Freedom camping instant fine regimes
In recent months the issue of freedom camping has featured prominently in the media. The nuisance created by freedom campers is having a negative impact on many New Zealand communities and councils play a critical role in managing this issue.
LGNZ is currently working with the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) to make an instant fine regime for freedom camping offences available to councils on an opt-in basis. However, access to infringements is reliant on the existence of a bylaw prohibiting freedom camping in undesirable locations within a council's jurisdiction.
After much waiting, the DIA have finally assessed existing bylaws for consistency with the regulation under section 259 of the Local Government Act 2002 being proposed by the government. Following the assessment some councils will need to amend their existing bylaw or adopt the "model" bylaw drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel Office on our behalf.
In order to have access to instant fines in time for Rugby World Cup, the deadline for having bylaws finalised is 31 May 2011. LGNZ is working with council staff to ensure that bylaws can be finalised to meet the deadlines imposed by the regulation for those councils looking to opt-in. For further information contact simon.king@lgnz.co.nz.
Posted 28 March 2011
