1 April 2020
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Freedom campers during COVID-19 lockdown
Enquiry
I am working on a story about freedom campers in Rotorua during the lockdown. I have indeed read your website update. These questions follow that up.
Can you please find out for me:
How well freedom campers have stuck to the rules, for example:
- not moving around to different campsites in the district (is this something the council can monitor anyway? is there any capacity for that?)
- not using shared facilities (when on council-owned land) - have those facilities, such as those at Motutara Sulphur Point, been closed?
- not self-isolating in non-self contained vehicles (is that something the council is monitoring?)
Generally, what is the level of compliance by freedom campers and their understanding of what is required?
Have any freedom campers been referred to accommodation suppliers by the council? In those cases, if they have occurred, is the council working with accommodation suppliers (such as MSD) or other agencies (such as the police) to make sure those campers do go into accommodation? If so, which?
I understand currently many of the freedom camping spots in Rotorua are empty. Does the council know why this is? Have they all been moved to alternate accommodation?
Response
From council's Sport, Recreation and Environment Manager Rob Pitkethley:
How well freedom campers have stuck to the rules, for example:
- not moving around to different campsites in the district (is this something the council can monitor anyway? is there any capacity for that?)
- not using shared facilities (when on council-owned land) - have those facilities, such as those at Motutara Sulphur Point, been closed?
- not self-isolating in non-self contained vehicles (is that something the council is monitoring?)
Monitoring of Freedom Camping sites over the Level 4 period has shown generally good compliance with national guidelines. Very few campers have been encountered as most appear to have either moved out of the district, to Holiday Parks, or taken up the Temporary Accommodation Services provided by MBIE. All of the Council facilities at our camping sites have been closed and monitoring by security contractors has shown the sites are not being used.
Generally, what is the level of compliance by freedom campers and their understanding of what is required?
As above and see also below from our COVID-19 page on RLC website
Parks and Recreation
Are parks, reserves and playgrounds still open?
Council is following the Government's directive to the public to stay at home as much as possible to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Because they are not essential services, all Council carparks, public facilities and playgrounds in parks, reserves, and other recreational areas are now closed. This includes carparks, public facilities and playgrounds in recreational spaces in the lakes and rural areas and in the Tokorangi (Redwoods) Forest and Whakarewarewa Forest.
Have any freedom campers been referred to accommodation suppliers by the council? In those cases, if they have occurred, is the council working with accommodation suppliers (such as MSD) or other agencies (such as the police) to make sure those campers do go into accommodation? If so, which?
Prior to the Level 4 restrictions Freedom Campers encountered were given information on how they could undergo the necessary self-isolation. This was provided in conjunction with the responsible agencies. Since the Level 4 restrictions have been in place the few campers encountered have also been given this information
I understand currently many of the freedom camping spots in Rotorua are empty. Does the council know why this is? Have they all been moved to alternate accommodation?
It appears that they have taken the advice given to them and used the other services available
