Consultation is now closed.Thank you for taking the time to make a submission on the proposed Responsible Freedom Camping Bylaw.

We greatly appreciate the effort, local knowledge, and perspectives shared throughout the consultation process.

The consultation period ran from 1 July to 1 August 2026, with submissions heard by Councillors on 24 August 2026. Your feedback helped inform Council's consideration of the bylaw and the final decisions made.

Since the bylaw was first reviewed, the Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023 has come into effect. This legislation significantly changes the requirements for self-contained vehicles in New Zealand. Vehicles must now have a fixed, permanently installed toilet and a valid certificate of self-containment to be recognised as self-contained, closing loopholes that previously allowed some vehicles with portable toilets to qualify.

A number of important themes emerged through the submission process, including:

• The need for education and awareness alongside enforcement.
• Questions around who should fund and undertake compliance monitoring.
• Support for retaining appropriate freedom camping locations, including sites such as Cobden Bridge.
• Concerns about responsible campers and smaller vehicles being unfairly excluded.
• Feedback regarding temporary restrictions and prohibited areas.

Overall, submitters were generally supportive of the proposed changes, including:

• Increasing the maximum stay from two nights to three nights within any four-week consecutive period.
• Providing Council with the ability to temporarily restrict or close areas when necessary.
• Updating designated freedom camping locations and site boundaries.

Councillors carefully considered all submissions and sought further clarification on several matters raised during the hearing process. Particular attention was given to feedback regarding temporary restriction provisions and the legal robustness of existing prohibited areas.

At its meeting on 28 September 2026, Council approved the Responsible Freedom Camping Bylaw. Councillors also noted the importance of ensuring signage at some locations is improved so that requirements and permitted locations are clear for both visitors and residents.

We would like to sincerely thank you for contributing to this process. Community input is an important part of Council decision-making, and your submission helped shape the final bylaw. We appreciate your interest in helping ensure freedom camping in the district remains responsible, well-managed, and beneficial for both visitors and the local community.

Public consultation ran from 1 July to 1 August 2026, with a total of nine submissions received. Overall, submitters generally supported the proposed changes, including the increase from two nights to three nights in any four-week consecutive period, the ability to temporarily restrict or close areas where necessary, and updates to designated freedom camping locations and boundaries.

A number of key themes were raised through the submissions, including:

• The importance of education and communication before enforcement.
• Questions around who should fund and undertake compliance monitoring.
• Support for retaining suitable freedom camping locations, including Cobden Bridge.
• Concerns that responsible campers and smaller vehicles could be unfairly excluded.
• Matters raised by the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association regarding the temporary restriction provisions and the legal robustness of existing prohibited areas.

The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association has raised matters for Council to consider in relation to the temporary restriction provisions and existing prohibited areas. Staff will undertake further work and provide additional information to Council at its next meeting.

This work will include further consideration of:

• Direction and clarity around temporary restrictions and closures, and prohibited areas.
• Whether camping areas should be available to non-self-contained vehicles, including investigation of possible options.

The final Responsible Freedom Camping Bylaw is expected to be brought to the 28 September 2026 Council meeting for adoption.

Proposed Changes to the Responsible Freedom Camping Bylaw

Grey District Council is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Freedom Camping Bylaw. The review has been undertaken to ensure the bylaw aligns with recent Government legislation, including new requirements for self-contained vehicles to have permanently fixed toilets and green warrant certification.

The proposed changes are designed to support responsible freedom camping while protecting the district's environment, public spaces, and communities. They also provide Council with greater flexibility to manage freedom camping areas during special events, seasonal pressures, or when temporary restrictions are needed to prevent damage.

In addition to legislative updates, the review includes changes to:

• camping duration limits,
• operating hours,
• mapped camping areas, and
• enforcement provisions.

The proposed amendments aim to provide clearer rules for:

• campers,
• improve consistency across sites,
• and ensure freedom camping continues to be managed effectively throughout the Grey District.

We encourage residents, visitors, businesses, and other interested parties to review the proposed changes and share their views. Your feedback will help inform Council's decision on the final bylaw.