Housekeeping 11: Sitting Week 7-9 June 2011

Appropriation (2011/12 Estimates) Bill

ACT is required to support this Bill (better known as Budget 2011) under the terms of our Confidence and Supply Agreement.

 ACT has agreed to support this Bill.


Freedom Camping Bill

The intention of the Bill is to minimise negative effects of freedom camping. There are two areas of behaviour addressed; camping in unsuitable areas, and campers leaving waste.

The Bill creates an offence of freedom camping in an area where it is not permitted and an offence in relation to depositing human or other waste on local authority or conservation land. The Bill allows local authorities to make bylaws specifying where freedom camping is prohibited or restricted and the conditions of any restriction.

Currently local authorities have difficulty imposing fines as fines cannot be attached to vehicles, Councils have supported the Bill as it makes existing rules more enforceable. Freedom camping is generally permitted under the Bill unless prohibited through bylaws. The Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) supports the Bill’s intent but has concerns about the power the Bill gives to Councils to designate ‘no camping’ areas to campers with self-contained motorhomes.

ACT has agreed to support this Bill.