8 Winter 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption carbonMon-GasFlameH.webp The problem is that RV owners are not taking risks sufficiently seriously Carbon Monoxide poisoning Collyn Rivers There are severe risks of carbon monoxide poisoning if you misuse LP gas in a caravan, motorhome, or any type of tent or annexe. Moreover, there is a significant risk of brain damage at low levels of carbon monoxide. The first domestically available gas (around 1850) was produced by burning coal. This was often in an inadequate level of air. The consequent 10% or so carbon monoxide content was often lethal. Carbon monoxide’s danger became quickly known and respected. Propane was generally accepted in the 1930s. LP gas was later used in RVs, and natural gas in homes. Nevertheless, many users remained unaware of the still-existing risks. LP gas and natural gas are both safer. But only by having lower levels of carbon monoxide. Furthermore, they take longer to kill. Nevertheless, approximately 30% of people with severe carbon monoxide poisoning are still likely to die 1 . During 2001–2002, carbon monoxide poisoning was responsible for 43.9% of accidental deaths in New Zealand 2 . The report noted that imported LP gas portable appliances, certified only for outdoor use, were being claimed as suitable for use indoors. Furthermore, it warned that misusing such appliances indoors, including caravans and tents, is unsafe and potentially fatal. Inhaling even relatively small amounts of the gas can lead to hypoxic injury, neurological damage and even death 3 . Carbon monoxide exposure might lead to a significantly shorter life span due to heart damage 4 . Exposures at 100 ppm (parts per million) can be dangerous to human health 5 . Carbon monoxide poisoning is the most common cause of injury and death due to poisoning worldwide 6 . (Toxic gases are measured in parts per million (ppm) 1% volume = 10,000 ppm). Ongoing user denial In 2012 user denial came to a head. Three men died in a matter related to carbon monoxide poisoning, in a caravan in Tasmania. Despite no Coroner’s report yet published, many posts appeared on caravan forums. They denied the cause of the deaths — yet came from people with no possible knowledge of what had occurred. Such denial still exists. Government response Consequent to those deaths, the federal government established a ‘Gas Appliances (Carbon Monoxide) Safety Strategy’. Its purpose was to make people (particularly RV users) aware of the risks. The Caravan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) asked me to assist in preparing a formal government submission. My report noted that: ‘the existing regulations relating to gas installation in RVs do not necessarily need changing. The problem is that RV owners are not taking risks sufficiently seriously’. Furthermore, it noted ‘The major risk identified (in our opinion) is that of gas appliances being used in an inappropriate manner.’ ‘For example, LP gas ovens left on with the door open to provide heat. Cast iron or steel plates and ceramic pots placed over LP gas rings for the same purpose.’ The report furthermore alluded to the ongoing illegal use of LP gas catalytic heaters ‘in poorly ventilated annexes and within the RV itself.’ My report included that, ‘A further issue is the lack of quantitative data on reported incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning in RVs. This has created concern because the warnings of the dangers are frequently met by denial. People argue (wrongly) no hard data exists.’ In 2010 New Zealand Energy Safety commissioned an independent report. The report found there was not a sufficient safety problem to introduce a ban. It did, however, advise to place additional health and safety warnings on LP gas units. The cause of the risk LP-gas (and fossil fuels generally) require a great deal of air to burn safely. Burning LP gas in an enclosed space decreases oxygen, and increases carbon dioxide, within that space. Furthermore, the amount of air required varies with the nature of the gas. If you (illegally) run propane appliances from Autogas, that gas may contain butane. If it does, it will produce carbon monoxide through incomplete combustion. A total giveaway is a yellow content in the flame. This flame (right) is borderline safe. Ideally, it should be blue. As total burning cannot be guaranteed, space heating in Australia requires the burning process to be external to the space heated. Moreover, this policy is now being followed in many other countries. Australian Standards The above is made clear in AS/NZS AS5601 . As with its earlier version, and its predecessor, ( AG 601-1995 ), the appropriate wording states:‘The following appliances shall not be installed in a caravan * :(c) a space heater, other than a room-sealed type. * (AS 5601 defines a caravan as ‘a structure that is or was designed or intended to move from one place to another, whether towed or transported, which is intended for human habitation… and includes a self-propelled recreational vehicle.’) Item 6.9.4 of the new Code calls for a permanently legible label. The label must have a minimum character height of 4.0 mm. It must be affixed ‘in a conspicuous position on or adjacent to, the ‘[gas cooking]’ appliance. It shall provide at least the following information: WARNING Ensure ventilation when the cooker is in use. Do not use for space heating. Quantifying the risk Even low levels of carbon monoxide should be avoided. The World Health Organisation lists 5–20 ppm (parts per million) as impairing performance. It warns decrease exercise time, and be vigilant. The International Mechanical Code limits 25 ppm as the maximum in parking garages. Kurt (1978) reports 27 ppm as associated with a 21% increase in cardio-respiratory complaints. The World Health Organisation reports 30 ppm as the earliest onset of exercise-induced angina. At about 35 ppm (parts per million), carbon monoxide starts becoming severe. There are a headache and dizziness within six to eight hours, 200 ppm (about 0.02%) causes a slight headache within two to three hours, plus loss of judgement. Around 800 ppm (0.08%) there is dizziness, nausea, and convulsions within 45 min, insensibility within two hours and death within three hours. At 1600 ppm (still a mere 0.16%), there is ‘headache, tachycardia, dizziness, and nausea within 20 min. Death occurs in less than two hours. Even at 6400 ppm (0.64%) death occurs inside 20 minutes, and at the far from high 12,800 ppm (1.28%), you become unconscious after 2–3 breaths and die in less than three minutes 7 . Typical carbon monoxide levels The natural atmospheric level is about 0.1 ppm. The exhaust from a warm car’s exhaust (that lacks a catalytic converter) is 7000 ppm 8 . USA’s relevant (OHSA) regulations limit long-term workplace exposure levels to less than 50 ppm (0.005%) averaged over 8-hours. Furthermore, employees are to be removed from any confined space if an upper limit (‘ceiling’) of 100 ppm is reached’ 9 . Inadequate or blocked ventilation increases carbon monoxide build-up. Because of this, the risk of brain damage at lower levels of exposure is real. Furthermore, elderly, children and people with heart and respiratory problems are likely to experience the effects sooner. Moreover, (and severely) may heavy smokers. Government organisations set various exposure limits. The American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) lists a maximum allowable short term limit of 9 ppm. The Australian Environmental Protection Agency has set two national health protection standards for CO. A one-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) of 35 ppm. And an eight-hour TWA of 9 ppm. These standards emphasise that carbon monoxide readings over 9 ppm needs investigating. And action taken. Caravan forum advice that ‘it is only dangerous if you do not stay awake’ shows astonishingly naïve lack of understanding. Gas appliances — defined The use of any gas appliance for direct space heating in a caravan is illegal in every state of Australia. Furthermore, any cooking appliance used for space heating, by any form of burning gas, is defined as a ‘gas appliance’. Many forum posts argue that a ceramic pot or whatever is ‘not an appliance’. These overlook that devices are legally definable in terms of intent — not necessarily of content. A screwdriver may thus be defined as a tool for dealing with screws. Or, in potentially dangerous areas at night, as an offensive weapon. The same reasoning extends to a gas cylinder or a can of petrol. Either, if carried onto a plane, will be designated as a bomb. Ceramic pots A ceramic device placed over a lighted gas stove for space heating is liable to be classified as a direct heating appliance. It is therefore prohibited. Why doing that is dangerous is because the flame becomes trapped within an area where air may not flow freely. As the gas is thus not entirely burned, that device generates carbon monoxide. It may reveal that by burning with a yellowish flame, or forming and depositing soot. The above was confirmed by a Gas Regulator some years ago. When asked if placing a ceramic pot or steel plate over a gas ring, or leaving the door open on a lighted oven, with the intent to heat an interior space, it becomes, by definition a space heater, he responded ‘my bloody oath’! References to local usage are currently (mid-2019) in Australian Standard AS/NZS AS 5601 2013 . An Amendment for LP-gas Installations in caravans and boats for non-propulsive purposes was published by Standards Australia in May 2016. A summary called Guide to Gas Installations in Caravans & Mobile Homes (containing all of the above references) is available free from The Office of Gas Safety (or its equivalent in each state). It does, however, relate primarily to the previous Standard. It is also available on the Internet (Google the above title). Related risks Product Safety Australia advises that other common products can and do emit carbon monoxide. These include: Barbeques that burn charcoal, gas or wood Fireplaces that use charcoal, gas or wood Portable cookers that use gas or kerosene Portable and outdoor heaters that use gas or kerosene Electric generators that are diesel or petrol-fuelled Electrical equipment that is diesel or petrol-powered (e.g. blowers, chainsaws, pumps and welders). New Zealand Until 2010 the Gas Standard (AS 5601) related only to Australia primarily because Australia’s LP gas is either propane or mostly propane with a small proportion of butane, while New Zealand uses propane and up to 50% butane. Appliances built to burn one form of LP gas can be hazardous when used to burn another form of LP gas. The Australian Gas Regulators’ view was that (as with using Autogas illegally to replace LP gas) this posed an unacceptable safety risk respectively to New Zealand and Australian consumers. This issue was quickly resolved: including by ‘Australian RV appliances increasingly being certified for use with Universal LPG Gas to accommodate the N.Z. market’: written advice from the N.Z. Office of Energy Safety, 18/09/2012. (This Universal LP gas issue affects only Australian gas appliances made for the N.Z. market). Safe RV heating Germany’s Webasto and Eberspächer companies produce very similar diesel-powered space and space-plus-hot-water power heaters. Truma has a generally similar LP gas powered equivalent. All draw fresh air in from outside and exhaust to the outside. There is also a range of similar units from Diesel Heating Australia. The Eberspächer product in some countries is marketed under the Dometic name, and sold by Dometic. These are the only form of heating recommended for annexes, caravans and motor homes. RV Books’ The Campervan and Motorhome Book covers this in-depth. How to detect carbon monoxide The only way to detect carbon monoxide is via a pocket detector — or for caravans and motorhomes, via a permanently fixed one. They are readily available from virtually all hardware stores. What to do if carbon monoxide is detected Turn off the source of the carbon monoxide — if possible to do without risk of endangering yourself or others. Then move to fresh air. If indoors, move outside to fresh air immediately. If you are outdoors, move as far away as possible from the source of the carbon monoxide. The source is often a petrol or diesel-engined generator or outboard motors. If exhibiting symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning — e.g. headache, dizziness, nausea etc, call the emergency services. Further information The previous AS 5601 Gas Standard has been replaced by a new Standard published (by Standards Australia) in May 2016. That relevant for caravan and motorhomes is Part 2 (Gas Installations in caravans and boats for non-propulsive purposes ). Note that, legally, ‘caravans’ includes all RVs. The most significant amendments to Part 2 are: A new diagram for the mounting of an LP gas cylinder in a caravan including clearances from openings into the living space A new requirement for the installation of gas BBQs and radiant gas heaters designed for outdoor use. New pipe-work strength and gas tightness test References (general) Gas Installation Code AS 5601.2013 with an Amendment for LP-gas Installations in caravans and boats for non-propulsive purposes. (Published by Standards Australia on 11 May 2016). Report of the (S.A.) Technical Regulator 2005–2006, Annual Report (p.7).Office of Gas Safety (Vic) — Guide to Gas Installations in Caravans & Motorhomes.Similar guides are available from all State gas regulatory bodies. New Zealand (facts and data) Permanent Exemption of LPG appliances from the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangements. (Regulation Impact Statement for Consultation — 2008.) References (papers) 1. Varon J, Marik PE, Fromm RE Jr, Gueler A (1999). “Carbon monoxide poisoning: a review for clinicians”. The Journal of Emergency Medicine 17 (1): 87–93. 2. McDowell R, Fowles J, Phillips D (November “Deaths from poisoning in New Zealand: 2001–2002” . The New Zealand Medical Journal, 2005, Nov; 118. 3. Raub JA, Mathieu-Nolf M, Hampson NB, Thom SR (April 2000). “Carbon monoxide poisoning-a public health perspective”. Toxicology 145 (1): 1-14.4. 4. Henry CR, Satran D, Lindgren B, Adkinson C, Nicholson CI, Henry TD (January 2006). “Myocardial Injury and Long-term Mortality Following Moderate to Severe Carbon Monoxide Poisoning”. 5. Prockop LD, Chichkova RI (Nov 2007). “Carbon monoxide intoxication: an updated review”. Journal of the Neurological Sciences 262 (1–2): 122–130. 6. Thom SR (October 2002). “Hyperbaric-oxygen therapy for acute carbon monoxide poisoning”. The New England Journal of Medicine 347 (14): 1105–1106. 7. Carbon Monoxide: National Academy of Sciences, Washington, D.C., 1977. pp. 29. ISBN 0-309-02631-8. (Free full text. ckw.nz/co ) 8. Struttmann T, Scheerer A, Prince TS, Goldstein LA (Nov 1998). “Unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning from an unlikely source”. The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice 11 (6): 481–484. 9. “OSHA Fact Sheet: Carbon Monoxide”. United States National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. https://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/carbonmonoxide-factsheet.pdf . Compressed breathing air — the potential for evil from within. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225301283 n This article is ©2024 RV Books. Website: rvbooks.com.au | this article. RV Books can be contacted at: info@rvbooks.com.au . Collyn Rivers has published 6 books relating to caravans and motorhomes. Information about them & more than 150searchable articles are included on his website: rvbooks.com.au RV Books And A Huge Collection Of Articles By Collyn Rivers RV Books. 6 Books and over 200 articles by Collyn Rivers. Collyn's books are considered to be the best RV, camper trailer and motorhome information available. Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 21

6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption SStay-Reefton2-MNR_mw.webp SStay-Reefton-MNR4_mw.webp SStay-Reefton-MNR3_mw.webp SStay-Reefton_Stewart_Nimmo_CC_mw.webp ​ Reefton Miriam Richardson STOP and STAY It was a winter stay by the river in Reefton, on The West Coast. We are allowed 2 consecutive nights (certified self-contained). Right next door is the hotel which is a free pop (if you buy something in the hotel), so you can swap between these two if you want a longer stay in Reefton. There’s a lovely walk along the river, past the summer pool to the camping ground. Return via the main street, Broadway, which has a number of cafes each with food worth a try. (Image, Broadway, Stewart Nimmo, CC BY-SA 4.0) There’s lots of historical interest here. The visitors’ centre has engaging historical work on the coal mines which gave us this town, including a replica underground mine. Reefton was the first town in NZ to get electric street lights, powered by the Reefton Power Station on the Inangahua River, way back in 1888. There are several walking tracks, including one to the site of the power station, a tramping track, and track for experienced off-road cyclists. Snow on the hills behind Reefton. ©2023 M Richardson Uncredited photos ©2023 M Richardson STOP and STAY Where to stop when travelling and camping in NZ — use it, share it, add to it. Stop and Stay is a free resource for NZ campers and travellers, brought to you by campers for campers. It might be a country pub for a meal, a rural property, a council reserve, a DOC camp; it might be a commercial campground or a unique day-stop or cafe. Please add your recommendations to the list. Anyone one can access the list or make recommendations. It’s free, too, for property owners to be on the list. Remember to always check with hosts first — phone numbers are provided on most listings, and keep in mind that some properties have restrictions. Dog-friendly properties are indicated on each listing, as are wheelchair accessible properties. STOP and STAY | Add a place to Stop and Stay Up Up 6 Summer 2023 , p 34

SUMMER 2022 ISSUE 2 BUY PDF INDEX Summer, Issue 2, Camping the Kiwi Way Previous Next Miriam Richardson (Editor) Buy a copy, subscribe for a year's worth of copies, read it on paper, read it here or read the pdf. The choice is yours. Only $12 a copy delivered, $36 for 4 issues. BUY We bring you travel stories, tips, wonderful places to visit, insight into political changes, some solid information, a crossword: light reading, serious reading and some fun browsing. Enjoy Previous This issue is kindly sponsored by the All Points Camping Club of NZ and NZ Lifestyle Camping. Next left-turn-ruapehu_w_th left-turn-train left-turn-pedestrian_w Left-turn-Maungatautari-view_w Ad ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 2 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

Tanners Point Previous Next Bette Cosgrove 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 ​ Previous Next 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 ​ Advertisment ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 2 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

NZers go camping: clubs & groups on Facebook Previous Next ​ NZ cycling groups Motorhomers go cycling NZ New Zealand motorhomers including those in buses and caravans who are interested in cycling trails, cycleways, roads or mountain bike trails. You can post pictures of your cycling adventures, connect with others to organise group rides, and discuss anything about bikes both electric and non electric. 3k members ckw.nz/motorhomers-cycle Bikepacking New Zealand Bikepacking is about getting outdoors and seeing new country. It is any ride that includes an overnight stay. This group is about sharing ideas, routes, bike hacks and ride info. 7.2k members ckw.nz/bikepacking NZ Cycle Touring Traditional road based cycle touring. 3.5k members ckw.nz/cycle-touring Recreational Riders NZ A resource for the ever growing recreational cyclist community in NZ 6.7k members ckw.nz/rec-riders NZ women travelling NZ solo women travellers Discussion, support, inspiration and sharing among NZ women who travel solo (sometimes or all the time), and overnight in their vehicles. Maybe in a caravan, a motorhome, van or a car. 450 members ckw.nz/solo-women-travellers Female Travel Buddies NZ For single NZ women who travel in a self contained motorhome /camper / caravan (not a car nor station wagon) and who do not travel with a man. 377 members ckw.nz/female-travel-buddies Motorhome Babes This is group is capped at 500, and is currently not accepting new members, so it is hidden on Facebook. It is a very active and friendly group, and there are frequent, informal meet ups around the country. It is for women who travel on their own in their motorhomes at least some of the time. Worth keeping an eye out, so you can join up when places become available. 500 members (currently closed, so there is no link) Women Travel in New Zealand It's all about ‘& Travel in New Zealand’. Why travel alone? Meet other women and make the most of your trip. 1.4K members ckw.nz/womentravelnz Wāhine tramping and hiking NZ 9.5K members ckw.nz/wahine Women's Hiking NZ 2.5K members ckw.nz/hiking Wāhine Outdoors New Zealand 185 members ckw.nz/wahine-outdoors Camping groups NZ Fun Adventures Camping For all types of camping including families; to share your camps, gear and the cool locations you visit. Our aim is to inspire more people to get out camping whether it’s done on a tight budget or in super luxury. 12K members facebook.com/groups/nzfacamping All Points Camping NZ - chat, share A group run by NZ's national camping club to support campers in NZ. regularly runs camps. 8.6K members facebook.com/groups/AllpointsNZ Motorhomes, Caravans, Campers NZ For motorhome, caravan and camping enthusists to buy, sell or chat about anything to do with being on the go or the best places to visit or how to solve problems. 10K members ckw.nz/m-c-c NZ Motorhoming/Caravanning/Camping with kids A family friendly group for those looking for places to motorhome, caravan or tent with kids and grand kids. 2.1K members ckw.nz/with-kids New Zealand Camping Guide This group is for people to share camping spots and information with each other. 1.9K members ckw.nz/nzcg New Zealand 4WD and Camping Show us your off-road adventures and stunning camping spots. 6.7K members ckw.nz/4wd NEXT ISSUE Facebook groups for particular kinds of camping or overnighting. ​ Previous Next camp-nzfa_w.webp camp-nzfa_w.webp 1/1 ​ Advertisment ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 2 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

SPRING 2022 ISSUE 1 BUY PDF INDEX READ The teardrop in Arrowtown PREVIOUS PREVIOUS NEXT Autumn. Cycling in Otago. Camping in the teardrop. Andrew Morton. Photo ©2022 Andrew Morton ​ NEXT The Ad ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 1 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

8 Winter 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption CKW-A4cover-8-24-TH.webp ​ Camping The Kiwi Way, Winter 2024 Editor Featured this issue 7 Autumn gold: All the fun of Autumn: places, shared experiences, inspiring things you have seen and done. 8 Am I freedom camping? You may be surprised to learn when you are and aren’t actually freedom camping. 16 Composting and Coddiwompling I’m about to swap out my portable toilet for a composting, waterless toilet. 21 Carbon Monoxide Poisoning The problem, is that people are not taking the risks seriously. 28 Watts & Amps How to use electricity safely while camping. 45 RV businesses and services Need self-containment? LPG work? Electrical? And more. About this magazine Camping the Kiwi Way Issue 8, winter 2024 ISSN: 2815-8261 (Print)ISSN: 2815-827X (Online) ©2024 All Points Camping Club of NZ Inc Editor: Miriam Richardson editor@campingthekiwiway.org campingthekiwiway.org Published quarterly byAll Points Camping Club of NZ Inc &NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd Order or subscribe Printed copies including postage:$44 for a year (4 issues)$13.50 for a single copy editor@campingthekiwiway.org Read it online or get a PDF ckw.nz/winter2024 ckw.nz/winter-24-pdf Advertising editor@campingthekiwiway.org For sizes and prices see ckw.nz/advertising Front cover Thermette. More on p35 . ©2024 M Richardson Share your STORIES If your group or club is promoting NZers enjoying our great outdoors, we would like to share your stories. • Tenting, caravanning, motorhoming, van camping, bike camping, hiking and more. • Camping photos and stories. • Club stories and photos. • Upcoming events that include camping. • Opinion pieces on camping issues. • Photos 1mb or more in size. Email words and (separate) images: editor@campingthekiwiway.org Contributions close Aug 1 for the Spring issue But, for late-breaking articles talk to the editor. Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 1

3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Tuatapere, ©2023 Heather Auckram Tuatapere, ©2023 Heather Auckram If these communities create opportunities for travellers, to camp or stay... Can the travelling camper save NZ's small rural communities? Gary Stoneley As far back as the 1970's, perhaps earlier, many rural communities in NZ started to decline as families and workers headed to larger towns and cities for the opportunity for a better life. In some cases the pace and pressure of urban life was too much and a few returned. Nowadays many rural communities are but a skeleton of their former self while at the same time hundreds of thousands of urban dwellers get in their campervan, hook on their caravan or pack their tent and head for the wide open spaces. Smaller rural communities should be welcoming these thousands of travellers with open arms. If these communities create opportunities for travellers, including families, to camp or stay, spend money, get back to basics, learn and participate in the community, then both the small communities and the travellers will benefit. It's not a difficult thing to do. As I travel the country and go through small towns I see so many opportunities. Waiau in the South Island is a great opportunity —playgrounds, shops, and the new tavern with lots of overnight space for the travelling camper. It's definitely worth a stop; and why not stay a night or longer? I think NZ travelling campers can help to save these smaller communities. What do you think? Join me at Camp Fest at Bulls 2023 and let's share ideas. ckw.nz/camp-fest Photos Tuatapere ©2023 Heather Auckram Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 11

2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption ​ Ready for a family weekend away camping Tracey Johnson Ready for a family weekend away camping. ©2022 Tracey Johnson Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 24

1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Gives access to most, but not all, DOC campsites. DOC and its Campsite Pass Editor Thirty- or 365-night pass. Buy online or at a DOC visitor centre. Gives access to most, but not all, DOC campsites. Some you book online before arrival; others, first in first served. Check online for each site. The pass has a maximum of 7 nights in a 30-day period at one campsite (you can buy further nights). 2022 prices 18 years + 30 nights: $97.50 1 year: $195 Age 5–17 yrs 30 nights : $47.40 1 year: $95 0–4yrs free LINKS DOC campsites DOC campsite pass DOC booking and paying onine PHOTO: Marfells Beach ©2022 Miriam Richardson Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 7

7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Vintage caravan No room for a fixed toilet. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Chameleon, an older caravan. No room for a fixed toilet. ©2024 M Richardson Probably all these campers at Lowburn freedom camp have cassette toilets that are not vented. No more freedom camping for them. Cassettes dont need to be vented to work right, but the new regulations require it, an expensive process requiring drilling holes in the structure. ©2024 M Richardson Older caravan No room for a fixed toilet. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Van camping No room for a fixed toilet. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Older caravan No room for a fixed toilet. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Poptop ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Fixed casstete toilet, but not vented. Does the motorhome smell when the toilet is used? No. Cassettes dont need to be vented to work right, but the new regulations require it, an expensive process requiring drilling holes in the structure. ©2024 M Richardson Van camping No room for a fixed toilet. ©2024 Heather Aukram North Island freedom camping road trip No room for a fixed toilet. ©2024 Shoshanna Shand Vintage caravan No room for a fixed toilet. ©2024 Gary Hitchock Portable toilet or cassette toilet. Cassettes dont need to be vented to work right, but the new regulations require it, an expensive process requiring drilling holes in the structure. ©2024 M Richardson Rooftop tent No room for a fixed toilet. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Teardrop No room for a fixed toilet. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Fixed, cassette toilet, but not vented. Cassettes dont need to be vented to work right, but the new regulations require it, an expensive process requiring drilling holes in the structure. ©2024 M Richardson Tear drop and a van with a portable toilet. No room for a fixed toilet. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Poptop and toilet tent. ©2024 Dallas Hibbs No room for a fixed toilet. ©2024 M Richardson ​ No more freedom camping Bette Cosgrove No more freedom camping for these responsible campers. No room for a fixed loo… Watch the slideshow, above. Poptop. Articles in this issue on the freedom camping law changes: Predictable problems with the new CSC green warrant system (p2) Editorial (p3) Self-containment warrant cards: Which one is yours? (p6) So you want to freedom camp (p8) What is ‘self-contained’, anyway? (p10) Enforcement of freedom camping rules (p12) I am not freedom camping' cards (p14) Do your bit: Task of the week (p16) No more freedom camping (p16) Kaikōura: the freedom camping Wild West (p18) Hey NZ Govt? You are messing with my mental health (p20) 7 days a week (p21) Celebrating Summer (p5) Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 16

2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Vodafone coverage 2Degrees coverage Spark coverage Here are the steps: • First: understand what you want or need. • Second: find out what is available and what it costs. • Third sleep on it, ask around, sleep on it again. • Fourth: decide between using a mobile phone, a modem (or satellite) for the internet. • Fifth: review available plans. Choose. Maybe sleep on it again. • Sixth: Sign up. Choosing an internet provider Miriam Richardson It’s a thorny problem, deciding how to connect to the internet on the road — so many different choices, plans and options; so many unfamiliar concepts. Here’s a ‘simple’ guide. Step 1: Assessing your needs How much data do you use in a month? Will this change if you are on the road rather than at home? On the road you might use internet data to watch films, videos, tv. Standard definition might use 1g of data every hour; super high definition could be as high as 15g per hour. Does your data-use vary much from month to month? Some plans are unlimited but they might slow down if you have used a lot of data. Others are limited but you might be able to buy extra data in months when you need it. Does the internet speed matter to you? If you download things like movies and TV to watch later, speed is less of an issue. If watching things live matters to you, then speed does matter. Whereabouts are you going to travel? There is variation in coverage for the internet. There are areas with no coverage at all. If your travels keep you pretty much near towns or cities you have more choices than if they take you into the wilds. How important is it to have internet access all the time? There might be some places in NZ you can’t go if you need the internet all the time. You can add aerials to extend your coverage, but you need the sort that you set up outside your vehicle, in just the right spot to catch a signal, to make a significant difference in internet coverage. Does your vehicle pose any limitations on phone signals? If you need an aerial to sit outside your vehicle (usually the roof) to get a signal, this will determine the kind of device you use to connect to the internet as not all devices have a fitting for an aerial (mobile phones, for instance). Mobile phone, modem or satellite for the internet? You might want to wait until you have looked at the plans to make up your mind on this, but it worth thinking about the practicalities in advance. Here is a video about using a satellite connection: ckw.nz/satellite . Hardware and its installation You can use your mobile phone to access the internet, or you can use a modem. Integrating a modem into an rv’s 12v electrical system requires a voltage smoother (and someone to install it). You might need an aerial on the roof (that’s another hole in your roof and someone to install it) to capture the signal outside the box of the vehicle; or a freestanding aerial that you can set up when you stop in remote areas. What can you afford? Sometimes we have to choose what we can afford rather than the choice that most closely matches our wants or needs. You need to consider both the initial cost which might include a modem, the ongoing monthly costs, and the cost of any possible add-ons like extra data for busy months or extra hardware and its installation. Step 2: What is on offer? Armed with a clear idea about your needs, you can now scope out what is on offer from the different providers. Check out those dedicated to mobile internet as well as mobile phone providers. At this step, ask questions but agree to nothing. The plans and costs • What plans seem to meet your needs? • Does tying yourself to a contract give you a discount worthy of the bond? • Is there a choice of combining mobile phone/s and internet? Do the dollars stack up? • Are you looking at a joint/ family kind of arrangement rather than individual? • Can you join on to a family member’s existing plan? • Can you use the one arrangement both at home and while on the road? Its worth talking to others about their experiences with a company and looking at reviews. Reviews here: ckw.nz/glimp-rural | ckw.nz/glimp-mobile Assessing a provider How is their admin process: contracts, charging and paying? (don't assume the helpfulness of sales staff reflects what happens on their help desk, they are often a different team.) How is their help desk: helpfulness, their hours, phone / email access? Do you care if the helpdesk is NZ-based or not? Do they offer any discounts for a group you belong to? Netspeed offers a discount for All Points Camping members. Wireless Nation offers a discount for NZMCA members. Check any other of your group memberships for discounts. Step 3: Consider these dimensions of difference Service / reputation. Coverage (where you can get a signal) Using a phone, modem or satellite? Speed & gigabytes. Installation issues. Costs, contracts, discounts. How long is a piece of string? Armed with a clear idea of what you need and questions to ask, you can navigate the thickets of promotional-speak to make a good choice of internet provider. If you are still uncertain, start with an easier, cheaper option, and change up if or when you feel a need. Keep on asking and listening to others’ experiences with their internet provider. Keep yourself ready for change. Check out last issue’s article on 'Getting the internet on the road' ckw.nz/internet-road . Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 27