3 Autumn 2023 3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Barbara Sanders’ Chameleon is ready for the road. ©2023 Barbara Sanders & M Richardson Barbara Sanders’ Chameleon is ready for the road. ©2023 Barbara Sanders & M Richardson Barbara Sanders’ Chameleon is ready for the road. ©2023 Barbara Sanders & M Richardson Barbara Sanders’ Chameleon is ready for the road. ©2023 Barbara Sanders & M Richardson Barbara Sanders’ Chameleon is ready for the road. ©2023 Barbara Sanders & M Richardson Barbara Sanders’ Chameleon is ready for the road. ©2023 Barbara Sanders & M Richardson Barbara Sanders’ Chameleon is ready for the road. ©2023 Barbara Sanders & M Richardson Chameleon Anonymous Barbara Sanders’ Chameleon is ready for the road. Photos ©2023 Barbara Sanders & M Richardson Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 31

11 autumn 2025 11 autumn 2025 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Fireplace at Mangaweka. ©2025 M Richardson Fireplace at Mangaweka M Richardson Fireplace at Mangaweka camp, riverside picnic area. ©2012 M Richardson Up Up 11 autumn 2025 , p 25

12 Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption chilly_H_miranda.webp chilly-miranda-3.jpg chilly-kevin-miranda 2.jpg chilly-miranda-1.jpg chilly-miranda-5.jpg chilly-miranda-4.jpg chilly-kevin-miranda 3.jpg chilly-kevin-miranda.jpg chilly-kevin-awning.jpg chilly-kevin-awning 2.jpg GO TO Chilly chilly chilly out there Winter at Miranda Holiday Park Lorraine Middleton Scone mix is made, hope it’s enough, lol. Paddle boards mended. Games sorted. Togs packed. Marshmallow toasting etc after dinner. Breakfast… pancakes, fried bananas, bacon and topped with maple syrup. Dinner MID winter: Under the awning. ©2025 Lorraine Middleton Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 13

8 Winter 2024 Winter 2024 ISSUE 8 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Autumn Gold The laws and regulations only apply to freedom camping. Venting a toilet cassette: why, what, when and how Bette Cosgrove and Miriam Richardson THE WHY The new regulations, brought in by the previous government and supported by the current one require all black waste tanks to be vented, including those tanks that are part of a cassette-type toilet. But: The NZMCA has declined to participate in the new green warrant self-containment system until this absurdity has been removed, and there are promises that a change is being prepared— as it is enshrined in the law, this is a slow process, that might eventuate by the end of 2024. For those who do not wish to freedom camp there is no need to address this issue at all. The laws and regulations only apply to freedom camping. THE WHAT The actual regulations: 20 Ventilation system specifications In order to meet the requirement for self-containment relating to a ventilation system in regulation 13(h) [“a ventilation system that removes odours from the motor vehicle and minimises the extent to which foul air and gases can enter the motor vehicle”], a motor vehicle must have a ventilation system that— (a) ensures unpleasant or unhealthy odours and foul air easily escape to the exterior of the motor vehicle; and (b) ventilates wastewater storage tanks directly to the exterior of the motor vehicle to ensure that foul air and noxious gases do not accumulate inside the tanks; and (c) includes vent outlets for wastewater storage tanks that— (i) are installed at a height that safely prevents wastewater leakage; and (ii) terminate outside the motor vehicle and away from doors, windows, or openings; and (iii) are fitted with a means to prevent the entry of birds and vermin into the system; and (d) includes pipes connecting sanitary appliances and sanitary fixtures to wastewater storage tanks that are fitted with a means of limiting the escape of foul air and noxious gases from the tanks to the interior of the motor vehicle, such as a water trap. Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers (Self-Contained Vehicles) Regulations 2023 Part 2, Inspection and certification of self-contained motor vehicles Read regs THE WHEN Anyone wanting a new, green warrant right now has to address this issue, including those developing a camping vehicle, or whose blue warrant has expired. (Note: There are other issues to be addressed for a green warrant, it is not just cassette venting, see What you need for a green warrant for freedom camping ) There is still time, for those whose blue self-containment warrant was obtained before 6 June 2024 . They can continue to freedom camp until 7 June 2025, when the transition period ends and the law requires (only) a green warrant. If you can wait. it is possible this requirement and the associated expenses will be removed. THE HOW It is a changing playing field at present. There are three methods available at present: Purpose-designed SOG system. Ventilate the cassette locker (some cassettes). DIY ventilate the cassette. Problems with doing it: A hole is needed in the vehicle envelope, with dangers around warranty, water ingress, rust and vermin. The vent outlet must be “away from doors, windows, or openings”, but “away from” is not defined. Removing smell from the inside to the outside might not be in favour with nearby campers. With vague requirements, some inspectors might approve what others do not, which might lead to problems downstream for re-certifiying or selling. SOG system Those with Dometic or Thetford cassette toilets can install the SOG system ( ckw.nz/sog ). This is a commercial product specifically designed to ventilate these particular cassette toilets. The regulations make the vent outlet position a potential issue, but this system will not otherwise pose any problems to certifiers, nor for resale. The main limitation of this system is cost. Ventilate the cassette locker A May ’24 email from NZSC, Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB), reported on Facebook ( ckw.nz/pgdb-letter ), has stated that if the cassette has an auto-vent into a sealed locker, the locker can be ventilated instead of the cassette itself. This change, PGDB write, “would meet the functional requirement of Regulation 20(b) despite not strictly meeting the wording of that regulation.” This interpretation is not yet reflected in the PGDB documentation, and some inspectors may refuse to certify vehicles with the cassette ventilated in this way. Ventilate the cassette Consider the location of the vent, the size of the pipe, preventing back flow or leakage, disconnecting for emptying without spills. PGDB have recommended but do not require a particular pipe size for ventilation. You can create a DIY vent pipe and add this to the cap (picture 1) or air vent inlet area of the cassette (there’s some people selling DIY kits already), or to the cassette body (see picture 2 & 3). Ensure you manage non-return, prevent overflows or spills and meet the height requirements of the pipes etc. Picture 1: BedVanz venting solution. The pipe rises above the level of the highest water level in the loo, and then goes down through the floor. When emptying, the hose can be detached and a cap (pictured) put in its place so that it can be carried without spilling. ©2024 BedVanz Ltd, bedvanz.co.nz Picture 2 & 3: Irrigation plumbing used to provide venting from a cassette.These tiny tubes have flexibility and make less impact on the vehicle envelope, and could be easily removed and the holes repaired if/when regulations change. ©2024 NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd For advice and support, join this Facebook group: Self Containment New Zealand Conversion and Advisement ckw.nz/sc-con-adv Freedom camping & self-containment 2 Where are we at with self-containment and freedom camping? 2 Who can freedom camp from now until 7 June 2025? 4 Getting your camping vehicle certified 8 Am I freedom camping? 8 What you need for a green warrant for freedom camping 10 Planning a toilet for the freedom camping green warrant? 12 Venting a toilet cassette: why, what, when and how 14 Keeping up with the self-containment changes 16 Composting and coddiwompling ︎ Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 12

8 Winter 2024 8 Winter 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Admiring the view at the Albert Town campground Mountains and the Clutha at Albert Town campground. Wanaka campground, view from my site. Glendhu Bay, lake front sites. Glendhu Bay campround Glendhu Bay campround Autumn colours and snow on the mountains Camping at Wanaka Miriam Richardson I have spent quite a bit of time in Wanaka as the season turned into Winter. A beautiful place for Autumn colours and snow on the mountains, yet surprisingly mild. Admiring the view at the Albert Town campground Albert Town is a basic campground 5km from Wanaka on either side of the road to Hawea. The Clutha side has flush toilets, water and rubbish while the other has just a long drop. Both are low cost. Pay at the eft-pos machines at the gate. The view from my site at the Wanaka campground The Wanaka Holiday Park is in town, walking distance to all that Wanaka offers. It has sites with marvellous views over the sports field to the mountains. Power, water, rubbish, playgrounds, facilities of most kinds, and the public dump station next door. Lake front sites at Glendhu Bay The Glendhu Bay camp is 11km from town, with lakeside sites, power, water, rubbish, 3(!) dump stations, a laundry, as well as great facilities, and a small shop. A pizzeria on site in summer. Over the road, free range eggs. There are winter long term rates. Another phot o | and another . | About the camps: ckw.nz/wanaka-camps Images ©2024 M Richardson Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 37

6 Summer 2023 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

4 Winter 2023 4 Winter 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Fast forward six months: countless adventures with friends and family. Camping as a young family Tim and Natasha Fordham Our story begins in December of 2022 shortly after the birth of our second child, we decided that now was as good of a time as any to dip our toes into the world of caravanning. With our budget set, some research done, we began searching. Luckily it didn’t take long before we found a promising lead worth looking at, so we bundled the kids into the car and went for a drive to go and have a look. We very quickly fell in love, so legal tender was exchanged and we were on our way home with our very own new/old poptop that we affectionately named “Bingo.” So now what? Where do we go? So after a quick google search we ended up spending two nights out at “Te Wera Lodge” halfway in the middle of nowhere on the Forgotten World Highway, State Highway 43. Over the almost three days we stayed, we quickly figured out we were woefully under-prepared, beginning with three failed attempts and one almost successful divorce, at putting the awning up and ending with a long shopping list of utensils and activities to keep in our little camper. Most importantly we all enjoyed it enough to give it another go. Fast forward six months with countless adventures with friends, family joining us on a few occasions, and a week-long trip around the bottom of the North Island. Moving forward we want to add bunk beds for the kids, heating for winter adventures and a few more comforts for our cozy home away from home. We’re all looking forward to more camping adventures and creating core memories as a family. Up Up 4 Winter 2023 , p 27

4 Winter 2023 4 Winter 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Terrybull, by Regan Cooper, winner, People’s Choice ©2023 Gary Stoneley Terrybull, by Regan Cooper, winner, People’s Choice ©2023 Gary Stoneley kimbolton23_5ed_MW.webp The weekend camping was hosted and managed by the All Points Camping Club of NZ with camping proceeds going towards sponsorship of the People’s Choice award. The weekend camping was hosted and managed by the All Points Camping Club of NZ with camping proceeds going towards sponsorship of the People’s Choice award. recycled and found materials, gems from the back of the shed, made into unique sculptures Kimbolton Sculpture Festival 2023 Gary Stoneley As with previous Kimbolton Sculpture Festivals the Kimbolton Rural Art committee put on a fantastic one-day festival. Together with 200 other campers, we had the opportunity to camp in the paddock at the back of the festival from Friday through to Saturday. There’s nothing like being right on the spot where all the action happens. The festival is a mix of small to very large artworks, sculptures with mainly a rural theme, put together using all manner of bits and pieces from shearing blades to bike tyres. The artworks are always impressive and it’s hard to comprehend the hundreds of hours of work that are put into creating them. This year’s sculptures had a very high quality of finish and I wouldn’t be surprised if there weren’t more than a few tears of frustration and exhaustion mixed with the passion and satisfaction in completing a masterpiece. Terrybull, by Regan Cooper, winner, People’s Choice ©2023 Gary Stoneley As well as the adult-entry competition sculptures there were competitions for local students and schools. A large number of craft and food stalls were distributed around the venue with something for everyone. There was a busy and lively vibe throughout the day that continued until a blast of rain put a bit of a damper on the event. The weekend camping was hosted and managed by the All Points Camping Club of NZ with camping proceeds going towards sponsorship of the People’s Choice award. This year Regan Cooper’s winning sculpture ‘Terrybull’ (above) was well worthy of the $1,000 prize money. A great weekend, well-enjoyed by campers and festival attendees alike. We are looking forward to the next Sculpture Festival scheduled for April 2025. NEXT: April ‘25 Put it in your diary now. Up Up 4 Winter 2023 , p 29

10 summer 2024 10 summer 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption gale force winds and 30mm rain First time out with my new tent Tony Kissel First time out with my new tent, a retirement present to myself. So far I’ve had gale force winds and 30mm rain in the last 24 hours, no problems whatsoever. The stream is still in spate so I think tramping is off the cards; I’ll sit in the sun with a good book. September. Temple Stream, Hopkins Valley, near Lake Ōhau. The tent is the Zempire Pro TL v2 (with the optional ‘pram cover’ for the front). ◊ ©2024 Tony Kissel Up Up 10 summer 2024 , p 13

7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption A self-contained caravan at Waihopai. ©2024 M Ireland substantial unnecessary costs 7 days a week Gary Stoneley 7 days a week, NZ Lifestyle Camping works to support NZ campers and the commercial vehicle industry that require certified self-containment — to meet central and local government requirements. At a recent industry-wide meeting, there was a consensus that the new PGDB-administered self-containment regulations are not fit for purpose. There are substantial unnecessary costs on campers and the industry. The Government is being lobbied to urgently fix the issues. We recommend holding off on getting a new green warrant at this time unless it is essential for you to do so. The new regulations may be yet be amended or the legislation repealed. From 7 June this year we cannot give new (or renew) blue warrant cards that can be used for freedom camping. Check out where existing blue warrant cards work on PAGE 6 . If you have a fixed toilet, consider renewing your blue warrant before 7 June, so you can continue to freedom camp as long as possible. PROS and CONS: SEE p8 . The 4-year blue warrant card will continue to be recognised by most private and commercial host properties, at events, including club events and any land not managed by Councils or LINZ. If camping in an area designated for ‘all campers’ or ‘non self-contained vehicles’ by councils, the green warrant is no more effective than a current blue warrant. There are now thousands of private host properties throughout NZ, plus DOC campsites and council-managed reserves that welcome all campers: your blue warrant will likely suffice. NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd is continuing to certify vehicles under the current NZ Standard. There are a few plumbers issuing green certs under the flawed regulations. SEE p2 If and when we know that the substantial issues with the new regulations are resolved NZ Lifestyle Camping will move to becoming a certifier under the new scheme. In the meantime the pressure is on the Government to fix this. NZ’s independent national network for self-containment certification With a national network of more than 170 self-containment testing officers, NZ Lifestyle Camping supports the NZ leisure camping industry. You do not need to be a member of a club or organisation to get your self-containment certification through NZLC but must have a vehicle that is fit for the purpose of habitation. NZ Lifestyle Camping’s network of testing officers adhere to the requirements of the current NZ Standard, NZS 5465:2001, for the self-containment of motor vehicles. FYI: We do not recommend freedom camping while you await your final documentation and window card. Without these you are at risk of receiving a $400 fine. We remain committed to supporting all types of campers throughout NZ. For persons with camping vehicles containing portable toilets, a limited certificate can be issued which identifies your vehicle as self-contained for staying on all other land in NZ (commercial, private, club-owned) or at events requiring self-containment. To find or arrange a self-containment check please contact a testing officer near you: nzlifestylecamping.com | North I sland | South Island . Fees • NZ Lifestyle Camping has a standard processing and issue fee of $45 to cover the costs of issuing the required documentation and maintaining our national network. • This is as well as any fee testing officers may charge for their time. ( The new green warrant system will be more much expensive). We wish everyone safe travels. We encourage ‘Leave no Trace’ principles when camping. Kind regards,Gary Stoneley, NZ Lifestyle Camping LtdPh 027 246 9778 nzlifestylecamping.com LIFESTYLECAMPING.COM 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 21

11 autumn 2025 11 autumn 2025 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption The caravan train at Kekerengu ©2025 Linda Butler STOP and STAY The ‘caravan train’ at Kekerungu. Linda Butler The ‘caravan train’ at Kekerungu. Linda Butler More next issue… ©2025 Linda Butler Up Up 11 autumn 2025 , p 11

3 Autumn 2023 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