New self-contained rules enforced 

With changes to freedom camping rules coming into effect next month, we’re sharing a reminder of what this means for our community.

On Tuesday 6 June 2023, the Government passed the  Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023. This law updated the rules for what counts as a self-contained vehicle and strengthened how freedom camping is managed across New Zealand.

To be certified as self-contained, vehicles must now have:

• a fixed toilet
• a water supply system
• a ventilation system

These changes help reduce environmental impacts and support councils to better manage freedom camping in their districts.

On 22 November 2023, Council adopted the Matamata-Piako District Council Freedom Camping Bylaw 2023, which came into force on 20 December 2023. This Bylaw balances supporting local tourism, while also protecting our parks, reserves and public spaces.

The Bylaw outlines where freedom camping is allowed and what rules apply in those areas - you can find more details about these on our Freedom Camping webpage.

What changes on 7 June

From Saturday 7 June 2026, the transition period to move vehicles over to the new self-contained rules ends.

This means:

• vehicles with the old “blue sticker” will no longer be recognised as self-contained
• all vehicles used for freedom camping must meet the new standards
• certification must be issued through the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board

You can check a vehicle’s certification on the Self-Contained Motor Vehicles Register, or learn more about the Freedom Camping changes here.

How this relates to people living in vehicles

We’re aware of ongoing concerns about people living in vehicles in parts of the district. These concerns often relate to littering, behaviour, and how long vehicles remain in one place.

It’s important to be clear that freedom camping rules do not apply to people experiencing homelessness. Under section 5(2A) of the Freedom Camping Act 2011, people who are homeless and living in vehicles or tents because they have no other accommodation are exempt from freedom camping infringement offences.

This position has also been confirmed by the House of Representatives with the following message, “Freedom camping is a recreational choice, while homelessness is typically involuntary. The exemption helps ensure that vulnerable people with complex needs are not being penalised for living in vehicles or tents as a result of barriers that prevent or inhibit access to safe and stable housing.”

This means as council we cannot use freedom camping rules or bylaws to move people on simply because they are homeless, even if they have been in one location for a long time.

What we can do

While the law limits how freedom camping rules apply, as council we can still act when there are specific issues, including:

• rubbish or waste left in public places
• public health risks, including human waste
• unregistered or unsafe vehicles
• blocked driveways, footpaths or roads
• uncontrolled dogs or animal welfare concerns
• abusive, threatening or criminal behaviour (with Police support where needed)

Each situation is assessed on a case-by-case basis, using the legal powers available.

What we can’t do

It might be helpful to know that as council we cannot:

• move people on solely because they are homeless
• enforce freedom camping time limits where there is no alternative accommodation
• confiscate vehicles without legal grounds
• force people into emergency housing
• trespass people from public roads unless legal criteria are met

Our approach

When these situations arise, we always try to engage with the people involved and connect them to support and housing services. We work closely alongside Police and other agencies, and take enforcement action only where the law allows.

We know this can be frustrating for residents. However, council must act within the law, even when situations are difficult.

If you see ongoing issues such as waste, safety concerns or aggressive behaviour, please continue to report them so we can assess and respond appropriately. An easy way to do that is through the Antenno app with as much detail included as possible.