Implications for members

Under the proposed changes, members who own vehicles without fixed toilets will be unable to freedom camp on public land which is restricted to certified self-contained vehicles only (vehicles with fixed permanent toilets).  They will only be allowed to freedom camp at sites designated by the local Council or on conservation land that is open to vehicles with portable toilets.  DOC and a number of councils have already designated areas for non-self-contained freedom campers, and we expect these areas will continue to be available into the future. The NZMCA will also continue to talk to DOC and councils advocating for more of these areas for responsible freedom campers.

MBIE hosted a couple of public webinars during December 2021 to help explain the governments proposed changes.  MBIE officials advised the exact definition of a fixed toilet will be worked out with the Parliamentary Counsel Office, which is responsible for drafting a new Bill that will be introduced to Parliament later this year (2022). Until the definition of a fixed toilet is determined, MBIE is unable to say with absolute certainty which toilets will or will not be acceptable under the new self-containment requirements. However, the outcome MBIE is seeking to achieve is that a fixed toilet will not be easily removed (which will likely mean being attached to either the floor and/or wall of the vehicle), and with a permanent OR removable black water tank. The toilet will need to be secured and not easily removed. MBIE has advised the exact definition will not be released until the Bill is introduced to Parliament later this year (2022) – where everyone will then have an opportunity provide feedback.

Stronger enforcement and infringement penalties will apply to all freedom campers including members.  The possibility of a graduated scale of fines may mean that one-off minor infringements receive modest fines.  Members who play by the rules and take care to ensure that they only freedom camping in permitted areas are unlikely to be affected by this change.

Camping on private land including NZMCA Parks, other camping grounds and the Park Over Property network are not affected by these proposed changes. It remains the right of private property owners to decide the terms of use of their property for camping as long as they operate with the relevant planning rules and campground regulations. Once the government releases further information on the proposed Bill and new regulations, the NZMCA will contact POP owners with advice on the proposed changes, particularly if they want to align their terms of use with the new self-containment rules.