7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Fortrose Photos ©2024 Sheryl Moffat Fortrose Photos ©2024 Sheryl Moffat Fortrose Photos ©2024 Sheryl Moffat Fortrose Photos ©2024 Sheryl Moffat Peaceful Fortrose Sheryl Moffat A beautiful peaceful place, Fortrose, in The Catlins. n Southland. ©2024 Sheryl Moffat Free camping here with a non-fixed toilet will be impossible after the law changes. Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 9

8 Winter 2024 8 Winter 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption On the cycle trail at Bannockburn Andrew Morton On the cycle trail at Bannockburn. ©2024 Andrew Morton Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 7

1 Spring 2022 1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Lake Monowai was quiet and still as if time itself had stopped Moss We walked some of the easier, pleasant, short paths through the mossy bush. Hug a tree and bring bug repellent. Hug a tree and bring bug repellent Sleeping with the sandflies: Lake Monowai Heather Auckram Lake Monowai was quiet and still as if time itself had stopped. We weren't outside the van long as I forgot the insect repellent and the sandflies quickly found us! There is a free DOC camping area at the carpark and toilets. No dogs. Lots of curious birds, and bird/animal noises in the dark of night. There are picnic tables and fire drums to light, which may help to keep away the ever-hungry sandflies. We walked some of the easier pleasant short paths through the mossy bush. Hug a tree and bring bug repellent. BY: Heather Auckram PHOTOS: ©2022 Heather Auckram DOC INFO Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 13

10 summer 2024 10 summer 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption I thought I’d list a few of the resources I’ve found helpful Planning to camp with your pet? Resources Bette Cosgrove We always take Pippa with us and she loves the adventures as much as we do. I thought I’d list a few of the resources I’ve found helpful on our travels with our furry family member, but this is by no means a definitive list. Bette Cosgrove All the camping apps and DOC camping sites have a filter for searching if pets/dogs are allowed in campsites so choose that option when you search. Some campgrounds have pet exclusion policies at certain times of year, some have extra charges for pets, and there are sites with exclusive pet-friendly areas. Check before you go or when you book. Listings on stopandstaynz.org indicate if pets are allowed at sites. Kiwi Camping has a great directory of campgrounds which accept dogs : ckw.nz/kiwicamping-dogs | kiwicamping.co.nz If you’re an NZMCA member almost all sites allow well-controlled pets and some have fenced dog runs. National Parks never allow pets of any kind, even if remaining in the car so don’t take them or risk a hefty fine. DOC allow dogs into more areas if they’ve passed the wildlife/avian aversion training: ckw.nz/doc-kiwi-avoidance | ckw.nz/kiwi-avoidance Websites and apps: you can search for dog-friendly places to stay or visit, dog walking, or advice. dogalong.nz . has a website of listings that are pet friendly. All the online accommodation sites also have pet-friendly accommodation filters, eg booking.com , Bookabach , Tripadvisor and expedia.com . Top 10 holiday parks that allow dogs are listed here: ckw.nz/top-10-dogs . W alk and hike For walk and hike listings try these: andthedogcametoo.com dogpackapp.com alltrails.com/new-zealand/dogs doggies.nz ckw.nz/eukanuba-hiking-dogs ckw.nz/urbanlist-dog-walks ckw.nz/sharemypet-dog-walks Crossing Cook Strait Both ferry services accept dogs… and yes… if they’re happy you can leave them in your vehicle or there are safe crates in the cargo area. bluebridge.co.nz has pet-friendly cabins ckw.nz/interislander-pets has restrictions on number of pets in vehicles. Both ferries allow service dogs in the passenger area. Communities Communities of other dog owners can also give you the support you need so here’s Facebook pages to look for: Pet Friendly Holidays NZ Motorhoming with Pets in N.Z . Dog Friendly Accommodations New Zealand Pet Friendly Eateries and Accommodation New Zealand Anxious travellers If you have an anxious traveller consider gently trying them in your vehicle for short trips first before any long holiday journey. Transfer their favourite bed or blanket into the vehicle with them. A rescue remedy for pets can help. Consider getting advice from the experts like: Canine Friends Pet Therapy— New Zealand caninefriends.org.nz Safety Always consider safety for your pet with a well designed travelling harness and keeping plenty of water available. Opening vents and windows will keep the car cool, and we carry an extra USB rechargeable fan to move the air in the rear of a hot vehicle. Because dogs can’t regulate their body temperature cooling mats or collars might also be needed on extra hot days. Add ice blocks to water bowls and ensure there’s always a shady spot for your pet. Some people carry temporary safety fences to create a safe secure outdoor exercise space around their camp site. Vet needed? If you need urgent veterinary advice and you’re a long way from home there’s a new online triage service to connect you to a nearby vet. See HELPP Vet ◊ Images ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Up Up 10 summer 2024 , p 29

11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption Firth Tower and Museum near Matamata is a tranquil place to camp overnight. ©2025 Graham Leslie Firth Tower was built in 1882 by Josiah Clifton Firth to provide a lookout over the countryside. Josiah Firth was an Auckland entrepreneur who established the 56,000 acre Matamata Estate. ©2025 Graham Leslie The tower and the adjoining villa are now the centre piece of the Firth Tower Historical Reserve. ©2025 Graham Leslie The museum is set in spacious gardens with wide lawns and shady trees ©2025 Graham Leslie GO TO Here & there last summer buy a ticket and have a look through the museum STOP and STAY Camping at the museum Margaret Earle Firth Tower near Matamata is a tranquil place to camp overnight. You can wander around and even have your dinner in the picturesque gardens that surround the museum buildings. Firth Tower was built in 1882 by Josiah Clifton Firth to provide a lookout over the countryside. Josiah Firth was an Auckland entrepreneur who established the 56,000 acre Matamata Estate. The tower and the adjoining villa are now the centre piece of the Firth Tower Historical Reserve. A sizeable collection of other historic buildings from the local area have been moved to the site to create the museum. These include a colonial chapel, schoolhouse and gaol along with a large collection of historic farm machinery. The museum is set in spacious gardens with wide lawns and shady trees. For $15 a night per vehicle you can camp in the carpark of the museum. There are some powered sites available for $20 per night. You need to be self-contained to camp here. The toilet block is open all night for the use of campers. Campers have use of the grounds of the museum even after the museum closes. More details available at firthtower.co.nz/motorhomes . If you are there on a day that the museum is open, I strongly encourage you to buy a ticket and have a look through the museum buildings. They contain an immense amount of historical information about the local area and the staff who work at the museum have lots of great stories to share. Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 10

4 Winter 2023 4 Winter 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption ©2023 Donna Millar ©2023 Donna Millar ©2023 Donna Millar ©2023 Donna Millar ©2023 Donna Millar ©2023 Donna Millar ©2023 Donna Millar ©2023 Donna Millar ©2023 Donna Millar ©2023 Donna Millar ©2023 Donna Millar ©2023 Donna Millar ©2023 Donna Millar Two epic days in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. I did it! Donna Millar My very first solo camping and tramping trip! Two epic days in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Camped at Whitehorse Hill DOC campground. It was packed, with lots of friendly people. I adopted a lovely UK couple of retired teachers for the night, and camped beside them. Met lots of lovely people. Clocked up 20km of hikes including Sealy Tarns track (2,200 stairs!). Incredible clear night skies and the sound of several morepork— the best way to fall asleep in your tent. I was very grateful for my -5°C sleeping bag! I can’t wait for my next solo adventure —it’s so liberating. Click on the gallery to see the full size slideshow . Photos ©2023 Donna Millar Up Up 4 Winter 2023 , p 17

11 autumn 2025 11 autumn 2025 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Jo Ward At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Amy Lou At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Jo Ward At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Jo Ward At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Jo Ward At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Jo Ward At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Jo Ward At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Jo Ward At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Natasha Jansen At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Natasha Jansen At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Nicky Haworth At CampFest 2025 Sunday, the local fire brigade came, talked and demonstrated to us on how to use fire extinguishers as well as safe practices in the vans and our homes. Several people had a go with the extinguishers. ©2025 Cheryl Roberts At CampFest 2025 Sunday, the local fire brigade came, talked and demonstrated to us on how to use fire extinguishers as well as safe practices in the vans and our homes. Several people had a go with the extinguishers. ©2025 Cheryl Roberts At CampFest 2025 Sunday, the local fire brigade came, talked and demonstrated to us on how to use fire extinguishers as well as safe practices in the vans and our homes. Several people had a go with the extinguishers. ©2025 Cheryl Roberts At CampFest 2025 Sunday, the local fire brigade came, talked and demonstrated to us on how to use fire extinguishers as well as safe practices in the vans and our homes. Several people had a go with the extinguishers. ©2025 Cheryl Roberts At CampFest 2025 Sunday, the local fire brigade came, talked and demonstrated to us on how to use fire extinguishers as well as safe practices in the vans and our homes. Several people had a go with the extinguishers. ©2025 Cheryl Roberts At CampFest 2025 Sunday, the local fire brigade came, talked and demonstrated to us on how to use fire extinguishers as well as safe practices in the vans and our homes. Several people had a go with the extinguishers. ©2025 Cheryl Roberts At CampFest 2025 Sunday, the local fire brigade came, talked and demonstrated to us on how to use fire extinguishers as well as safe practices in the vans and our homes. Several people had a go with the extinguishers. ©2025 Cheryl Roberts At CampFest 2025 Sunday, the local fire brigade came, talked and demonstrated to us on how to use fire extinguishers as well as safe practices in the vans and our homes. Several people had a go with the extinguishers. ©2025 Cheryl Roberts At CampFest 2025 Sunday, the local fire brigade came, talked and demonstrated to us on how to use fire extinguishers as well as safe practices in the vans and our homes. Several people had a go with the extinguishers. ©2025 Cheryl Roberts At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Bryan Snaith At CampFest 2025 ©2025 Bryan Snaith awesome to say the least Campfest Cheryl Roberts Encouraging our future generations of campers: family-friendly camping Campfest was awesome to say the least. The weekend started with a welcome, then the kids programme. Cheryl Roberts We dressed up and entertained the children with fun songs, games and stories. The adults enjoyed it too and even participated in the games. Imagine rolling a small Oreo biscuit from your forehead and getting it into your mouth, sounds easy, Not So! To go with the camping theme, the songs were: There’s a hole in my tent dear Shona, with Barry mending it. The wheels on the camper van, My Highland Goat. Stories: Goldilocks and the three bears, The 3 little Pigs from Revolting Rhymes by Roald Dahl. Saturday mornings children’s programme started at 9.15 am after 15 minutes of music thanks to Karen Clarke who also played the guitar for us. Children’s team were Margaret, Alice, Rhonda, Cheryl with Laura who joined us. Music by Karen. Again, lots of songs, stories and a play written by Alice with puppets provided by Rhonda. It was fun but not as many children as the night before. There was also a bike track, treasure hunt quiz, lions hunt where there was the occasional child asking if the lions are out. Competitions (colouring-in and free style), as well as tent pitching which the kids loved, after pitching it, they then did it blind folded to simulate putting the tent up in the dark. Discussion workshops were held and The Best Camper Competition, which brought a lot of oohs and ahhs from people as they talked to the campers who entered. The market was great, lots of variety and many people looking. My favourite was the face painting, so cool seeing so may fabulous designs on children and adults. The camp was buzzing with many activities, people chatting and generally having fun, as well as meeting new people. It was great seeing so many tents, vans, caravans and motorhomes. Adults, families relaxing and children having fun in a safe environment. I talked to a few people who said it was their first time at camp, the feedback, was that they really enjoyed it, in fact everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. The facilities were great, the clubrooms were well used by people chilling or meeting over a drink and chatting. The clubrooms were awesome rooms with great atmosphere — a fantastic place to have our camps. Thank you to Bulls Rugby Club and Andy Watson the Rangitikei District Mayor. In fact all the facilities were amazing. The committee really planned this camp, with a grey water station and lots of rubbish bins, as well as porta-loos. The food trucks were definitely well worth having there, delicious fresh meals at a good price. The hamburgers (chicken and bacon) with a generous amount of chips, were very popular. I liked how the food trucks supported each other. I did see the ice cream truck but not for long. A huge draw card, was the stage and music, talent contest, open mike time and the bands which played on to 9pm. This brought a carnival atmosphere to the camp. The stage was a focal point for meeting and having fun. I observed a young girl going on stage and singing in the day, was great to see her enjoying the freedom of the place. Karen was an awesome, natural, fun MC. She kept us up with everything that was happening. My favourite song was Karen and her online dating, I hope she records it hint hint … Sunday, the local fire brigade came, talked and demonstrated to us on how to use fire extinguishers as well as safe practices in the vans and our homes. Several people had a go with the extinguishers. It was very informative with great question and answer time. They had give-aways and stayed on talking to several people. It was fun watching everyone receive their awards from kids competitions, to the camping awards. Andy Watson, the Rangitikei District Mayor, came and enjoyed part of Sunday, and the award ceremony. All in all, it was a fantastic Campfest, congratulations to the committee for your dedication and hard work, you certainly created a fun, happy environment for us all. I heard a lot of people say “bring on next year” I am one of those. Up Up 11 autumn 2025 , p 34

Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF CONTENTS Issue 10, Summer 2024 Cover image: Waiorongomai Valley ©2024 Greg Lokes Editorial Come Camping Stop and Stay Contribute About TESTING DYNAMIC ISSUE 10 Table of contents Double-digit highways Next SH 32/41, West of Lake Taupo Next SH45 The Surf Coast Highway, Te Ika a Maui North Island Next SH60 Richmond to Collingwood, Tasman Next Butchers Dam aurora Next We got bogged: “Because it’d be funner,” he said Next And people wonder why I like camping Next Springing Next What a difference a day makes Next Waitaki first day Next Ōtaki Rivermouth Next NIWA summer forecast Next Camp Fest ‘25 Next All roads lead to Camp Fest Next I really like the Waiouru Army Museum Next Camping in Tairāwhiti this summer Next Freedom camping news Next Self-containment warrant cards: Which ones are valid? Next But I am not freedom camping… Next A roof-top tent Next Revolutionizing Kiwi camping with Fix’n’Rail Next What is out there Next This is the summer to visit Queenstown Next The Wairau Next Getting your camping vehicle certified Next Dealing with a caravan flat Next Sunday morning caravan Lego Next Old Blue Next Kea attack Next First time out with my new tent Next Thornbury-Aparima Bridge Reserve Next Temple Stream Next Marfells Beach Next Exploring Clandyboye Next Being able to get out into nature Next Making camping more accessible for everyone Next Caravan tales Next Dannevirke Holiday Park is making its facilities more accessible Next What a view to wake up to Next Danseys Pass Next From rugby to pets — How Covid19 started the tail wagging on HELPP VET Next Pippa in the hammock Next Planning to camp with your pet? Resources Next My day at the Ellesmere A&P Show Next The Slow Road Next My day at Ferrymead Next NZ Cheese Festival Next A long weekend on the Waikato River Next Safe toilet chemicals Next The fairy forest walk Next Teeming at Terako Downs Next Terako Downs entrance Next Up, up the Waiorongomai Valley Next Favourite and quick camping meals Next Alice cooking dinner on the BBQ Next Heating a pie Next Ordinary cycle Next Fishing in the snow Next Trying out my new quilt Next GAME: DOC campsites 4: Lower North Island Next HOBBIES: Disc golf Next Stop and Stay: City dwellers: 2nd camp: more adventurous Next Lake Poaka Next Rays Rest Next DOC update Next Uretiti Next King’s Birthday camp at Kekerengu Next Foxton Beach Next Three nights at Conway Flats Next Fantastic time at the Onearo campground Next Come camping Next Festivals Next The All Points Camping Club of NZ Next A summer of content: editorial Next Councils & Government Camping in Tairāwhiti this summer Read But I am not freedom camping… Read This is the summer to visit Queenstown Read Getting your camping vehicle certified Read Thornbury-Aparima Bridge Reserve Read Being able to get out into nature Read Making camping more accessible for everyone Read Dannevirke Holiday Park is making its facilities more accessible Read Safe toilet chemicals Read A summer of content: editorial Read Self-containment & Freedom Camping Camping in Tairāwhiti this summer Read Freedom camping news Read Self-containment warrant cards: Which ones are valid? Read But I am not freedom camping… Read This is the summer to visit Queenstown Read Getting your camping vehicle certified Read Thornbury-Aparima Bridge Reserve Read Being able to get out into nature Read Making camping more accessible for everyone Read Caravan tales Read Safe toilet chemicals Read View More

7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption celebrate-tokomaru-10.jpg Our camp was right on the beach looking directly out to where the sun would rise. ©2024 Greg Lokes Tokomaru Bay Our camp was right on the beach looking directly out to where the sun would rise. ©2024 Greg Lokes Tokomaru Bay celebrate-tokomaru-13.jpg Tokomaru Bay Our camp was right on the beach looking directly out to where the sun would rise. ©2024 Greg Lokes Tokomaru Bay Our camp was right on the beach looking directly out to where the sun would rise. ©2024 Greg Lokes Tokomaru Bay Our camp was right on the beach looking directly out to where the sun would rise. ©2024 Greg Lokes Tokomaru Bay Our camp was right on the beach looking directly out to where the sun would rise. ©2024 Greg Lokes Tokomaru Bay Our camp was right on the beach looking directly out to where the sun would rise. ©2024 Greg Lokes Tokomaru Bay So many cool old buildings and structures. Reminders of its busy past. It was great exploring all the old ruins. ©2024 Greg Lokes Tokomaru Bay So many cool old buildings and structures. Reminders of its busy past. It was great exploring all the old ruins. ©2024 Greg Lokes Tokomaru Bay So many cool old buildings and structures. Reminders of its busy past. It was great exploring all the old ruins. ©2024 Greg Lokes Tokomaru Bay So many cool old buildings and structures. Reminders of its busy past. It was great exploring all the old ruins. ©2024 Greg Lokes Tokomaru Bay I was lucky to be allowed to photograph an old abandoned house just behind our camp. ©2024 Greg Lokes the East Cape sunrises didn’t disappoint We had a great stay at Tokomaru Bay Greg Lokes Our camp was right on the beach looking directly out to where the sun would rise. So many cool old buildings and structures. Reminders of its busy past. It was great exploring all the old ruins and I was lucky to be allowed to photograph an old abandoned house just behind our camp. Of course the East Cape sunrises didn’t disappoint either. ©2024 Greg Lokes. At Tokomaru Bay, Gisborne District Council freedom site. Free permit required summer only. Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 13

Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF CONTENTS Issue 10, Summer 2024 Cover image: Waiorongomai Valley ©2024 Greg Lokes Editorial Come Camping Stop and Stay Contribute About TESTING DYNAMIC ISSUE 10 Table of contents Double-digit highways Next SH 32/41, West of Lake Taupo Next SH45 The Surf Coast Highway, Te Ika a Maui North Island Next SH60 Richmond to Collingwood, Tasman Next Butchers Dam aurora Next We got bogged: “Because it’d be funner,” he said Next And people wonder why I like camping Next Springing Next What a difference a day makes Next Waitaki first day Next Ōtaki Rivermouth Next NIWA summer forecast Next Camp Fest ‘25 Next All roads lead to Camp Fest Next I really like the Waiouru Army Museum Next Camping in Tairāwhiti this summer Next Freedom camping news Next Self-containment warrant cards: Which ones are valid? Next But I am not freedom camping… Next A roof-top tent Next Revolutionizing Kiwi camping with Fix’n’Rail Next What is out there Next This is the summer to visit Queenstown Next The Wairau Next Getting your camping vehicle certified Next Dealing with a caravan flat Next Sunday morning caravan Lego Next Old Blue Next Kea attack Next First time out with my new tent Next Thornbury-Aparima Bridge Reserve Next Temple Stream Next Marfells Beach Next Exploring Clandyboye Next Being able to get out into nature Next Making camping more accessible for everyone Next Caravan tales Next Dannevirke Holiday Park is making its facilities more accessible Next What a view to wake up to Next Danseys Pass Next From rugby to pets — How Covid19 started the tail wagging on HELPP VET Next Pippa in the hammock Next Planning to camp with your pet? Resources Next My day at the Ellesmere A&P Show Next The Slow Road Next My day at Ferrymead Next NZ Cheese Festival Next A long weekend on the Waikato River Next Safe toilet chemicals Next The fairy forest walk Next Teeming at Terako Downs Next Terako Downs entrance Next Up, up the Waiorongomai Valley Next Favourite and quick camping meals Next Alice cooking dinner on the BBQ Next Heating a pie Next Ordinary cycle Next Fishing in the snow Next Trying out my new quilt Next GAME: DOC campsites 4: Lower North Island Next HOBBIES: Disc golf Next Stop and Stay: City dwellers: 2nd camp: more adventurous Next Lake Poaka Next Rays Rest Next DOC update Next Uretiti Next King’s Birthday camp at Kekerengu Next Foxton Beach Next Three nights at Conway Flats Next Fantastic time at the Onearo campground Next Come camping Next Festivals Next The All Points Camping Club of NZ Next A summer of content: editorial Next Councils & Government Camping in Tairāwhiti this summer Read But I am not freedom camping… Read This is the summer to visit Queenstown Read Getting your camping vehicle certified Read Thornbury-Aparima Bridge Reserve Read Being able to get out into nature Read Making camping more accessible for everyone Read Dannevirke Holiday Park is making its facilities more accessible Read Safe toilet chemicals Read A summer of content: editorial Read Self-containment & Freedom Camping Camping in Tairāwhiti this summer Read Freedom camping news Read Self-containment warrant cards: Which ones are valid? Read But I am not freedom camping… Read This is the summer to visit Queenstown Read Getting your camping vehicle certified Read Thornbury-Aparima Bridge Reserve Read Being able to get out into nature Read Making camping more accessible for everyone Read Caravan tales Read Safe toilet chemicals Read View More

11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption Roland at Campfest ©2025 Jo Ward GO TO Here & there last summer Made it to Campfest Jo Ward Roland made it to Campfest, Bulls, March.©2025 Jo Ward. Campfest Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 19

4 Winter 2023 4 Winter 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Should the NZ tourism ministry should be making decisions for NZ’s recreation campers? 8 degrees of harm Gary Stoneley With change there always consequences. While some changes are positive and beneficial sometimes consequences cause a degree of harm. The recent changes to camping legislation in NZ will have a flow on effect throughout the leisure camping industry and to a large degree there is the potential for significant harm, to society (our supposedly inclusive camping culture) plus economic factors and environmental impact. The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment prepared a ‘limited’ regulatory impact statement, but the impacts of the new legislation cause more than just a small degree of harm. The question must be asked if the NZ tourism ministry should be making decisions for NZ’s recreation campers and why was the recreation minister not involved? How do we unwind the harm that the new law brings? Left Auckland 34 days ago, halfway through my 73 days traveling the South Island. Now in Cromwell then Arrowtown on the weekend. Noticed that it’s getting colder. Now I appreciate my diesel heater. ©2023 Roland Jones 8 Degrees of harm 1 • Perpetuating NIMBYism and the wealth divide Ex-Minister Stuart Nash’s push for greater control over motor vehicle campers in NZ has been led from a tourism-centred point of view. In an attempt to raise the image of tourism in NZ, vehicle campers without onboard toilets, plus responsible campers with portable toilets, have been targeted, without evidence that freedom campers cause any more harm than other recreational users (MBIE 2022, DIA 2016). The Department of Internal Affairs found that media emphasis on ‘freedom campers’ distorted the public view and supported NIMBYism (not in my back yard). This legislation advances the myth that NZers travelling in campers with portable toilets or without onboard toilets are less responsible than those with permanently fitted toilets, even though there is no evidence to support this myth. The economic burden of this act widens the wealth divide leaving behind those using lower-cost campers such as compact campervans, trailer tents, pop-tops, tear-drops, roof-top tents, and older, smaller caravans, while intentionally favouring higher-end camping vehicles, to boost the tourism image, never mind the effect on New Zealanders: this is a tourism initiative that restricts New Zealand citizens. 2 • Mental Health Lake Monowai was quiet and still as if time itself had stopped. We walked some of the easier, pleasant, short paths through the mossy bush. Hug a tree and bring bug repellent. ©2022 Heather Auckram Thousands of NZ campers pack up their vehicle and hit the road, freedom camping on council reserves, for their rest and relaxation. This includes young families with trailer tents, roof top campers and older caravans as well those retired with a small campervan set up with a portable toilet. The changes brought in with this act mean thousands of NZ campers will no longer be able to participate in freedom camping on council controlled land. Thousands of NZers will miss out. The ‘green pill’ of spending mental health time by the sea, or the lake or in the forest, is now reserved for the wealthy but all age groups and income levels are affected by this act. Only those who have a vehicle that is certified as ‘self contained’ according to this new legislation can camp on council land, unless a council designates areas for non self-contained vehicle camping (and for those self-contained campers whose toilet is not screwed to the floor). 3 • Economic cost to consumers On the road in Aotearoa in this beauty. Dunedin to Auckland and back again. © 2022 Lisa Ambrose The cost to thousands of NZ vehicle campers with portable toilets is considerable. Many consumers will be unable to afford them. To continue to be certified, currently ‘certified self contained’ vehicles will be required to upgrade to a permanently fitted toilet. This applies primarily to smaller campervans and older caravans. Retro-fitting can require changes to the vehicle layout including bodywork, which will cost at least $600 and up to $2500. In some cases it won’t be possible and the owner will need to replace the vehicle at a cost of extra thousands of dollars. In addition to retrofit costs are the new fees. The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board will levy fees on both the certifier (for being a certifier) and the camper (for getting certified). These too are costs many consumers will not be able to afford. Then there are fines. Both freedom camping and, indeed, simply and legally parking, can now lead to fines starting at $400 and as high as $3000. A freedom camping vehicle of any kind, parked anywhere not actually designated for freedom camping (on the street, outside the laundromat or shop) could be considered to be “preparing to freedom camp”. 4 • Economic cost to businesses Rental vehicle operators that have vehicles with portable toilets are faced with either retrofitting their fleet or replacing vehicles. Rental vehicle operators will be required to do this before the 2024/2025 Summer season. Replacing 2000 smaller rental vehicles, at an estimated cost of $70,000 per imported vehicle, could cost the industry more than $140 million over the next 18 months, an inflationary activity at a time when inflation is already high. 5 • Social and economic cost on communities Many councils have received funding to assist with the transition to the required bylaw changes restricting freedom camping access. However the ongoing costs in managing the new regime will be passed on to ratepayers. As a national law with fines for ‘preparing to camp’ it is expected that there will be legal challenges that councils will have to fund. Car camping in Aparima. ©2022 Heather Auckram NZ families have traditionally had social licence to camp on council-controlled land around NZ which is now undermined by this new law which forces additional restrictions on families who enjoy low cost, vehicle-based camping. Parking on council land in a campervan or putting out your chairs for a lunch stop can now be considered preparing to camp and subject to a $400 fine. To “make preparations” to freedom camp, the legislation tells us, means to “park a motor vehicle to use it for freedom camping” (Section 20 2 (b)). It declines to tell either campers or the enforcement officers how they can tell if the vehicle is about to be used for freedom camping, presumably because it is not possible to read minds. 6 • Seasonal employment Thousands of seasonal workers traditionally come to NZ every summer and work in our hospitality and horticulture industries, many buying low cost vehicles to live in, due to the shortage of accommodation. The incentives for them to come and work in NZ and explore the country are now reduced. They might be young, active, energetic and contribute much to our economy, but the new act bars the low-cost, low-footprint vehicles that allow them to explore NZ. 7 • Environment The more people who travel with their own toilet the better for the environment, but the act removes the incentive for leisure campers and travellers with compact or older camping vehicles (e.g. poptops, teardrops and retro caravans) to carry one. The new act encourages, almost requires, the camping industry to move away from compact camping vehicles with a low environmental footprint to larger camping vehicles that use more resources to construct, considerably more fuel to operate and have the potential to cause greater damage to flora and fauna due to size and weight. The larger vehicles also take up more physical and visual space in the environment and at tourism hotspots. 8 • Emergency preparedness Ten hours into a power cut with this cyclone …. then I remembered I've got full batteries in Mavis! ©2023 Cheine Matheson In a country like NZ, being prepared for an emergency is encouraged — those with camping vehicles have an extra degree of preparedness, but this preparedness has been devalued by this legislation. When an emergency hits, those set up for a minimum of 3 days with water and waste facilities (including toilets of any kind) have the resources to quickly adapt and cope, with minimal support. Promoting self containment for vehicle camping with bring-your-own toilets is something that should be encouraged and not discouraged, if for no other reason. The 8th harm: this legislation discourages thousands of NZ campers from being self-contained, that is, able to contain their waste for 3 days in an emergency. Self containment changes in brief Where you can camp with which certificates Until Jun 6 2023 we called the ability to contain your waste for 3 days ‘self-containment.’ Now, its not just being able to contain waste, but also being able to afford an expensive toilet. Up Up 4 Winter 2023 , p 7