Click here to read the Media Release:

Elected members will be asked to approve consultation on a new Responsible Camping Bylaw at a Council meeting on Thursday, 3 April.

The proposed new bylaw, which replaces the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2017, would regulate freedom camping in Nelson City. It takes into account a 2022 evaluation of the Nelson City Council Freedom Camping Bylaw 2017 and changes to the Government’s freedom camping legislation and regulations.

One of the key proposals in the new bylaw is to prohibit freedom camping at Kinzett Terrace, the Maitai Cricket Ground and Isel Park. Another key proposal is to increase capacity for freedom camping in the city centre.

Key proposed changes from the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2017 were developed following discussions with elected members in late 2024 and early engagement with key stakeholders, including iwi, police, local businesses, campground operators and the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association. These include:

Increasing self-contained capacity at central carparks: Buxton (20 carparks), Wakatu (21 carparks) and Montgomery (31 carparks, not permitted Friday and Saturday night).

Provide 10 carparks for non-self-contained vehicles at Buxton car park – identified as a suitable location due to its proximity to 24-hour public toilets and the city centre.

Freedom camping in self-contained vehicles would still be allowed at Wakapuaka Reserve (3 vehicles) and Queen Elizabeth II Drive Gardens.

In December 2023, the Government amended the Freedom Camping Act 2011 and the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006. The changes made at that time included restricting freedom camping to certified, self-contained vehicles, unless a bylaw explicitly permits non-self-contained vehicles, introduced stricter self-containment standards, which have the effect of making it harder for smaller vans to qualify, increased infringement fees, and excluded homeless individuals from the definition of freedom camping. A two-year transition period was introduced for vehicles to comply with the new standards, with a deadline set for June 2025, although this date remains under review.

Given the legislative changes, Council has determined a new bylaw is necessary to enable greater control over specific areas, by maintaining public access to these spaces while protecting the environment and the health and safety of visitors, as provided for under the Act.

If approved by elected members, the proposed bylaw will be released for public consultation in April, with a hearing in May and final decision expected in mid-2025.

To read the draft Responsible Camping Bylaw - click here
To read the Statement of Proposal for the Draft Responsible Camping Bylaw - click here
To view the Freedom Camping Site assessments - click here