The weather was, and will probably continue to be, good for camping. Those preparing their campers to freedom camp have better choices. Roll on summer.

We’d been converting campervans as a hobby for a few years and discovered we loved building and creating things together. Plus, we were tired of our dull 9–5 jobs…

Unlike cars, a well-made caravan may last for decades with only minor areas that need attention.

Where are we at? At a government level, a council level, a certification level, at a camper level.

In short, I designed Fix-a-Potty™ for the campervan community to provide more affordable and compact toilet options, with the intention of helping everyone continue to enjoy all that New Zealand has to offer.

A response to a legislative challenge has brought us the compact, front-opening BlackMOA™ Cassette Toilet

Due out late October, the Fix’n’Rail is a heavy duty sliding rail and secure bracket that lets you slide a portable toilet in and out of its storage area

While the new toilet-makers have been welcomed with interest, the Fix-a-Potty™ people were faced with severe scepticism, not to say unfair condemnation, that still continues to pop up on Facebook and confuse people.

Toilet and shower tent. ©2024 Gary Hitchcock

Who can freedom camp? Certified Blue before 7/7/23?
Certified Blue before 7/7/24?
Green Warrant?

Choose from an independent national network of more than 150 self-containment testing officers.

The Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation 2023 / revised Freedom Camping Act 2011 presents significant challenges for councils across New Zealand as they strive to comply.

Things affecting councils or government; camping in action.

When I began assembling this issue I came up against a dilemma. How to inspire without sweeping under the carpet the negative things happening for freedom camping in New Zealand?

What you can do with your particular warrant card.

We are in a transition period from the old ‘blue’ warrant system to a new ‘green’ warrant system. The transition period is set to expire 7 June ’25. There is a small possibility that the Minister might choose to extend the transition period: it could help, with so many needing to be certified by so few.

Self-containment is at the heart of the the latest raft of freedom camping changes instituted in 2023.

Offences to avoid when freedom camping. Who has to pay, Knowing or not knowing you have been ‘infringed’. What information must enforcement officers give? What information are you required to give? You can be required to leave. Impounding things.

We are now in a surreal world of peculiar freedom camping rules. Every camping vehicle is now at risk of substantial fines, wherever it is parked, as the new offence of “preparing to freedom camp” is defined as “parking”.

Let one person in authority know you want to protect your right to freedom camp on public land.

No more freedom camping for these responsible campers. No room for a fixed loo…

Why stick to the law if you can get away with whatever takes your fancy?

7 days a week, NZ Lifestyle Camping works to support NZ campers and the commercial vehicle industry that require certified self-containment

It all started with a chance conversation with friends about a special birthday coming up & the fact that I wanted to take my wife & kids on a trip to the South Island.

Our family owns a 24ft (7.3 metre) trailer sailer. It is a bit like a floating caravan and we have had many camping holidays on the water.

Self containment, LPG work, electrical work, motorhome work & more.

There is a cassette toilet in that beautifully crafted cabinet.

The short version

The structure of the self containment system.

The Government’s recent changes to Freedom Camping and self-containment certification are now being implemented. These changes mean that over the next 18 to 24 months new regulations may impact your freedom camping.

There are new penalties and some exemptions. Are you homeless, or making a lifestyle choice? Who gets fined and how they are notified. The law is vague. Councils and enforcement officers have to make it work.

Baby Bear, Mama Bear and Papa Bear campers

Find businesses and services

The really good news: only 47 infringements issued: 0.03% of the freedom campers.

Societal harm caused by the new self contained motor vehicles legislation. With change there always consequences. While some changes are positive and beneficial sometimes consequences cause a degree of harm.

What you need to know if you are currently self-contained, currently certified self-contained, planning to be self-contained, not self-contained, or wanting to freedom camp, now the law has changed.

NZ Lifestyle Camping supports a national network of more than 160 self-containment testing officers throughout NZ and is committed to supporting the NZ leisure camping industry.

Find business to help you with your camper or RV.

Hold on a minute, we are campers and have most of the items required to survive the first few days of an emergency without outside assistance.

We love our little caravan not just for holidays but for other emergency get-a-ways, should the situation call for it.

Who and how many are freedom camping?

From a small van to a large bus, there are thousands of commercially or home-built vehicles on our roads, providing travellers with all the necessary comforts of living, while they are also self contained.

Bylaws differ between regions of Aotearoa New Zealand, and do not exist in almost half of all council districts.
Bylaws are created by local authorities — regional and district councils — to manage public land and facilities.

As this magazine goes to print we are waiting to hear the government select committee’s recommendation on the bill introduced by Stuart Nash MP.

Here are the issues to consider with the major legislative change which is currently proposed and going through Select Committee hearings.

The Minister of Tourism the opened the speaking with gossip of buckets covered in gladwrap being used as toilets in motorhomes.

The problems and the solutions do not match.

The proposals, should they go ahead, will not achieve the outcome Nash intends and they are not workable. There is no identified benefit to any sector of the NZ leisure camping industry or to local authorities.

If passed this legislation will affect ALL campers and the camping industry in New Zealand for many years to come

Self containment, RV service, building or modifications, gas, plumbing, electrics, and more.