Proposed Freedom Camping Bylaw - Background

Freedom Camping is enabled through the Freedom Camping Act 2011, which essentially allows for any freedom camping in public areas where not restricted under a Bylaw or Reserve Management Plan. Council’s Freedom Camping Bylaw controls freedom camping by designating certain areas for freedom camping purposes, and prohibiting other areas.  Most of the designated areas limit the use to self-contained vehicles only. 

The Self-contained Motor Vehicle Legislation Act 2023 is now law and has been incorporated into the Freedom Camping Act 2011 .  As a result this means there are some nation-wide changes to where you can freedom camp, the meaning of self-contained vehicles and changes to the infringement fees and charges. 

Submission are now open! 

Please use this link to make an online submission  

Please use this link to view the Proposed Freedom Camping Bylaw

Please use this link to view the current Freedom Camping Bylaw

Key Dates:

Please note kawerau District Council must recieve your written submission by 5pm on Friday 20 December, 2024

Purpose of Bylaw

The purpose of this bylaw is to control freedom camping in the Kawerau District in order to: 
a)    Protect local authority areas;
b)    Protect the health and safety of people who may visit local authority areas; and
c)    Protect access to local authority areas.

Reason for Review

Kawerau District Council (Council) first adopted a Freedom Camping Bylaw in 2019. Bylaws must be reviewed every five years and having now been five years, and in light of the amendments to the Freedom Camping Act 2011, Council has undertaken a review of the bylaw.

The previous Freedom camping Bylaw was generally working well, although there are some changes that Council wishes to make following the review.

The Council must follow the special consultative procedure in amending an existing bylaw. This Statement of Proposal has been prepared for that purpose, under Section 11B of the Freedom Camping Act 2011 (‘FCA’), and sections 83, 83AA and 86 of the Local Government Act 2002.

In undertaking a review of the Freedom Camping Bylaw, alongside the recent changes to the Freedom Camping Act 2011, Council considered two options before deciding to make a new bylaw to regulate freedom camping.

Drop-in Sessions for Proposed Freedom Camping Bylaw

Have Your Say On This Bylaw

We want to know your thoughts on the Proposed Freedom Camping Bylaw 2024.  Any person or organisation is welcome to make a submission. 

Council will take all submissions into account when it decides on the final content of the policy. 

Submission forms and copies of the Statement of Proposal are available:

• Online submission form 
• At the Council Offices, Library or isite
• By phoning (07) 306 9009 and requesting a copy.

Submissions can be made: