6 Summer 2023 6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption 8-days-a-week_mw.webp 8 days a week and 8 years to celebrate Gary Stoneley NZ’s national camping club turns 8 We are celebrating! On the 31 December 2023 our inclusive, national camping club will be 8 years old. The All Points Camping Club was officially launched 31 December 2015. It’s been a journey and a half. A timeless classic, the Beatles 8 Days a week was released a few days before my 5th Birthday in1964. As an upbeat and lively love song telling of passion and commitment, above and beyond, the song mirrors the passion, love and energy that has been put into the club by our team over the past 8 years. From very small beginnings and a commitment to build an organisation that supports and encourages all NZ campers, while lobbying for our camping future the club has come a long way. At times it has seemed like 8 days a week. It’s not always fun behind the scenes. Politics, camping and individual personalities can be a volatile mix, but the end result has been a national camping club that all NZ campers can be proud of. It’s the passion and enthusiasm of our volunteer team and fantastic members from Northland to Southland and All Points in between that makes it worth it. So here’s a great big thank you to the All Points team for sharing your love and passion for camping 8 days a week, for 8 years. Happy Birthday! to the best, inclusive and most caring NZ camping family — All Points Camping Club of NZ — It’s our babe. Youtube | Spotify Gary Stoneley allpointscampingclub.org Membership costs $35.00 first year. Up Up 6 Summer 2023 , p 23

2 Summer 2022 Summer 2022 ISSUE 2 CONTENTS PDF BUY Up EVENTS — Festivals and Shows Up 38 EVENTS — Festivals and Shows EVENTS — Festivals and Shows These events offer an opportunity for people to overnight while they attend. Some are restricted to certified self contained vehicles, some restrict or ban pets. Check the event website for details. December ‘22 Sanctuary Sounds Music Festival 2–4 Dec: Takapau, Central Hawkes Bay sanctuary-sounds.co.nz January Revitalise 2–4 Jan: By Fiordland National Park Music, organics, healing, and sustainability — a revitalized vision for a better world. revitalize.nz Wairarapa Music in the Country 6–8 Jan: Near Featherston, Wairarapa Great live music, atmosphere and experience. tauherenikau.co.nz/music/ Egmont Country Festival 6–8 Jan: New Plymouth, Taranaki A relaxed weekend with music. ckw.nz/egmont-country-festival Motueka Country Music Festival 7–8 Jan: Motueka, Tasman ckw.nz/motueka-country-music-festival Marton Country Music Festival 13–15 Jan: Marton, Horowhenua martonfestival.nz Katikati Avocado Food & Wine Festival 14 Jan, Sat: Katikati, Bay of Plenty Great food, the best of wines, lively entertainment and more. katikatiavofest.co.nz Kumeu Classic Car & Hotrod Festival 20–22 Jab: Kumeu, Auckland Celebrate all things Classic Car/Hot Rod related kumeuhotrodfestival.co.nz Whanganui Vintage Weekend 20–23 Jan: Eclectic vintage themed events and attractions. whanganuivintageweekend.nz Wheels in Wanganui 22 Jan, Sunday: A family day out, raising funds for St Johns. FB: ckw.nz/wheelsinwanganui Festival 1 27–30 Jan: Karapiro, Waikato Music, art & community. Like the rhythm of a pulsing heart… ckw.nz/festival-1 Auckland Folk Festival 27–30 Jan: Kumeu, Auckland aucklandfolkfestival.co.nz Edendale Crank Up 28–29 Jan: Edendale, Southland One of NZ’s biggest annual vintage machinery event roars into action. edendalevmc.co.nz February Niagara Falls Bluegrass & Roots Festival 4–5 Feb: Catlins, Southland Musicians from throughout NZ converge on the Niagara Falls Café, for a weekend of toe-tapping goodness. niagarafallscafe.co.nz Burt Munro Challenge 8–12 Feb: Invercargill & Bluff Make an offering to the God of Speed. burtmunrochallenge.co.nz Waimakariri Country Music Festival 10–12 Feb: Rangiora, Canterbury countrymusic.org.nz Lions Club of Ashburton South Island Motorhome Show 11–12 Feb: Ashburton, Canterbury Buy, sell, or view vehicles; commercial and private sellers, camping equipment, food stands and fun!Social campers are welcome. southislandmotorhomeshow.co.nz Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival 17–18 Feb: East Taratahi, Wairarapa wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz Mandeville Fly In and Steam Festival 18–19 Feb: Mandeville, Southland Be transported to an age of open cockpit flight and steam-powered railway journeys. experiencemandeville.nz Wings over Wairarapa 2023 24–26 Feb: Masterton 70 aircraft including vintage, military, jets, helicopters, aerobatic displays, and much more! Fantastic ground displays and activities for small and big kids alike. wings.org.nz March Selwyn Sounds 4 Mar, Saturday: Lincoln, Canterbury Brilliant music; fantastic food trucks selling delicious food from around the world. selwynsounds.co.nz North Canterbury Wine & Food Festival 5 Mar, Sunday: Waipara, North Canterbury Enjoy an eclectic range of food stalls, a diverse selection of North Canterbury wine, quality live music and family friendly entertainment. ncwineandfood.co.nz 121 Festival 2023 10–12 Mar: Tauherenikau, Sth Wairarapa A 3 Day Dance Odyssey fuels your creative expression through art, music, and culture. 121festival.co.nz Hokitika Wildfoods Festival 2023 11 Mar, Saturday: Hokitika, West Coast A celebration of the West Coast's unique wild food and lifestyle, with premier entertainment. wildfoods.co.nz Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival 11 Mar, Saturday: Havelock, Marlborough Enjoy fresh mussels, King Salmon, and Pacific Oysters, with great kiwi music and entertainment. havelockmusselfestival.co.nz CAMP FEST 17–19 Mar: Bulls Domain, Rangitikei A weekend of camping, craft and trade stalls, workshops and entertainment. See the camping entry on p38. route54.org/campfest Covi Motorhome, Caravan & Outdoor SuperShow 17–19 Mar: Auckland supershow.co.nz Repco Beach Hop 22–26 Mar: Whangamata, Bay of Plenty beachhop.co.nz George Begg Festival 30 Mar–2 Apr, Thursday: Invercargill The party vibes of the 1960s and 1970s for petrolheads, party people and families. georgebeggfestival.nz April Kimbolton Sculpture Festival 1 Apr, Saturday Kimbolton, Rangitikei An outdoor art and sculpture exhibition: sculpture from off the farm, about and of the land. All-day entertainment, country food, coffee, bar, free family fun, laid back music, lots of give-it-a-go things to do. Suitable for all ages (accompanied young people are free). See the camping entry . ruralart.nz Up Up Revitalise 2–4 Jan: By Fiordland National Park Music, organics, healing, and sustainability — a revitalized vision 
for a better world. Wairarapa Music in the Country 6–8 Jan: Near Featherston, Wairarapa Great live music, atmosphere and experience. Kimbolton Sculpture Festival 1 Apr, Saturday Kimbolton, Rangitikei An outdoor art and sculpture exhibition Revitalise 2–4 Jan: By Fiordland National Park Music, organics, healing, and sustainability — a revitalized vision 
for a better world. 1/24

4 Winter 2023 Winter 2023 ISSUE 4 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up Kimbolton Sculpture Festival 2023 Gary Stoneley Up As with previous Kimbolton Sculpture Festivals the Kimbolton Rural Art committee put on a fantastic one-day festival. Together with 200 other campers, we had the opportunity to camp in the paddock at the back of the festival from Friday through to Saturday. There’s nothing like being right on the spot where all the action happens. The festival is a mix of small to very large artworks, sculptures with mainly a rural theme, put together using all manner of bits and pieces from shearing blades to bike tyres. The artworks are always impressive and it’s hard to comprehend the hundreds of hours of work that are put into creating them. This year’s sculptures had a very high quality of finish and I wouldn’t be surprised if there weren’t more than a few tears of frustration and exhaustion mixed with the passion and satisfaction in completing a masterpiece. Terrybull, by Regan Cooper, winner, People’s Choice ©2023 Gary Stoneley As well as the adult-entry competition sculptures there were competitions for local students and schools. A large number of craft and food stalls were distributed around the venue with something for everyone. There was a busy and lively vibe throughout the day that continued until a blast of rain put a bit of a damper on the event. The weekend camping was hosted and managed by the All Points Camping Club of NZ with camping proceeds going towards sponsorship of the People’s Choice award. This year Regan Cooper’s winning sculpture ‘Terrybull’ (above) was well worthy of the $1,000 prize money. A great weekend, well-enjoyed by campers and festival attendees alike. We are looking forward to the next Sculpture Festival scheduled for April 2025. NEXT: April ‘25 Put it in your diary now. Up Up recycled and found materials, gems from the back of the shed, made into unique sculptures Terrybull, by Regan Cooper, winner, People’s Choice ©2023 Gary Stoneley The weekend camping was hosted and managed by the All Points Camping Club of NZ with camping proceeds going towards sponsorship of the People’s Choice award. Terrybull, by Regan Cooper, winner, People’s Choice ©2023 Gary Stoneley 1/7 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) editor@campingthekiwiway.org

8 Winter 2024 Winter 2024 ISSUE 8 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Towards the top of the valley ©2024 Tony Kissel Trying to get my socks dry at Hagens Hut. Trying to get my socks dry at Hagens Hut. ©2024 Tony Kissel Top Hut Top Hut. No toilet but it did have a “poo spade” behind the door. ©2024 Tony Kissel Top Hut Top Hut, you wouldn’t want to be claustrophobic if you were on the top bunk. ©2024 Tony Kissel Down the Valley View down the valley from Top Hut. ©2024 Tony Kissel Towards the top of the valley The view towards the top of the valley from Hagens Hut. ©2024 Tony Kissel GO TO Autumn Gold To the top of the Ahuriri Valley Tony Kissell A nice walk to the top of the Ahuriri Valley, I had the place to my self. Started to snow behind me as I was walking out. Ahuriri Valley, Omarama, North Otago. Photos ©2024 Tony Kissel Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 15

Seven things to fix • Use the current standard. • Remove the fixed toilet fetish. • Remove the offence “preparing to freedom camp” — who can determine intentions? • Make the delivery of offence notices fair. • Remove the revised definition of homelessness. • Ensure adequate facilities for all travellers. • Differentiate between citizens and tourists. Summer 2023 ISSUE 6 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up The freedom camping law needs to change Up Miriam Richardson Return to the use of the NZ standard on self-containment for now. Initiate a revision process to bring it up to modern requirements, with all the checks and balances required for the proper making of standards. If freedom camping requires more than the general standards, make it an extra certification for just those things that are different. There are so many technical errors in the current regulations, trying to fix them all is virtually impossible on a clause by clause revision. Remove the need for two parallel systems of self-containment assessment. The new system only applies to freedom camping, and is needlessly restrictive, so a parallel system has to be maintained to cater for other places and uses. Remove the requirement for fixed toilets. It is the using of toilets that protects the environment, not their ‘fixedness’. Tent campers, campers with small vehicles, poptops, roof top and other kinds of campers often carry a portable toilet and a toilet tent when camping in places that do not provide toilets: this works; and works perfectly. Remove the offence “preparing to freedom camp” because it is impossible to ascertain what someone is intending to do later in the day. “Day-trip excursions,” which are explicitly allowed in the law, are identical in appearance to “preparing to freedom camp.” Parking in order to shop is also explicitly allowed, but it is identical in appearance to preparing to freedom camp, since “parking with the intention…” is the legal measure of an offence, and intentions are not visible, but parking is. Differentiate between NZ citizens and tourists. Citizens should have rights to access their own country, whether tourists do or not. Ensure tourists who exit NZ pay any fines they incurred while here. Require education about self-containment and appropriate behaviour to be delivered by businesses that provide campervans to travellers. Make the delivery of offence notices fair. Currently, the mere fact a council employee presses the send button in their email programme is sufficient to make a notice ‘served’. Electronic delivery has many obvious problems. You can’t respond to an alleged offence if you don’t receive the notice. The current law is not fair. Remove the revision to the definition of homelessness. This seems to have been intended to stop people who live in their vehicles being treated as ‘homeless’ when parked in freedom camping areas. NZ is short so many thousands of houses, anyone who can manage in a vehicle deserves to avoid legal arguments about whether they are homeless or not. The homeless person is forced into a legal battle with the council to add to their other woes. People can be or become homeless while living in a motorhome or bus. Physical and health challenges can reduce their capacity to manage the physical work required. As they search for accommodation or sit on waiting lists for housing, they are homeless, even though they still live in their tent, car, van, bus or motorhome. The law is vague: are you ‘unable’ to stay in this campground/motel/boarding house/hotel? What does ‘unable’ mean? • A motel or camping ground is too far away? What is ‘too far’? • Not enough money to pay? Is having 1 night’s worth of dollars for a campground enough?• … what about on night 2? • What if the campground is not open when they arrive in a town so they are ‘unable’ to stay there? Ensure there are adequate facilities for travellers Many councils spent money on enforcement that could have been spent providing facilities so no enforcement was necessary. Turn this around. Ensure there are enough public toilets in enough places to meet the needs of all the travelling public. It’s people in cars (who don’t carry a toilet) who are getting caught short, not those with portable and accessible toilets on board. More on Freedom camping and self-containment: The freedom camping law needs to change Self-containment certification: which one is yours? What to do? Upgrade? Wait? Editorial — Caught in the middle Who is advocating for NZers who camp? There’s no need to rush this summer NZ’s independent national network for certification Up Up Mt Cook_MNR_5721_mw.webp Mt Cook_MNR_5721_mw.webp 1/1

11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption camp-oven_H-Cooking over the fire including two camp ovens-e.webp Camp-oven - one with lid on and other with trivet-e.webp Camp-oven - with lid on an dother with trivet 2.webp Camp-oven lid close up-e.webp camp-oven_Both camp-oven ovens with trivets-e.webp camp-oven_Cooking over the fire including two camp ovens-e.webp camp-oven_Scout stew cooking in camp-oven over over fire-e.webp camp-oven_Sausages in camp-oven oven.webp camp-oven_Using camp-oven oven to keep sausages warm.webp camp-oven_Cooking with camp-oven ovens on the river bank.webp camp-oven_Lentil and eggplant stew with gnocchi.webp camp-oven_Stuffed apple dessert cooked by scouts.webp camp-oven_2001 Roast dinner from the camp-oven ovens off the fire-e.webp GO TO Here & there last summer By the way, roast potatoes cooked in a camp oven over the fire are particularly yummy. A camp oven is much more than just a pot Margaret Earle Early in our relationship, my partner Graham gave me a camp oven for Christmas. He thought it was a very practical gift as we were about to head off camping. However, I wasn’t impressed with getting ‘a pot’ for my Christmas present. Years later, I have quite a different view about camp ovens. We carry two camp ovens (two different sizes — 10 inch and 12 inch) in our caravan and use them for a multitude of cooking purposes. When we go away in our trailer yacht we take the camp ovens with us. Camp ovens are designed for cooking on a fire, but they can also be used on gas burners. You can use a camp oven to cook everything from stews and curries to roasts, bread, cakes and puddings. I’ve included a couple of recipes that I put together on our most recent trip from the ingredients I had available (p27). Both were cooked in my smaller camp oven on a gas cooker. Camp ovens are essentially large cast metal pots. Originally, they were made from cast iron but more recently have also been made from aluminium. Some camp ovens have legs you can screw into their base so you can set them in the embers of a fire. Alternatively, you can place your camp oven on a wire grate or rocks in the fire. Our camp ovens are New Zealand-made but there are similar imported products available which are probably just as good. The lid of a camp oven has a ridge around the edge so that embers from the fire can be stacked on the lid to help cook the top of a cake or bread. I recommend that if you are cooking something like a cake or bread that you use a trivet (a rack or upturned metal plate) to elevate the cake tin from the bottom of the camp oven. This will reduce the possibility of burning the bottom of the cake or bread. By the way, roast potatoes cooked in a camp oven over the fire are particularly yummy. When roasting, it is good to jam a small stick between the pot and lid to create a gap to let steam out. In the past as a sea scout leader, I had lots of fun showing our scouts the versatility of camp ovens. At our camps the scouts cooked mostly over fires. We introduced camp ovens so that the scouts had a large pot for cooking meals like stews and something in which to keep their food warm while they were finishing cooking their meals. Over time, I taught them to cook cakes and bread in the camp ovens and they also used them for awesome stews and desserts that they created themselves. Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 26

We visited New Zealand’s smallest church. BUY PDF CONTENTS Spring 2023 ISSUE 5 Up The smallest church Margaret Earle We visited New Zealand’s smallest church which is just south of Dargaville. The grounds around it have some interesting curiosities. Photos ©2023 Margaret Earle Up Up Up Click on the gallery for a full size view smallest-1.webp smallest-3.webp smallest-5.webp smallest-1.webp 1/7

Fire blankets are useful for covering cooking related fires, and for wrapping around a person to smother a clothing fire. Summer 2023 ISSUE 6 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up Fire blankets Up Fire and Emergency New Zealand Fire blankets are useful for covering cooking related fires, and for wrapping around a person to smother a clothing fire . Fire blankets are made of fabrics that are fire resistant and can be purchased at most hardware stores. Store fire blankets in a location close to your kitchen. Fire blankets can usually be bought from your local hardware store. Source: ckw.nz/fire-blankets © Fire and Emergency New Zealand. Creative Commons (CC-BY-NC-ND) More: Caravan fire safety More: Lithium-ion battery safety More: Do you need a permit for your BBQ? (Gas & charcoal) Up Up fire-blanket_mw.webp fire-blanket_mw.webp 1/1

7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Tucks Bay © 2024 Darryn Phayer Tucks Bay © 2024 Darryn Phayer Tucks Bay, the overflow part of the Long Bay Campground, Coromandel © 2024 Darryn Phayer Tucks Bay map © 2024 Darryn Phayer Sundown Tucks Bay © 2024 Darryn Phayer Tucks Bay © 2024 Darryn Phayer Tucks Bay, Coramandel Darryn Phayer Not quite freedom camping, but the weather was bad where we intended to stay (at Little Waikawau Bay, Thames Coast) so home for the night became Tucks Bay, the overflow part of the Long Bay Campground, Coromandel. It’s basic tent sites, composting toilet. The lady gave us a discount as they had no powered sites left in the main camp. Nice little drive through the bush, about 1km from the main campground. Its more of an old-school camp site, better than any Top 10. n Photos © 2024 Darryn Phayer GO TO Celebrating Summer better than any Top 10 Campground. Not affected by law changes. Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 7 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 4 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

1 Spring 2022 The controversial Nash Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Bill Up Gary Stoneley The Minister of Tourism’s (MP Stuart Nash) draconian proposals to further regulate ‘freedom’ camping in NZ is a hot topic at the moment. For two years the minister has been very vocal about what he wants to change and when it will happen. Time is getting on and finally we have a proposed bill to study. Following on from initial public consultation of the style ‘we are going to do this’, the industry has been in a state of limbo, wondering if and when any changes will take place. Stuart Nash’s proposals, should they progress, do not address the current regulatory inconsistencies and disadvantages for tent campers but move to further disadvantage ‘all’ vehicle campers who carry a portable toilet. Based on the misguided premise that travellers with a portable toilet are less responsible than those with a fixed toilet, the Minister’s proposals intend to stop all vehicles with portable toilets from being able to be certified as self contained. These proposals are harmful to our camping industry and detrimental to an inclusive society. The Ministers proposals dont address the problem of providing toilets for travellers. The lack of public facilities thorough the country is the root cause of the problem, and it affects all travellers, not just those who camp. While the Minister suggests that the government tried allocating money to provide public facilities, which has not worked to solve the toileting problem, much of this money was spent on enforcing rules, very little on actually providing public facilities. One would have to question why the Minister for Tourism with a brief to support regional economies, seems so hell-bent on restricting thousands of NZ campers from enjoying this recreational activity. The Ministers with responsibility for camping legislation, the Freedom Camping Act and Campground Regulations in NZ are Conservation, Health and Recreation and Sport. There is no doubt that NZ camping legislation is out of date and needs substantive review, but having a misguided Minister of Tourism, fiddling with our freedom camping because he seems to have a portable toilet fetish, is unhelpful. His attacks on responsible NZ campers who use portable toilets comes across as vindictive. There is no question that it is far better for a small vehicle camper, traveling and living in their vehicle, to have a portable toilet than no toilet at all. By voluntarily having this on-board, campers not only have the opportunity to use it when caught short, but are (currently) able to enjoy staying overnight at self-contained-only-sites. There is no obvious benefit in the removal this incentive for small vehicle campers to have a portable toilet on-board, and some very obvious down-sides. To be self contained a vehicle must have a ‘fixed’ toilet — consequences. The proposal to exclude portable toilets from the definition of self-contained will exclude many of NZ’s campers who have older classic caravans and motorhomes, trailer tents and outback campers, poptop caravans, vehicles with roof top tents, small vans, teardrop campers and slide on campers. Under Stuart Nash’s proposals these campers will be excluded from staying at many council reserves or other government controlled land. Up until now the benefits of self-containment have encouraged vehicle campers to have a portable toilet, but this proposal removes the incentive and negates the hoped-for benefits from this proposal. Excluding some kinds of campers from public land —consequences. The bill will have an immediate effect on the more than half of NZ councils which do not have freedom camping bylaws. Camping vehicles that are not certified as self-contained when the bill becomes law, will be immeditately blocked from freedom camping on any public land controlled by a local authority. These councils will have to take on the cost of enforcing these new rules when they come into force. NZTA (NZ Transport Authority) and LINZ (Land Information NZ) will be given power to issue notices and manage freedom camping. Older classic caravans and motorhomes, trailer tents, outback campers, poptop caravans, vehicles with roof-top tents, small vans, teardrop campers and slide on campers, and other vehicles, which can (and currently do) freedom camp responsibly, are being excluded from self-containment under the new rules. Councils could well lose the patronage of these groups of campers and the economic benefits they bring. A council that wants to encourage all NZers to visit would need to expressly cater for non-self-contained freedom camping — this will necessitate the cost of developing and consulting on new policy and bylaws, create signage etc . This is a change that could well create greater inconsistency between regions. Councils that already have freedom camping bylaws have 2 years to transition their bylaws to the new rules. The costs of the changes — who pays? The increased regulation will not apply to all travellers. It is intended that the administration of self-containment be tightened, with greatly increased administrative costs collected from users and the issuing bodies. The expense and administrative burden of the proposed new law will be borne by the premium camper market, those who already have fixed-toilets. In effect, the increased regulation process will only affect those campers that are not considered by the Minister to be a problem in the first place. Small vans, poptop campers, teardrop campers and roof top tents etc. which do not have a ‘fixed toilet’ will not be eligible for, nor subject to, self-containment regulations. Currently these vehicles are eligible for and operate as self-contained, responsible travellers. Why the focus on fixed toilets? You have to wonder why the Minister is so obsessed with the “fixed toilet” issue. Perhaps he has had a bad experience. As a cyclist, he may have experienced being caught short while out on the road. Outdoorsy-types with a small camper and portable toilet at least have a toilet they can use. The Minister, out and about with his ute and his bike, perhaps (probably?) does not. Despite media hype there is very little verified evidence of poor toileting behaviour by freedom campers, and the Minister has not, when asked (by Official Information Request) been able to supply supporting evidence for his assertions. Small-camper tourists spend more You also have to wonder why the Minister is so obsessed with small-vehicle camping. The evidence supplied on his behalf by MBIE shows that tourists with small-vehicle campers spend more in NZ than their wealthier counterparts — less per day but more over their stay in NZ. NZ’s Leisure Camping Industry Made up of several different interest groups, with differing priorities, the NZ Leisure camping industry is a wide network that must work together to protect the future of recreational camping in NZ. Over the past 2 decades there have been considerable attacks by the media and point scoring by MP’s at the expense of NZ campers. In many cases these attacks on NZ campers have been targeted at campers who are seen to be at the ‘non premium’ end of the market. A perception has been created and promoted by various lobby groups and NIMBYs (Not In My Back Yard) that the budget camper / tourist does not contribute to our society. This could not be further from the truth. Any individual or family, only has so much disposable income. Money comes in and it is often spent on mortgages or rent, day to day living costs, purchases, medical expenses and entertainment. While it is up to each family or individual to decide how they wish to spend their disposable income, wherever they are, home or traveling that money still gets spent. People traveling NZ and camping continue to spend and the communities through which they travel are the beneficiaries of this spending. Whether a person spends $300 a week in their home town or $300 a week across the country, retailers, employees and government all benefit. A traveler in a small campervan will spend their disposable income in the communities they visit just as a traveler in a large motorhome will spend their disposable income. It is not right for us as a society to judge people on image, what they can afford to spend, or whether they choose to stay local or travel and enjoy what the country offers. It is right for us to appreciate the contribution that each member of our community makes, even if they are just traveling through. The reality is that travel camping is healthy and benefits families and communities. Summary In summary, Minister Stuart Nash’s proposals, should they go ahead, will not achieve the outcome he intends and they are not workable. There is no identified benefit to any sector of the NZ leisure camping industry or to local authorities. The increased compliance processes and costs would be a blatant waste of government money and a waste and burden on ordinary NZ campers as well as local councils. Where to from here? So where do we go from here? The Minister for Tourism Stuart Nash has now presented his draft bill in parliament. The supporting self-containment regulations will only be made available when the bill begins its readings in parliament. Both the bill and regulations will go to select committee, the public and industry for submissions and review. There is opportunity for public submissions. Until legislation is passed the current ‘voluntary’ 4-year, self containment standard NZS 5465:2001 still applies. There is currently no change. If new legislation on self containment is passed there will be a transition / implementation period. New systems take time. Keep the issue alive In the meantime, we can keep the issue alive by discussion forums and making MP’s and the public aware of the failings and implications of the bill. Online discussions, petitions and public protests are all good options. Camping the Kiwi Way has developed ‘Proud to be a Camper’ vehicle decals. BY: Gary Stoneley, Founder, All Points Camping Club of NZ Up Up Up Spring 2022 ISSUE 1 BUY PDF CONTENTS The bill is based on the flawed premise that travellers with a portable toilet are less responsible than those with a fixed toilet ©2022 Tackle Tactics ©2022 Tackle Tactics 1/1

2 Summer 2022 Summer 2022 ISSUE 2 CONTENTS PDF BUY Up Tanners Point Bette Cosgrove Up Paradise is when you coddiwomple to a pristine tidal bay for a swim and discover what the locals already know. At a stunning freedom camp parking spot, bush and pohutukawa boughs reach down to the water along the coastal reserve walkway. Fishers drift in to throw a line from the jetty, or putt out from the boat launch for a day on the water. An old time local wanders up the track, bare feet following his old terrier. Seniors meet to share the local gossip, retirees leisurely trek around the bay track and the clear water sparkles as the tide pulls up. Everything is greener and bluer than you've seen for ages, and the light recharges your soul batteries. Shhhhh don't tell too many people. Katikati, Bay of Plenty. Photos ©2022 Bette Cosgrove Up Up A coddiwomple to Tanners Point Paradise is when you coddiwomple to a pristine tidal bay for a swim and discover what the locals already know. Tanners Point, Katikati, Bay of Plenty. ©2022 Bette Cosgrove Park with a view at Tanners Point A stunning freedom camp parking spot. Tanners Point, Katikati, Bay of Plenty. ©2022 Bette Cosgrove Recharging at Tanners Point Everything is greener and bluer than you've seen for ages, and the light recharges your soul batteries. Shhhhh don't tell too many people. Tanners Point, Katikati, Bay of Plenty. ©2022 Bette Cosgrove A coddiwomple to Tanners Point Paradise is when you coddiwomple to a pristine tidal bay for a swim and discover what the locals already know. Tanners Point, Katikati, Bay of Plenty. ©2022 Bette Cosgrove 1/7

Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Freedom camping is NEITHER free from cost NOR free from responsibility What’s in a name? Is freedom camping actually free? Bette Cosgrove A freeloader effect, the ‘something for nothing’ opinion, can have a negative impact on those who like to find a quiet, beautiful natural out of the way place to stay overnight on land managed by Department of Conservation or local authorities. Is freedom camping the right term? Called ‘responsible camping’ by government agencies and tourism organisations, wild camping, outbacking, nature camping or boondocking, in other countries, responsible camping or freedom camping is a popular, low-cost accommodation option for domestic and international visitors. Of course freedom camping is not free from cost and definitely not free from responsibility. Why freedom camp? Social media groups offer these reasons: freedom to travel to lesser known areas without the pressure to plan ahead too much; not having to fit into a specific parking site, or book for particular dates; get away from people, modern conveniences, and, in particular, away from light pollution; enjoying natural surroundings: such as
the ocean, bush, river or lake views. well-being: getting away from everyday life, enjoying a sense of ‘free spirit’; taking a ‘green prescription’. Research commissioned by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) in 2019/20 summer, amplified a Department of Internal Affairs study in 2016, ‘Managing Freedom Camping’. They found: Camping is an important and growing kiwi tradition. It is an alternative to commercial campgrounds or a substitute in places without any. Saving money is not the primary reason for freedom camping: -- 1st travel freedom; -- 2nd comfort; -- 3rd low cost. The responsible camping system is under pressure due to strong growth in demand, from international visitors (pre-covid in particular) and domestic tourists. Negative perceptions. The 2016 research noted the growth in negative perceptions, amplified by the media, that campers are responsible for litter, waste and bad behaviour, rousing a public concern that drives greater local restrictions. Freedom campers can be seen as costly visitors, requiring public facilities like parking, rubbish collection, public toilets. Ratepayers see themselves as subsidising them. Who is freedom camping? Estimates suggested about 245,000 people responsible camped in New Zealand in 2019, before covid. Around 63% (154,000) were international visitors, 37% (91,000) were NZers. Age The average age of domestic campers was 63 years of age. The average age of international campers was 26 yrs (purchased their own vehicle), 32 years (hired a budget vehicle), 41 years (hired a premium vehicle). Where did they camp? NZers: designated responsible camping sites 34% of nights; commercial camps 15%; NZMCA parks 24%; International visitors: 17–34% at commercial camps. How many nights? 2.67 million responsible camping nights; an average of 11 nights per person. Spending by freedom campers Campervan travellers report higher than average spending on activities/admission fees and transport costs. International visitors purchasing vehicles generally stayed longer and spent more than those hiring. Finally Research has proven that most International freedom campers are here longer, engage more with communities, add value if on a work and holiday visa, and actually spend more per person when visiting our country, than most short-term tourists who choose luxury high-value tourism options. See also If the law changes Freedom camping bylaws Waiting on a law change Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 2