Council calls for volunteer freedom camper ambassadors

Monday, 5 November 2018

Camping signs show what can and can't be done in the Whanagrei District.

Volunteer ambassadors will be rolled out this summer to help make sure freedom campers in Whangārei follow the rules.

A Whangārei District Council spokesperson said a significant rise in the number of freedom campers visiting Whangārei has brought social and economic benefit for the district, but also increased pressure on existing infrastructure and a surge in the number of complaints by residents.

In August 2018, the council secured Government funding that included the development, implementation and on-going management of a volunteer ambassador programme.

The aim of the programme will be to focus on 10 of the most popular designated freedom camping locations in an attempt to alleviate some of the problems experienced in previous summers.

Last summer around 83 complaints from 28 locations were logged on the website (down from 105 on the previous year).

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They included behaviour problems, exceeding the maximum periods, camping in prohibited areas or outside designated areas, emptying chemical toilets into sceptic tanks, rubbish and human excrement.

The council is now calling for expressions of interest from local groups or individuals who may wish to join the programme which will operate from December 20 to February 10.

Ideally, Ruakaka Beach Reserve, Matapouri, Kowharewa Bay, Sandy Bay, Woolleys Bay, Whananaki North,Tamaterau, Parua Bay, Ocean Beach and Mt Manaia will have several ambassadors at each site to allow for a rotation of duties.

The ambassadors will have no enforcement responsibilities themselves, rather their role will be to educate visitors on the standards of behaviour expected when freedom camping in the district.

Under the bylaw, all campers are prohibited from 38 locations, while self-contained campers are allowed at four places. Both self-contained and non self-contained are allowed at 12 sites and all types of camping allowed at six.

Changes have been made at three of the sites originally designated since the bylaw that came into effect in October last 2017.

These are Tarewa i-SITE, the area has been moved from the field side of the carpark to the Tarewa Rd side, at Whananaki North where the site is reduced by about a third and a small strip of grass suitable for no more than two tents has been added at Tamaterau.

Some low fencing and additional picnic tables will be installed at Tamaterau and Whananaki North.

Applications close on November 9.

Successful ambassador applicants will receive full training, a koha to cover expenses, and ongoing council support throughout the programme's operating period.

To apply complete the on line form or request one from Customer Service Centre at Forum North in Rust Ave.