both community wellbeing and the visitor experience.
“These changes will ensure our communities remain vibrant and safe while providing freedom campers with a more straightforward set of rules to follow,” said Harvey.
In addition to the new Freedom Camping Bylaw, the Council has amended the Public Places Bylaw, with the most substantial change being fire restrictions. Fires are prohibited in public places, with exceptions for some cooking devices and bonfires, which will still be allowed on beaches under the Beaches Bylaw.
Harvey acknowledged community participation in the consultation process, noting the feedback received played a vital role in shaping the final decisions.
“Community input has been instrumental in developing regulations that are fair and effective, balancing the needs of visitors with the interests of residents,” he said.
The changes to the bylaws have come into effect immediately. Freedom campers and residents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new regulations, which will be available on the Council’s website. For more information, click here.