11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption game-map.webp GO TO Here & there last summer camper/caravan friendly DOC sites GAME: DOC campsites 5: Upper South Island Rhonda Marshall Rhonda Marshall As we continue our journey of DOC sites across New Zealand we have finally crossed the ditch and started on this area of the upper South Island. There are dozens of DOC sites in this area but you either have to have ‘boats’ or ‘boots’ to get to them. The sites below are all camper/caravan friendly. Fill in the spaces. In the grid, fill in 14 different DOC sites. One site will run vertically down the shaded area whilst the other 13 will run horizontally across the gird. Places like West Bay would be written with no gaps i.e. “WESTBAY”. Aussie Bay Butchers Flat Elaine Bay Harvey Bay Kawatiri Kerr Bay Kohaihai Kowhai Point Lake Rotoroa Lyell Camp Marfells Beach Momorangi Moss Bush Onamalutu Pelorus Bridge Rarangi Teetotal Totaranui West Bay Whatamanga Bay Whites Bay Game-11-CKW .pdf Download PDF • 2.16MB Game-solution-11-CKW .pdf Download PDF • 82KB View solution Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 28

11 autumn 2025 Autumn 2025 ISSUE 11 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption The calm before the storm. Fortrose. ©2025 Heather Auckrum The calm before the storm. Fortrose. ©2025 Heather Auckrum The camp site. Getting ready to take the dogs for a windy walk. ©2025 Heather Auckrum Noel being blown along the beach. ©2025 Heather Auckrum The sandbar where the remains of an old shipwreck lie. ©2025 Heather Auckrum Heather and Loki watching the ducks. ©2025 Heather Auckrum The sun came out, the wind eased and everyone relaxed in hot summer sun. ©2025 Heather Auckrum GO TO Here & there last summer all kinds of weather On the first day it rained and blew Heather Auckram The togs never saw the light of day at this weekend’s camp at Fortrose. The camp site. Getting ready to take the dogs for a windy walk. On the first day it rained and blew so hard the vans were shaking on their rims! Then the sun came out and the wind eased and it became so hot we put hats and sunglasses on — but still no togs appeared. Noel being blown along the beach. Heather and Loki watching the ducks. The sandbar where the remains of an old shipwreck lie. The sun came out, the wind eased and everyone relaxed in hot summer sun. Southland camping can be unpredictable, but we hardy campers love it in all kinds of weather! February. ©2025 Heather Auckram Up Up 11 Autumn 2025 , p 9

8 Winter 2024 8 Winter 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Autumn-Lake-Wardel_0413_H.webp freedom camping Lake Wardel M Richardson Autumn snow behind Lake Wardel, a free camping spot near Twizel, McKenzie Country. ©2022 M Richardson Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 37

4 Winter 2023 Winter 2023 ISSUE 4 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up Fill in the grid: campers in winter Rhonda Marshall Up Each of the underlined words below should be recorded into the list on the left. Place each word according to the number of letters in the word. Then transfer the words into the Fill-it-in-grid. Want a winter task ? You may not be out in the raw camping but there’s still plenty to do. Check your registration and WOF for example. When do they expire? You can see how the water tightness is holding up on your equipment. Does anything need a reapplication of waterproofing ? Grab your silicone spray and apply a new coating. It also helps make your canvas less perishable . Examine those tent pegs and have a squiz at your tramping boots. Any rust on your gas bottle ? Give your fly screens a wash . How many leaves have fallen on your solar panel ? Another job is to check out any hobby equipment you take with you, or even for your pet . Fishing reel , golf clubs, bow and arrow , ball and rope . Take a look in your first aid bags . Got anything in there for a sting, be it from a bee to a blue bottle jelly fish? So, all in all, winter is not necessarily the time for a nap or sitting around star gazing. After you’ve chowed down on your breakfast pancake with maple syrup , you can rip into a few camping tasks. Just to remind yourself of why we love camping so much! The shaded area is a mystery word. Using the additional 9 letters can you work out this mystery word? Additional letters: A C C L L R R R T W Download a pdf to print Download the solution pdf to print Up Up 1/1 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) editor@campingthekiwiway.org

An explanation in detail of every aspect of tow vehicle and caravan stability. BUY PDF CONTENTS Spring 2023 ISSUE 5 Up Why Caravans roll over… and how to prevent it Collyn Rivers An explanation in detail of every aspect of tow vehicle and caravan stability. The issue is not how your rig behaves in normal driving, it is what it will do in a strong emergency swerve, or hit by strong, high, side-wind, at speed. It gives you a simple way of assessing the likely stability of your own setup — and what you can do to make it very much safer. Book page: ckw.nz/why-roll Sample chapter: ckw.nz/why-roll-sample Kobo $13 AUD: ckw.nz/why-roll-kobo Nook $8 USD: ckw.nz/why-roll-nook Kindle $15 AUD: ckw.nz/why-roll-kindle Up Up Up A simple way to assess the likely stability of your own rig 1/0

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing Reuben’s caravan Caravan tales Lynn and Charlie Hogg Our caravanning days started 12 years ago to take over from going tenting which we did for a number of years when our two boys were younger. At that time we lived in a small granny flat and I said to my husband if we are going to buy a tent I want to be able to stand up in it. So we ended up getting a 2-roomed one. Our boys were 8 and 6 years old, the younger one, Rueben, having severe autism. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy and that we would learn to deal with things as they happened and some we could prepare for beforehand. Two of the constant issues was the loud nursery rhyme music and the screaming. And when you only have canvas between you and your fellow tenters, and the night seems to make noise a lot louder, you do lots of things to keep the decibel sounds down including bribery. While our older son helped out a lot, eventually there came a time when he didn’t want to go camping with mum and dad. So we started looking at getting a caravan as we really needed to have three people to put up the tent, and my husband didn’t have the best of health either. Being on a low income we couldn’t afford to buy the caravan so we remortgaged and made it manageable for Reuben to be able to pay one off. Our options were limited but eventually we found a big clunky one and even though Reuben has never understood that he owns it he calls it Reuben’s caravan. From then on we could continue our camping holidays with our very best friends Marty and Diana. Although Reuben was getting older there were always going to be challenges taking a special-needs child away and sometimes we didn’t know what they would be until we got to the camp ground. Sometimes we went to the same place more than once, sometimes a different place. One of the things that could have been a bigger issue but, thankfully, hasn’t turned out to be, (well so far), is that even as Reuben’s got older he still needs help with his toileting and showering. Me being his mum and doing it a lot of the time, I couldn’t go with him into the men’s toilets. So I would take him into the female ones. Sometimes there’s a few raised eyebrows but no one has ever queried it. As the years have gone by it has been made easier as though Reuben still needs the help with his personal care, more and more campgrounds have the provision of a disability toilet and shower. Another issue we had was that Reuben was a runner. One minute he was there then blink and he was gone. So we were constantly on high alert to watch him, because when he did disappear he would go straight to the beach or lake. He loved water. As the years went by he took off less and less. Because he has bonded with a portable dvd player (it became like a second skin to him), he was very happy to watch that rather than run, and we were very happy to start getting more rest. After years the screaming starting to lessen and the caravan walls were slightly thicker than the tent ones so the noise was a bit more muffled. We only have to listen to the nursery rhymes now and sometimes they even put us to sleep. The one thing we must have, when booking our camping trip, is a powered site. That is non-negotiable as Reuben must have power for his electrical equipment that has to go with him when we go camping. Many of the owner-caretakers of the campgrounds have been very accomodating in putting us on a powered site as close as they can to the toilet block in case Reuben did wander off and go to the toilet without us noticing. We never had far to walk. It was easier, having the caravan, knowing that at the end of the holiday most things had their place inside. Only a few things had to be brought inside before you could shut the caravan door and leave. It didn’t matter if you got home and couldn’t unpack everything straight away, it was all under cover. Sadly, our caravanning days are slowly coming to an end. In all the years of driving with it I never learnt to reverse it. Charlie or Marty did that. A small house bus/motor home (all-in-one) would be a lot better but that isn’t financially possible. But I’m not looking at giving up camping. We still want to be able to take Reuben away even as we are getting older. So the next option will be going to campgrounds with cabins. We can still keep making new memories and holidaying with our best friends, it just wont be on 2 wheels. ◊ Dannevirke campground goes accessible | Read Alice’s journey Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 22

3 Autumn 2023 3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Gumboots at Taihape ©2023 M Richardson Rangatikei Mangaweka ©2023 M Richardson Mangaweka ©2023 M Richardson Rangakitei Rangatikei STOP and STAY Camping and exploring in the Rangitikei Gregory Smith Rangitikei encompasses a large area (4483km2 ) that is generally well-serviced by secondary roading, a multitude of one-way bridges (some say the most in New Zealand), dirt roads and the most beautiful and varied scenery you will ever come across in a single regional council district. The region is directly bordered by Whanganui, Manawatu and Ruapehu District Councils, and is mostly contained within Horizons Regional Council with a small remote area encompassed by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. The land spreads from the western white sand beaches through river escarpment up to the Central Plateau.
It is fed by two major State Highways, SH1 and SH3, three major river systems and part of Te Araroa — New Zealand’s Trail. From SH1 (Bulls to Waiouru) and SH3 (to Whanganui) secondary roads snake off from these arteries, while tertiary roads (mostly unpaved, dirt roads) are like a spider web connecting all the farms and stations together. The southern boundary is girt by the Rangitikei River up to Mangaweka, where it heads east, following the Kawhatau River into the hills. Then it follows the hills north into vast, empty, native forest land until crossed by the Taihape–Napier Road (aka The Gentle Annie). Other than the state highways and The Gentle Annie, there are few roads suitable for larger vehicles such as campers, but where you can access the back roads, do so, for the magnificent scenery. The locals are friendly and may direct you to camping sites, if you stop for a chat and ask nicely. The northern boundary is through the Kaimanawa Forest Park, south of Waiouru, then west towards Rangiwaea (literally, in the middle of nowhere on dirt roads) and south to Papanui Junction on the Turakina Valley Road. The western route, from Taihape through Papanui Junction is a most scenic route, suitable for all vehicles in the dry weather. There is a point where views to the sea can be enjoyed, remarkable, from so far inland— a lot of sites along this route boast good views. Park well off the road as farmers use this road and are ruthless in their driving abilities. The wee, unfortunate Whangaehu forms the Northern limit on SH3, which follows Whangaehu River to the sea. The site is unfortunate as it is on a floodplain and due to regular river overspills, renders most housing uninsurable. The Rangitikei District Council prides itself to offer freedom camping throughout it’s boundaries and is ‘Motor Home/Caravan Friendly’. “We offer clean, clear night skies for star gazing in rural areas.” Visit this site for a wide range of activities: rangitikei.com Most early access was via the river, leaving the roads undeveloped. With an historically low population (just over 1 household per km2), the large nature of farm stations, the coastal steamer routes that bypassed Rangitikei (in favour of Foxton/Palmerston North and the Wanganui ports), this situation has, arguably, barely improved. But this lack of development is a benefit to sightseeing. Here are a few tips Park in designated areas, not just on the side of roads, as farmers use these roads with large machinery at all hours and large cattle trucks are plentiful. Be aware of your own security, and ensure you have cell coverage (even if your own provider has no signal, emergency calls can be made on any provider’s network from any phone). Leave no trace, and do help clean up whenever stopping, to keep the place pretty for the next visitor. Drive to the conditions, respect locals and give way to other vehicles (and animals) on the road, as their livelihoods depend on access; you are a visitor to their domain. Read more, with camping sites, interesting routes and local attractions on our website.: ckw.nz/rangatikei There will be locations and attractions I have missed. Some deliberately as this is about camping, but I do recommend that wherever you go, stop and talk to the locals: they have endless knowledge and are usually very willing to offer their suggestions. SH1 Taihape Home to the Taihape-Napier Road (the Gentle Annie). Magnificent views, but put aside a whole day, or two to traverse its twisting hilly course into the Rangitikei from the Hawke’s Bay. Camping at the halfway point just inside the boundary cannot be beat. North east of Taihape, off Hautapu Street in Papakai Park, is a nice stream and picnic area (mozzies permitting). Gumboots at Taihape. ©2023 M Richardson Overnight camping is allowed, but gates are shut at dusk. Start of the Hautapu River walk (4 km; risk of flooding). Huge number of fast food outlets in town. Give cooking a break and also shop the second hand stores. Check out the gumboot throwing arena near the railway station and test your arm (gumboots are usually in attendance). River Anduin from Lord of the Rings is inland from Taihape but inaccessible. Best views are from Mokai River Bridge, access from the Gravity Canyon road (Gorge Road) just before you get to Utiku. Well worth a few days to explore this forgotten area and arguably the best river views in New Zealand. Utiku and south Stop and enjoy the history of wool as Utiki was the hub of wool spinning. Families would stop from miles around to buy their next years’ worth of wool. There may be parking at the old petrol station on SH1 as the owner has a second hand shop in Taihape and can be asked. Otherwise there is a rest area with tables just south of the town. If you’ve taken the inland route from Gravity Canyon, you’ll come out just before the Mangaweka climb. I suggest you avoid the hill and head South to McKinnon’s Bush Reserve on Potaka Road. Great camping to be had on the banks of the Kawhatau River. Then head left on Kawhatau Road for a scenic route to Mangaweka (dirt roads). Stop at Ruahine Dress Circle Reserve for a dip in the most scenic swimming hole in New Zealand. I challenge you. Then stop at the lookout back on Manawatu Scenic Route towards Mangaweka. (I cheated, this is in the Manawatu, but so close to Rangitikei) Mangaweka and Rangitikei River access Coming in from the east you’ll cross our newest bridge (still one lane) and find Rangitikei Camping Grounds. One of the most scenic places you’ll stay. Pay for your spot at Awastone (back over the river) or in the kiosk (if manned). Do the walk to the old Mangaweka Power House and Dam. Some good footwear is advised (numerous dead jandals seen beside track). A short drive traversing part of the old Mangaweka Track can be accessed via Te Kapua Road, just south of the Mangaweka township. It loops back to SH1, north of the town. Overnight parking is available at the Mangaweka Hall car park near the public toilets. Visit the Museum on Sundays. It is a fantastic collection, lovingly curated and cared for by locals. Art is the thing in Mangaweka. EV Charging is available in the township. ChargeNet and Tesla Supercharger. Look out for the Mangaweka Scenic Reserve Track (1.4 km) Stop on the climb south for more fantastic views of the Rangitikei River white stone cliffs. Ohingaiti The Ohingaiti Tavern offers truck stop accommodation and meals. Over the main highway in the old school grounds is Ako Retreat and the host is now offering powered sites for self-contained vehicles, in addition to a 3 brm home for stays. Just to the north is Flat Hills Café and Tourist Park ( https://www.flathills.co.nz ). An awful lot of effort has gone into creating a one stop facility and it offers everything you’ll need to stay. Otara Road takes you to Whitecliffs Boulders where a day can easily be lost in the wonderland. Whitecliffs Boulders Track (3.9 km) (closed for lambing Aug-Oct). Vinegar Hill Campground, not exactly in Rangitikei as you cross the river to access, but this campground is very scenic. Just avoid New Years period as it hosts a large contingent of campers. Hunterville An alternative scenic route (dirt) is to take Ongo Road to the west of Hunterville, and then north via Turakina Valley Road where a lot of camping opportunities beside the river can be found. You can get lost in these dirt roads, so be sure of your route. Final destination is back to Taihape. Or turn south off Ongo road onto Mangahoe Road then take Turakina Valley Road South to Turakina. If you like, turn left before Turakina on Makuhao Road and head towards the Tutaenui Reservoir where a walk around the lake can be enjoyed as well as a car park for an overnight stay (be prepared to be woken early by dog walkers and MTBs using the track). Just South of Hunterville is the Bruce Park area on the right (the old SH1 route), Aldworth Road, which boasts 1 hour bush walk, and a limited car park with toilet facilities. Bulls Site of Camp Fest 2023. There is a motel/camp site to the South of the town. Freedom camping can be had nearby. Southbound, cross SH1 at the Rest Area just before the bridge and traverse the dirt road towards the river under the bridge to an open area. Freedom camping can also be obtained at the Domain (during Camp Fest) on the carpark in front of the rugby clubrooms. Just be sure you want to stay all night as the gates are locked at dusk. EV Charging is available at the Bulls Community Centre. Scotts Ferry There is a small campsite at the entrance to town. Toilets and the site features a “weather rock”. Access to the river stopbank behind affords nice walk to the river mouth. Walk through town to the beach. Avoid whitebaiting season and stormy weather as it is busy with regulars and the site is prone to flooding. The old Coach Road crossed Rangitikei River at this point, forcing a significant diversion for travellers. Later on, another ferry crossing at Ferry Road, Bulls, provided a shorter route until the Bulls bridge was built. The old ferry was restored and is a feature at the entrance to the township. SH3 Whangaehu A small road towards the sea is probably the shortest route to the Tasman Sea from any state highway in Rangitikei. However, there is cross country required over farmlands (close gates that are closed, leave open gates that are open) to a camping site which is favoured by whitebaiters. This area is subject to flooding and soft soils, therefore should be avoided in rain and non-4wd vehicles. Ratana The seat of the Ratana religion where government meets on TW Ratana’s birthday to hand over the fiscal envelope and assure the continuation of government. It is accessed by a dead-end road that is well signposted. No formal campsite, but the locals are friendly and may direct you to a suitable site if you ask nicely. Turakina The town no longer has a tavern and only boasts a petrol station and 2 cemeteries. The café at the antiques shop is no longer operating, but the shop is worth a stroll through. Koitiata This is the beach west from Turakina and has a lovely campsite near the shore. Overruns from the camp are contained in a area on the other side of the road. It may appear to be free camping, but it is reserved for paying campers. There is limited space on the side of the road, or if 4wd capable, towards the beach down a sandy track. Marton Site of the annual Country Music Festival which hosts over 400 campers at Sir James Wilson Memorial Park to the east of the town. Located off Marton's Wellington Rd behind Marton Memorial Park is a lovely short walk. The loop path is of exceptional quality and takes about 20 minutes to walk around. Lots of mature trees and tranquil spots to sit and gaze at the trees, right in the heart of Marton township. There is an NZMCA park behind Marton Park, but as RDC allows freedom camping, you can take advantage of some lovely overnight spots around town, especially Totara Street and Marton Park where public toilets are located (avoid Saturday morning sports though). Head North up Tutaenui Road to the reservoir for a good walk and more camping sites. Dudding Lake Ten minutes drive north of Bulls is a sensational recreational facility. The lake is great for swimming, boating, jet-skiing and water skiing. Fishing is permitted as the lake is stocked with trout and has a good population of perch. The campground is located next to the lake and has powered and non-powered sites for tents, campervans, caravans, and hall for rent. There is a 2km walkway around the lake planted with native trees and great views of birdlife at the upper end. https://duddinglake.nz/ References: https://www.localcouncils.govt.nz/lgip.nsf/wpg_url/Profiles-Councils-by-Region-Manawatu-Wanganui?OpenDocument Accessed 10/02/2023 Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 12

7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Swimming www.gonatural.co.nz Camping au naturel www.gonatural.co.nz shed your clothes along with the stresses of every day life Camp au naturel gonatural.co.nz There are many ways to have a summer camping holiday, and everyone has their own reasons for choosing where they camp, how they camp and who they camp with. Some like the resort style camping holiday where everything is laid on for both adults and kids, while others choose to go bush, where they have peace and quiet and can get right down to the basics of camping. And some folk choose to go where they can shed their clothes along with the stresses and worries of every day life. Do you remember those halcyon days as a child when you could run around the house or back yard without clothes and no one thought anything of it. When Mum would strip your togs off at the tide’s edge to rinse the sand off and you’d do the mad dash to the car laughing all the way. As a teenager, that first midnight skinny dip at the beach, just because you could. Ahhh if only we could relive those carefree moments, when it didn’t matter that you were as naked as the day you were born. Well, there are several places around New Zealand where you can camp au naturel , in the buff, clothes-free. Where you can sit out in your camp chair with a good book and feel the breeze on your skin, all of your skin. Where you can lie in the sun for that all over tan and no one is going to bat an eyelid. Where you can go for a swim in the pool or a dip in the hot tub free of the clinging of togs then lie out for a gentle breeze and the sun’s rays to dry you off. Interested? Sounds like it’s too good to be true, but it isn’t. If you want the ‘shed it all’ holiday you’ve got a few choices in New Zealand. There are two commercial naturist campgrounds along with several naturist clubs that are well set up for camping holidays or if you’re lucky enough to find that really isolated spot with no else around to see what you are or are not wearing. There are also several beaches, some close to campgrounds and holiday parks that are frequented by naturists regularly. In fact you can be naked on any beach in New Zealand if you choose to. There is no specific law in New Zealand that prevents anyone from being naked on a beach or anywhere for that matter. Provided you are not engaging in offensive or disorderly conduct, obscene or indecent exposure anyone can go for a skinny dip or get that all over suntan. So why would you want a naked camping holiday? Why not? For starters there are the health benefits of sun exposure and vitamin D. Keeping in mind you still have to be sensible and use sunscreen or cover up when it gets too hot. Creating a positive body image is not easy in today’s world. Self-esteem is greatly enhanced in the naturist lifestyle and our own self-esteem increases when we accept ourselves for who we really are. However, it isn’t until a person gives it a try, that they can experience that concept for themselves. Latest research shows that vitamin D may play an important role in mental health. The recent Mental Health foundation annual awareness week was themed ‘Nature is Key’. We all know that getting out in the fresh air and sun just makes us feel better and all the more so if you are clothes-free. Having a camping holiday without the need for clothes brings a whole new meaning to the word holiday. For starters there is only half the amount to pack. Just imagine getting home and there is only a load of towels to go through the wash and not a mountain of dirty clothes. Get caught in the rain, there are no clothes to try and get dry in the tent or caravan. The kids won’t be rummaging through bags and drawers looking for their clothes every morning, they will be up and gone. And swimming without togs, once you’ve tried it you will never want to wear togs again. The number of different interests and hobbies that one can participate in these days is as wide and varied as the people who go camping, so why not include these within your camping holiday. If you are a seasoned naturist or just think you might like to dip your toe into the world of naturism there are multiple opportunities to include it while you’re camping. For more information check out www.gonatural.co.nz Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 35

Autumn 2023 ISSUE 3 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption More for councils and government, Issue 3 Editor 3 NZ is a camping culture 11 Can the travelling camper save NZ's small rural communities? 19 If the law changes: managing self containment 28 The power of freedom camping bylaws 29 Waiting on a law change: the Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Bill Camping in action 3 More than 700 campers 5 Tautuku Hut Track: Family-friendly tramping in the Catlins 10 Why do I love camping so much? 12 Camping and exploring in the Rangitikei 21 Cycle camping 3: Completing the South Island circuit 23 Mountain biking 26 Kaweka Forest Park 31 Waihopai Reserve 31 Chameleon Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 2

11 autumn 2025 11 autumn 2025 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Red lights at night ©2025 Andrew Morton Always brings a smile & laugh The red lights? Andrew Morton I thought ‘I must have one of those’, so Retrocampers added a stripe of LED lights when building the teardrop. My wife thought I was nuts! I assured her the orange colour would repel mozzies (not sure about that) but she loves seeing the photos now & calls it my fairy grotto. It’s like having the glow of a camp fire, without the fire risk. A party for one! Always brings a smile & laugh to my mates’ faces when they see them. March ’24 ©2025 Andrew Morton Up Up 11 autumn 2025 , p 11

5 Spring 2023 5 Spring 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Issues in making this real Freedom camping under the new law Miriam Richardson There are new penalties and some exemptions There are now fines of $400–1200 for freedom camping or preparing to freedom camp, in the wrong place. The homeless are exempt from most (but not all) of the new penalties. Note 1 Are you homeless, or making a lifestyle choice? The legislators were keen to prevent people who have chosen to live on the road from claiming to be homeless (and exempt), so changed the definition of ‘homeless’ for the purpose of this act. Homeless doesn’t mean not having a home to go to, it means being ‘unable to live in appropriate residential accommodation’, with the definition of ‘residential accommodation’ being revised to include ‘accommodation in a dwelling house, flat, hotel, motel, boarding house, or camping ground’; and, no stone unturned, ‘camping ground’ is redefined to include ‘any site at which a fee is payable for camping’. Unless you are ‘unable’ to live in a motel or camping ground etc, you are not ‘homeless’, and not exempt from this act. Note 2 It is also now an offence if a person makes ‘preparations’ to freedom camp in the wrong place. This is defined as ‘setting up a tent’ or ‘parking a vehicle’ to use to freedom camp. Short term parking, day-trip excursions, and recovering from driver fatigue are not ‘freedom camping’. Note 3 Who gets fined and how they are notified Fines can be levied either on the person accused of doing wrong or the vehicle owner. Further, even if you never actually receive the notice of an offence, you are still liable. Enforcement sends an email and you are ‘served’. Note 4 The law is vague Are you ‘unable’ to stay in this campground? The homeless definition does not define what ‘unable’ means. 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 camp ground enough) (what about night 2)? The camping ground is not open when the person arrives in a town? The law does not define ‘appropriate’ accommodation. Personal circumstances will determine what counts as ‘appropriate’ but does the camper’s judgement count? What counts as ‘preparing’ to freedom camp? Putting out a chair? Drying a tea towel? Using an awning? Everything that is part of camping can also be part of an exempt day-excursion. Councils and enforcement officers Councils are tasked with translating the vague law into working rules for their officers to apply in real life. Is this vehicle: parked, day-tripping, freedom camping or is the driver recovering from driver fatigue? Is this person homeless? Is this person preparing to freedom camp? It so hard (impossible?) to evaluate intentions. If homlessness depends on what is available, then the enforcement officer will need to assess local accomodation in relation to this person and this vehicle. Is local accomodation available, appropriate, affordable for this traveller? Is a local, paid, parking site / camp ground able to take this particular vehicle? Can it take this length of vehicle? Are there parking or driving hazards: is the driveway wide enough without scratching the vehicle, will it fit under the trees (without damaging panels and vents on the roof), are both the driver and vehicle able to negotiate the gate, a bend on the drive? Is the ground firm enough for the weight of this vehicle (at this time of year, in this weather, after tonight’s rain)? Councils will need procedures for responding to alleged offences, as campers and councils work out how to bring the new laws into real life. Notes Note 1 (Section 5, 2a, FCA † ) (FCP † ) Note 2 (Section 5, 3b, FCA † ) Note 3 (Section 20, 2b, FCA † ) (Section 5, 2, FCA † ) Note 4 (Section 27 A, 2, FCA † ) † FCA: Freedom Camping Act 2011 † FCP: Freedom Camping (Penalties for Infringement Offences) Regulations 2023 Up Up 5 Spring 2023 , p 2

6 Summer 2023 6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption fire-fenz-logo-64.png fire-blanket_mw.webp Fire safety: Caravans and sleep-outs Fire and Emergency New Zealand Caravans and sleep-outs are great fun, but they also carry a much greater risk of fire than a traditional home. These tips will help keep you safe: Every caravan should be fitted with a long-life photoelectric smoke alarm. Never leave children alone in your caravan. Keep matches and lighters out of their reach. Have a fire extinguisher or fire blanket near the exit and make sure you know how to use it. Always ensure there is adequate ventilation. Lighting and heating Use proper lighting units or torches. Don’t use candles as they may start a fire . Used fixed heaters only. Make sure furniture and fittings are at least 1 meter from any heaters. Oil column heaters or fan heaters with a cut off switch are the safest. Appliances and gas cylinders Check electrical appliances for frayed cords and other damage. Caravans should also have a current Electrical Warrant of Fitness. Caravans and sleep-outs often use gas cylinders to fuel cooking. Make sure you read our tips on using gas cylinders safely to reduce your risk of fire [ see p24 for BBQ tips Ed]. Always ensure there is adequate ventilation when using a gas cylinder in or near a caravans or sleep-out. Smoke alarms Because caravans and sleepouts usually only have one door and few window openings, it’s especially important to make sure you have working smoke alarms installed, and that you’re testing them regularly. Caravans and sleep-outs are often small, so it might be necessary to install a smoke alarm near a cooking area. To avoid false alarms, use the silence feature to put the smoke alarm into a ‘hold’ status when you’re cooking. Press the button before you start cooking to silence the alarm for a pre-set period of time, between 8 and 15 minutes depending on the brand. S ource: ckw.nz/caravans © Fire and Emergency New Zealand. Creative Commons (CC-BY-NC-ND) More: Fire blankets More: Lithium-ion battery safety More: Do you need a permit for your BBQ? (Gas & charcoal) Up Up 6 Summer 2023 , p 14