Links Modular Solutions
Links Modular Solutions was a leading provider of high-quality, innovative software solutions for aquatic and recreation facilities. Links Modular Solutions is now part of Xplor Technologies.
read moreIndustry representatives, local government and other stakeholders in New Zealand tourism have agreed a united approach to managing freedom camping this summer.
At a meeting of the New Zealand Responsible Camping Forum, convened by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA), attendees agreed to continue with a range of measures to tackle issues associated with freedom camping.
Explaining the joint approach, TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts stated “as the tourism industry has grown, we have seen an increase in the number of freedom campers.
“Most campers – both New Zealanders and international visitors – obey the rules and act responsibly. The Forum does not tolerate the minority of travellers who cause problems.
“There is no single fix to the management of freedom camping. A strong regional focus, providing good information and adequate infrastructure, backed by enforcement measures, remains the best approach.”
Local Government New Zealand President Lawrence Yule agrees tourism infrastructure is a key piece of the puzzle but how it is funded is an issue for councils in tourist destinations, many of which are funded by a small ratepayer base.
Yule explained “the Government’s $12 million Regional Mid-sized Tourism Facilities Grant Fund for small tourism facilities is a good step in the right direction but we need to think about other ways of funding infrastructure.
“It is important that communities are not disproportionately burdened with the costs of building toilets and carparks.
“For both the industry and communities, tourism needs to be well funded and managed, and a concerted approach through the groups like the Forum to tackle these issues is necessary.”
The New Zealand Responsible Camping Forum was established in 2007 and brings together representatives from the tourism industry, rental vehicle operators, and central and local government.
At its latest meeting, Forum members agreed to commission research to better understand the extent of freedom camping. This follows government estimates that around 12,000 international visitors a year (0.4% of all international arrivals) use freedom camping as their main form of accommodation.
Roberts added “we need to know more about where they are staying, for how long, and why they choose to freedom camp. It would also be valuable to know what they are spending their money on.
“With better information, we can better understand their motivations and manage how campers behave.”
A particular target group this summer will be people travelling in privately-owned vehicles. While the major rental vehicle operators provide freedom camping information to their clients, the Forum wants to find ways of educating private vehicle owners in the behaviour expected of them.
Roberts believes social media is likely to be key in reaching this group, and the Forum is keen to implement a social media campaign over the summer, concluding “the central message to freedom campers continues to be ‘Assume nothing – always ask’ before deciding to freedom camp.
“Two apps – Camping NZ or Campermate – offer excellent information, while i-SITE Visitor Information Centres and Department of Conservation Visitor Centres can also help.”
Meanwhile, two campervan rental companies, thl and Jucy, are working with the Thames-Coromandel and Queenstown-Lakes District Councils to improve collection of freedom camping fines.
Under the three-month trial, the councils notify the campervan companies of fines within 24 hours. The companies can then remind their customers of the fine when they return the vehicles, and encourage them to pay promptly to avoid a possible administration fee. LGNZ says the scheme is running well and has potential to be rolled out further.
Image: Maui campervan (top) and Chris Roberts (below).
27th June 2016 - BIGGEST SUMMER EVER FORECAST FOR NEW ZEALAND HOLIDAY PARKS
5th May 2016 - COMMITMENT TO IMPROVE FREEDOM CAMPING MANAGEMENT
28th December 2015 - MAJOR INVESTMENTS IN NEW ZEALAND HOLIDAY PARKS
22nd December 2015 - NEW ZEALAND HOLIDAY PARKS PREDICT BUSIEST EVER HOLIDAY SEASON
11th October 2013 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEW ZEALAND WELCOMES PLAN FOR NEW ZEALAND TOURISM
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
Links Modular Solutions was a leading provider of high-quality, innovative software solutions for aquatic and recreation facilities. Links Modular Solutions is now part of Xplor Technologies.
read moreInterQuad (International Quadratics) With a combined legacy spanning over 150 years, International Quadratics (founded in 1976) and Pierce Pool Supplies (originally established in 1898 as A H…
read moreTurnstile Entry Systems and Access Control Centaman Entrance Controls’ Award Winning Range of Access Control Systems includes tripod & triarm turnstiles, speedgates, full height…
read moreABOUT Again Faster is a Brisbane based, Australian owned supplier of strength and conditioning and functional fitness equipment. With nearly 10 years experience in the Australian market, we are…
read morePathMinder Pty Ltd have partnered with AllUser Industries srl to bring Europe’s most advanced high security portals to the Australian and New Zealand markets. AllUser Industries started to…
read moreHadley Australia and Series Australia Pty Ltd are the leading quality theatre chair manufacturers in the southern hemisphere. The businesses work closely with architects, interior designers and…
read moreiDwala is the Community Sports Facility Specialist offering the highest quality designs and technical expertise to Councils, Schools and Sporting Clubs looking to create sporting…
read moreNow TPEC Pool Enclosures - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/tpec-pool-enclosures
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!