Summer camping season is nearly upon us, stay tidy – Editorial
Bookings are opening up for camping spots around the country.
As crowds surge towards our beautiful beaches and bush for the summer, most will do the right thing and keep it tidy for others.
Inevitably, however, there will be some who do not. That small group ruins it for everyone else.
It is not just the impact of trash on the environment, but also the negative perception it gives of people in these outdoor spaces.
For that reason, the term “freedom camper” has a negative connotation for many. One need only look at years of stories covering bad behaviour like open defecation and concerns from communities like those of Central Otago, Whanganui and the Western Bay of Plenty District.
That negative perception and the potential cost of keeping these spaces open for everyone to enjoy, even with just a handful of bad actors, are why some local authorities like Whanganui District Council decide to close off some beautiful locations to camping.
For the responsible holidaymakers this season, it is always a good idea to read up on the rules. That may seem obvious, but regions will have their own bylaws that even the most conscientious may not be aware of.
For the most part, these rules are in effect to aid public safety and protect the environment.
An example of how easily people can be tripped up when they aren’t familiar with the rules is the spike in fines for unlawful freedom camping across the Waikato, Thames‑Coromandel and Queenstown Lakes districts last summer.
Queenstown Lakes issued the largest share of these under its responsible camping bylaw, which was new at the time.
Campers aren’t the only ones who should be mindful and respectful.
Summer activities will also include more festivals and concerts being held in the great outdoors. Organisers do a great job for the most part in keeping these venues tidy, but those efforts would be helped by responsible attendees.
The impact when they aren’t could be seen on Gisborne’s Makauri Bush/Gray’s Bush in previous editions of Rhythm and Vines, with reports of RTD bottles, cardboard cartons, wine bottles full of urine, bongs and used condoms found in the native bush a couple of years ago. What festival staff couldn’t find was left to Department of Conservation staff and residents to clean up.
Everyone should remember to play their part in keeping things tidy when away from home this summer.
It makes those communities that host your holiday more likely to welcome you back next time.