3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption FIshing boat coming in I watched a fishing boat come in through the heads the other evening, a skein of gulls in attendance; then the dusk light on the harbour. Its a glorious spot.© 2023 M Richardson ckw.nz/ngati-toa Porirua Harbour Night view across Porirua Harbour Camping under the macrocarpas There is an area under macrocarpas were camping vehicles of all kinds (including long vehicles) can overnight for up to 3 nights. ​ Ngati Toa Domain:Stop and stay Miriam Richardson The loveliest freedom camping spot before the Cook Strait ferries is at Mana, between Porirua Harbour and State Highway 1. There are sports- and play-grounds and an area under macrocarpas were camping vehicles of all kinds (including long vehicles) can overnight for up to 3 nights. Sadly, tenting is not allowed and you must be self-contained. There is a public toilet. It is walking distance to the train, a supermarket and a pizza place. I watched a fishing boat come in through the heads the other evening, a skein of gulls in attendance; then the dusk light on the harbour. Its a glorious spot. ckw.nz/ngati-toa Check out our Stop and Stay listings for recommended places to stop and stay on your travels around the top of NZ. Only the best. www.stopandstay.org Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 33

6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Teardrop © Andrew Morton ​ There’s no need to rush this Summer. Is it better on the other side? Gary Stoneley #Notfitforpurpose #Self -containedvehicleregulations #Longandwindingroad The new self-containment regulations that the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board are trying to implement have more bumps, twists and turns than the North Island Saddle Road. Since 2017 and the closure of the Manawatu Gorge, with many millions spent, there has been slow progress for people wanting to travel across from Tararua / Hawkes Bay to the Manawatu. For many campers it is now a brief but expensive trek across the steep winding hills to get to the other side. On the other side there are always camping opportunities but weather is fickle in these parts and you never know what you are going to get. It is intended that the new Manawatu Tararua Highway will be operating in 2024 but there are still a few bridges to cross before that happens ( more ). The new self-containment regulations managed by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB ), soon to be implemented and running alongside the current standard, are a bit like this. Pushed by disgraced former MP Stuart Nash, with a fetish for portable toilets, it was rushed through the 2nd and final reading without a Select Committee report by Peeni Henare MP and Kiri Allen MP, by the Labour Party majority. The legislation was quickly followed by MBIE-drafted regulations that had not been tested in the industry. Fast forward to November and the PGDB are recklessly trying to implement flawed regulations and self-containment testing officer guidelines that have more holes than a kitchen sieve, because they have been legislated to do so . Somehow, even with all the technical experts, the MBIE Responsible Camping Team, with government ministers tasked to do due diligence, we have still ended up with new regulations that don’t actually work. Common sense would dictate that if you are bringing in regulations that affect the fit-out and construction of caravans, campervans and other vehicles you would actually do physical testing within the industry to ensure everything works out as planned. Um… no. The regulations weren’t tested and no, they don’t work. For the vast majority of motorhomes, caravans and other camping vehicles the planned new regulations do not follow international industry standards. And all due to the misguided assumption that vehicle campers using portable toilets just aren’t responsible enough to freedom camp. I estimate that the new highway across the Tararua ranges will be up and running with all bridges crossed well before the new regulations can be implemented, due to the many legal and technical issues. A technical regulation is binding in law but when it contains fundamental errors it cannot be implemented. At least travellers will soon be better off with the Manawatu Tararua Highway completed and looking forward to what’s on the other side. We can’t say that vehicle campers will be any better off with the new regulations that can’t be applied in the industry without millions of owners’ dollars being spent. So what are the failings in the new regulations? They only apply to council-managed land for free camping The new alternate regulation s (targeting vehicle campers without fixed toilets) primarily apply only for ‘free’ camping on council-managed land that is not a designated camping area, plus LINZ (South Island land). Where camping areas are designated or available for all campers, on private or commercial properties and other Govt land, clubs events etc. or where any payment (incl paid parking) is made, the new regulations don’t apply. Basically, outside of the ‘free’ council-controlled land the current self-containment standard with the blue card is fine. Cost If you are in a rush to move across to the new self-containment regime, and can find someone to do it, it will cost you the $120 levy to fund PGDB plus the cost of the testing. Strange and unnecessary venting requirements The majority of cassette toilets are industry designed as a sealed system and not vented externally. Under the new regulations the vehicle inspector/testing officer will be required to sign off that your waste water tanks, including your fixed toilet’s cassette, is vented directly to the exterior of the motor vehicle, and designed to prevent entry of birds and vermin. Though unnecessary, this can be done and tested. The alterations will cost an additional $600 + installation costs for each vehicle (for 50,000 NZ vehicles that is more than $30 million). Certifying that legionella has been prevented In addition, the testing officer, without scientific knowledge, will need to certify that your fresh water tanks/containers are suitably insulated or away from heat sources / direct sunlight to prevent legionella. This also applies to external and portable water tanks. Anyone gets legionella: the testing officers are liable. Who is brave enough to sign off on these? It is unlikely that any sane, self-containment testing officer will be happy to sign off on any self-contained vehicle in this situation, given that they are legally liable for any failings. Accordingly, it is highly unlikely that the new PGDB regulations will be able to be implemented in the foreseeable future. A long winding road yet For now there is no need to rush to get to the other side. With Government changes and a new Ministry of Regulation, it’s going to be a long and winding road for a while. There are still more bridges to cross yet, but it’s looking promising. Summer is here, for now, let’s all just get out and enjoy it. Gary Stoneley is co-founder of the All Points Camping Club of NZ and Managing Director of NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd . The regulations The regulations weren’t tested and no, they don’t work. 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 6 Summer 2023 , p 13

1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Ready for the road The bike is a Suzuki 850, not available in New Zealand. Ready for the night The camper trailer opens out on both sides giving plenty of room to sleep and lots of storage space. Now, we would need Le Roy’s trailer to carry the toilet. Travelling the world on a motorcycle Wayne Ravelich There are more ways than one to travel the country, or the world, for that matter. LeRoy Knierim decided to do it on a motorcycle. It took ten years to circle the globe. Selling up in New York as a structural engineer he loaded his bike and camper trailer and set off for There are more ways than one to travel the country, or the world, for that matter. LeRoy Knierim decided to do it on a motorcycle. It took ten years to circle the globe.the experience of a lifetime. He arrived in New Zealand December 1988 after spending a year traveling the coastline of Australia, working his way up the East coast with a circus, setting up their equipment. He arrived in Wellington and met us at a Bikers Rights Meeting. Staying at mine while he waited for his transport to arrive by ship from OZ. That made for an interesting Christmas as LeRoy regaled us with stories of his travels (and my daughter was born Xmas Day). The camper trailer opens out on both sides giving plenty of room to sleep and lots of storage space. The bike is a Suzuki 850, not available in New Zealand. We got the baby brother 750. We spent many hours on the road traveling NZ and attending motorbike rallies that were popular in the 80s and 90s. Le Roy had the distinction of being the ONLY person to have attended the Northern- and Southern-most bike rallies in the world with the Brass Monkey being in Central Otago. We travelled light with only the essentials. Although we camped along the way we did not consider ourselves as campers but as riders or bikers, as opposed to the patched bikies. We camped responsibly, leaving no trace. How times have changed. Now we would need Le Roy’s trailer to carry the toilet. BY: Wayne Ravelich Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 15

1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Driving in to Piano Flat A mob of 4,000 ewes caused a fascinating road block. 'It would’ve been a perfect day for canoeing — if we had one.' Piano Flat Tracey Johnson, Heather Auckram Piano Flat DoC standard campsite is a favourite spot an hour from Gore, Southland in the Waikaia Forest Conservation Area with the Waikaia River flowing through the expansive camping area. It’s a real Kiwi-style camp where you take everything you need to be self-sufficient — don’t skimp on the bug spray. Provided facilities include toilets, a water supply and an old style playground the kids can enjoy. Dogs are allowed too (on a leash) making it a great spot for the whole family. With access to tracks for the 4wd and trail bike enthusiasts, bush walks, relaxing surrounds, fire places to toast marshmallows and of course the river for fishing, rafting and swimming it,’s a popular spot. It’s always a memorable camping trip staying at Piano Flat. Tracey Johnson All Points Camping, Southland ______ Piano flat, mid-week Only one other car-camper braving the cold night air at Piano Flat mid week in April, (cosy with a hot water bottle), but a mob of 4,000 ewes caused a fascinating road block. The sun went down early in the narrow river valley. Swarms of hungry sandflies, in our coffee, in our ears, in our car… $8 a night. The river flowed slowly past the campsite, so it would’ve been a perfect day for canoeing — if we had one. BY: Heather Aukram Photos ©2022 Heather Auckram Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 8

7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Lotus flower Just a 15min drive from the Whangarei you’ll find Land of the Lotus – Water Gardens and Banana Park. ©2024 Angela Bryan Overnight parking. Just a 15min drive from the Whangarei you’ll find Land of the Lotus – Water Gardens and Banana Park. ©2024 Angela Bryan Playground Just a 15min drive from the Whangarei you’ll find Land of the Lotus – Water Gardens and Banana Park. ©2024 Angela Bryan Lily Pond Just a 15min drive from the Whangarei you’ll find Land of the Lotus – Water Gardens and Banana Park. ©2024 Angela Bryan Hmmm. Something -- go visit and ask Just a 15min drive from the Whangarei you’ll find Land of the Lotus – Water Gardens and Banana Park. ©2024 Angela Bryan Bananas Just a 15min drive from the Whangarei you’ll find Land of the Lotus – Water Gardens and Banana Park. ©2024 Angela Bryan a discount for helping in the garden Land of the Lotus Angela Bryan Just a 15min drive from the Whangarei you’ll find Land of the Lotus – Water Gardens and Banana Park. A labour of love for Hugh and Pauline, these gardens are just amazing, a must stopover for all garden lovers. With several options to park up including a sheep fold that you can camp in. What is a sheep fold? you ask, you’ll have to visit to find out. There is also a cabin complete with al fresco kitchen and outside toilet and shower. Take a wander through the many trails that meander through 60 acres of forest and gardens and stop off at the lily pond for some quiet contemplation while the kids occupy themselves at the playground. Check out the slide show above. The bonus is you can buy banana plants, pineapple plants, lotus plants and a multitude of others that this couple lovingly grow. Discounts offered if you fancy spending some time helping in the gardens. 304 Mangakahia Rd, Maungatapere landofthelotus.nz 027 4391572 pauline@landofthelotus.nz Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 39

7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Chickpea salad ©2024 Margaret Earle Bonus tip: keep meat longer by vacuum packing Recipes for camping Margaret Earle Tinned chickpeas are a useful thing to keep in your caravan cupboard. As well as being tasty they are a good source of protein. Here’s a couple of recipes you could use them in. Chickpea and cucumber salad Serves 4 as a side salad This salad is very simple to make. My three-year-old granddaughter really likes it. Last time I was camping with her I didn’t have any fresh mint, but the salad was still tasty and refreshing. Ingredients 1 tin chickpeas half a cucumber, approximately ¼ cup plain yoghurt Salt Garlic (either fresh or from a jar) Fresh mint (chopped finely) Ground cumin seeds The quantities above are approximate. Add more or less depending on your preferences and the look of the salad. You can add other things too like diced capsicum. Method Drain chickpeas. Chop cucumber into thin slices or chunks about half a centimetre square. Mix yoghurt, garlic, salt, mint and cumin seeds and pour over chickpeas and cucumber. Eat straight away or store in a cool place until you eat it. Spiced chickpea and pumpkin tagine Serves 4 Ingredients 2 Tbsp oil 1–2 chopped onions 3 cloves of chopped garlic (or 2 tsp garlic from a jar) 600g of pumpkin cut into small cubes 2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp turmeric 1 cinnamon stick ½ tsp chilli powder 1–2 chopped capsicums 400g tin of chopped tomatoes 2x 400g tins of chickpeas (drained) Zest and juice from ½ lemon 1 tsp honey Salt and pepper Method Fry onions and garlic in the oil for about 5 minutes. Add cubes of pumpkin. Stir in ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon stick and chilli powder and cook for 1 – 2 minutes. Add chopped capsicum and tinned tomatoes. Bring to the boil then add chickpeas. Simmer gently for 15 minutes until all the flavours are blended. Before serving, add lemon zest and juice, honey, salt and pepper. Serve with rice. Dehydration instructions This recipe can be prepared in advance and dehydrated for a tramp or trip away. To do this: simmer the chickpea and pumpkin mixture gently until all fluid has evaporated. Finally add the lemon zest, juice, honey, salt and pepper and heat through. Spoon on the trays of the dehydrator. More detail on dehydrating meals can be found in Issue 6, Spring 2023, Camping the Kiwi Way . Keeping meat longer: vacuum pack One way to keep meat and other food longer is to vacuum pack them. The food still needs to be kept cool but it will last much longer (six to eight days). Sometimes you will see vacuum packed meats for sale in food stores and some supermarkets are happy to vacuum pack meat when you buy it. You can buy relatively inexpensive vacuum packing machines. They require electricity to run so you can’t use them in the wilderness but are useful when you prepare meals for tramping or when it will be difficult to buy fresh foods. You can also create your own ready-to-eat meals by vacuum packing home-made dehydrated meals. Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 32

2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Athol The campsite at Athol was basic but attractive. The kitchen was a small hut with a sink, toaster and fridge, so I cooked outside on my own stove. Part of the camp was set up for campervans, with each site assigned a small hut, with toilet, shower and basin as an en-suite. ©2022 Stephen Wood A snack stops at Garston Coffee Bomb, Garston. ©2022 Stephen Wood The road from Kingston to Frankton The road from Kingston to Frankton is one which many believe is too dangerous to cycle, but with less traffic due to covid restrictions and keeping a good eye out for vehicles ahead and behind it was manageable. ©2022 Stephen Wood Queenstown I decided to head into central Queenstown to look for a few bits and pieces. It was certainly quieter than I’d seen it for years, but still plenty of shopping and food options. ©2022 Stephen Wood Heading up the Crown Range Setting out from Arrowtown, I used Tobin’s track to bypass the zigzag at the bottom of the Crown Range road, but there is still plenty of climbing to do after rejoining the road. It’s a long winding climb, and even though I could ride much of it, a loaded bicycle is pretty slow and wobbly at low speed. I decided that my safety was a lot better if I walked, especially around blind left-handed corners as I could be further to the left, with my bike between me and the traffic. The Crown Range Monument With the sealing of the last part of the road in 2000, the Crown Range Pass, at 1076m, became the highest sealed road in New Zealand. The first Europeans crossed the pass in 1850 and the first tourists crossed it in horse-drawn wagons in 1877. ©2022 Stephen Wood The summit, Crown Range It’s always an achievement to get to a road summit — it was the first time I’d cycled this one from the south. ©2022 Stephen Wood Wanaka The downhill from the Crown Range Summ it was wonderful, with a café stop at Cardrona and a relaxed arrival in Wanaka, where I decided to camp at one of the campgrounds to allow another grocery top-up. Approaching the neck between Lakes Hawea & Wanaka ©2022 Stephen Wood Haast Pass Summit From Cameron Flat it was a relatively short haul up to the Summit of Haast Pass/ Tioripatea. The descent however is steep, and requires care on a loaded bike, including checks for brakes overheating. Gate of Haast bridge ©2022 Stephen Wood Knights Point The first day took me past the steep bluffs around Knights Point and gentler coastal terrain to a DOC campsite at Lake Paringa, giving me plenty of a time for an afternoon excursion up the road to check out the nearest café, 18km away. ©2022 Stephen Wood West past road through the bush ©2022 Stephen Wood Handlebars The rear vision mirror on the right shows me the traffic coming up behind me. ©2022 Stephen Wood West Coast bridge ©2022 Stephen Wood The pub in Hari Hari is set up for campervan stays. ©2022 Stephen Wood Tile garden in Hari Hari ©2022 Stephen Wood ​ Cycle touring: Part II, Southland to the West Coast Stephen Wood After my ride from Canterbury to Southland, the next step was to continue my clockwise circuit of the Island. I left from Lorneville, in Otago, heading north. Winton was a good opportunity to stock up on a few groceries before lunch in Dipton and carrying on to Lumsden. I researched where the overnight stop might be, and settled on getting to Athol, which was a long enough day, such that there weren’t any cafés or shops open when I arrived. The campsite at Athol was basic but attractive. The kitchen was a small hut with a sink, toaster and fridge, so I cooked outside on my own stove. Part of the camp was set up for campervans, with each site assigned a small hut, with toilet, shower and basin as an en-suite. An early, foggy start in Athol soon cleared and I found snack stops in both Garston and Kingston. I enjoyed the landscape, suggestive of the much larger river that once drained Lake Wakatipu before the Kawerau River captured that role. The road from Kingston to Frankton is one which many believe is too dangerous to cycle, but with less traffic due to covid restrictions and keeping a good eye out for vehicles ahead and behind it was manageable. I decided to head into central Queenstown to look for a few bits and pieces. It was certainly quieter than I’d seen it for years, but still plenty of shopping and food options. Because my next day was going to be a big one, I headed out via Arthurs Point to Arrowtown to camp there. Setting out from Arrowtown, I used Tobin’s track to bypass the zigzag at the bottom of the Crown Range road, but there is still plenty of climbing to do after rejoining the road. It’s a long winding climb, and even though I could ride much of it, a loaded bicycle is pretty slow and wobbly at low speed. I decided that my safety was a lot better if I walked, especially around blind left-handed corners as I could be further to the left, with my bike between me and the traffic. It’s always an achievement to get to a road summit — it was the first time I’d cycled this one from the south. Of course the downhill was wonderful, with a café stop at Cardrona and a relaxed arrival in Wanaka, where I decided to camp at one of the campgrounds to allow another grocery top-up. Next day I was heading off past Albert Town, the first time I’d come across a one-way bridge with traffic lights and a cyclists’ push-button to switch them, and then on to Hawea and beyond. There was a reasonably strong nor’westerly slowing me down. After a lunch stop on the road and then a café stop in Makarora, I headed to the DOC campground at Cameron Flat. Despite some publicity about DOC campsites needing to be pre-booked, so far I have found that you can still just turn up and pay at an honesty box, as long as the site isn’t full! The site is close to the Blue Pools, a scenic hotspot with an upgraded car park. From Cameron Flat it was a relatively short haul up to the Summit of Haast Pass/ Tioripatea. The descent however is steep, and requires care on a loaded bike, including checks for brakes overheating. Once down on the river flats it was easy going until Haast, apart from navigating around several road crews working on sections of an optic fibre link. Although there were camping options in Haast I upgraded myself to a backpackers hotel and a pub dinner. Fox Glacier is a 120km away and I decided that although I can do that distance in a day, that I’d split it into two easier days. The first day took me past the steep bluffs around Knights Point and gentler coastal terrain to a DOC campsite at Lake Paringa, giving me plenty of a time for an afternoon excursion up the road to check out the nearest café, 18km away. An early start the next day got me to Fox Glacier township, where I was expecting another welfare visit from my wife Robyn in our campervan. Because she was planning to shadow me for a couple of days, this meant I could tackle the up and down road to Franz Joseph as well as the next hump, called Mount Hercules, without my panniers. That got us to Hari Hari where the pub was set up for campervan stays and we had time to look around the town. The next day’s forecast carried a heavy rain warning, but I was determined to keep going. We had a cuppa stop together in Ross where Robyn reported that the campervan had a worrying roof leak. I did start riding towards Hokitika, but thinking about both my safety on the road when every passing vehicle was lifting a cloud of road spray, the forecast, that suggested the next several days would also be wet, and that the last leak on our campervan had caused a lot of electrical damage, I decided to call a halt to my ride and help Robyn get the campervan home to Canterbury. I wasn’t sure if this was going to be the end of my ride around the island or not. 9 days riding, 707 km. Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 9

7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption The cat comes too ©2024 Warren B Smith only 6km from home... The cat comes too Warren B Smith Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 16

2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Cassette opener tool The cassette opener tool in action, taking the pressure off the plastic lugs. Handle, shaped a bit The stick is a piece of broom handle, 300mm long. Cut a slice out of it. Add the screws. Cassette flap with holes See the holes drilled in the flap of the cassette. ​ A DIY tool to unscrew the top of the cassette John McMurdo This tool takes some of the pressure off the plastic lugs. In the flap from the top of the cassette, drill two holes, slotted to make a keyhole shape. They are at 70mm centers on our cassette; yours might differ. The stick is a piece of broom handle, 300mm long. Cut a slice out of it. This isn’t necessary but makes it fit more closely. Partially screw in two screws to match the holes you drilled in the cassette flap. Use this stick as a lever to turn the flap without putting too much pressure on the lugs , which are only plastic and easily broken. Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 29

3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption ​ Marshmallows in the rain Diana Ireland Marty toasting marshmallows in the rain. Thanks Quinney’s Bush for providing a brazier. Diana Ireland Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 27

7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption A motorhome All Points Camping gathering at Morison’s Bush. Wairarapa, Waitangi Weekend. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove A tent crafted to attach to the tailgate of a hatch back. All Points Camping gathering at Morison’s Bush. Wairarapa, Waitangi Weekend. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove A caravan All Points Camping gathering at Morison’s Bush. Wairarapa, Waitangi Weekend. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove A caravan with an outdoor room/awning. All Points Camping gathering at Morison’s Bush. Wairarapa, Waitangi Weekend. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove A tent with attitude. All Points Camping gathering at Morison’s Bush. Wairarapa, Waitangi Weekend. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove A tent. All Points Camping gathering at Morison’s Bush. Wairarapa, Waitangi Weekend. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove An ambulance turned motorhome. All Points Camping gathering at Morison’s Bush. Wairarapa, Waitangi Weekend. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove A bus. All Points Camping gathering at Morison’s Bush. Wairarapa, Waitangi Weekend. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove ​ Eclectic bunch Bette Cosgrove Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 11

6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Mt Cook_MNR_5721_mw.webp ​ The freedom camping law needs to change 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 6 Summer 2023 , p 2