Freedom Camping means to camp (outside of a camping ground) within 200 m of an area accessible by motor vehicle, or within 200m of the mean low-water springs line of any sea or harbour, or on or within 200m of a formed road or a Great Walks Track, using a tent, temporary structure, or a motor vehicle. 

It does not include staying at a camping ground, temporary or short-term parking of a motor vehicle, day trips, resting or sleeping at the roadside to avoid driver fatigue, or people who are homeless and as a result need to sleep in their vehicle.

The Freedom Camping Act 2011 (the Act) defines freedom camping as staying for free in a vehicle or tent, within 200 metres of where you can drive, the coast or a Great Walks Track. More information about freedoom camping nationally can be viewed here: mbie.govt.nz/freedomcamping

The bylaw applies to land and roads controlled or managed by Matamata-Piako District Council, that are subject to the Freedom Camping Act. It does not apply to private land or Department of Conservation land.

In the Bylaw, Council have identified some areas that are not suitable for Freedom Camping, these are the prohibited areas. Council have also identified areas appropriate for Freedom Camping subject to restrictions. See this interactive map for more details.

This means a vehicle that meets the new requirements for self-containment. This has changed from the old system, and the major change is that vehicles must now have a fixed toilet to be certified self-contained.  More information about the changes made to the legislation can be viewed here: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/freedomcamping 

The Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023 came into force in June 2023. The legislation makes several changes to the Freedom Camping Act 2011. This includes the requirement for vehicle-based freedom campers to use a certified self-contained vehicle when they stay on council land, unless a council designates the site as suitable for non-self-contained vehicles. The changes also include:

• a new regulated system for the certification and registration of self-contained vehicles
• the requirement for vehicles to have a fixed toilet to be certified as self-contained
• strengthening of the infringement system with the introduction of a new tiered penalty system which entered into force in July 2023

The NZS 5465:2001 provides further requirements for a vehicle to be considered certified self contained

In our district there are only a few spots with 24hr toilet facilities, and unfortunately none of them are suitable for camping. e.g. in the middle of a parking lot, or side of the road.

The Bylaw leaves room to include appropriate non-self-contained areas if they become available in future.

Yes, privately owned land is not subject to the Freedom Camping Act 2011 or this bylaw (as long as you comply with any other rules/regulations which may apply). If it's a commercial operation, then please seek further guidance.

The Freedom Camping Bylaw does not apply to homelessness, that is managed by agencies outside the council who are able to provide support to those people.

Like the majority of Council’s other bylaws, this is largely enforced through signage and on a complaints basis. We will provide a list of areas appropriate for Freedom Camping and have accurate signage at each location - this is an enforcement tool in itself.

However, having a bylaw does give Council the ability to impose infringement fees and fines if people breach the bylaw or the Freedom Camping Act 2011. Fines start from $400 and you can see more information on the infringement offences from MBIE’s here.