Consultation is now closed. Thank you to those who placed submissions.

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.