Local support for Waimairi Beach freedom campers

Canadian freedom camper Nuala, who is currently taking a gap year, says it would be "pretty unfortunate". She and her friend Spencer have been exploring the South Island in a rental van.

"You could start in other places in New Zealand, but because so many rental companies start here, I feel like that could be a big problem not only for van lifers and people coming to see this country, but for businesses that are here."

Residents of Broadpark Rd made an impassioned plea to the Christchurch City Council last Wednesday, calling for a ban on freedom camping in the area. 

The council was presented with a petition of 866 signatures supporting the ban.

Spencer shared similar concerns to Nuala, fearing the ban might make matters worse.

"It could turn into more people finding sneaky ways of hiding, which would probably cause more problems than if it stayed legal."

The two also expressed frustration after receiving a $400 fine in Queenstown. 

“That was more maybe just like the street we were on, because there were lots of other campers there, [and] that could have been annoying.

“We think it’s just because people are annoyed by the campers everywhere," Spencer says.

“Especially in touristy places there’s gonna be a lot and that’s gonna be annoying for people, but it’s also like you live in such a beautiful place."

The pair have not heard anything more from the Queenstown Lakes District Council about their fine.

“We don’t know yet...it’s a long story." 

This experience highlights the challenges freedom campers face when navigating such bans.

At the Waimairi Surf Club car park next to the public toilets on Monday, around three freedom campers were parked. 

There was no sign of rubbish or public disturbance.

One local resident, David, has not had any issues with freedom campers and believes they benefit the local economy.

“We don’t have much to do with them at all.

“They’re spending money in the local community, and that’s what the community needs now. 

“We really don’t need people to moan and grizzle that there are people here spending money.”

David thinks camping at the beach is a great idea, especially since so many people enjoy the area. 

“Brighton is such a beautiful place, and it’s good they come here.”

However, David agrees it's not right for residents to pick up after the campers.

“They’ve got to take responsibility for cleaning up their own rubbish and bits and pieces.

"It’s a bit hard to allow neighbours and the people across the road to pick up all of the stuff.”

He’s seen instances where campers have left rubbish behind, which he acknowledges as an issue.

“They should take responsibility...it only takes one to ruin it for everybody else.” 

With increasing frustration from residents along Broadpark Rd, a potential ban on freedom campers seems more likely than not.