Election 2020: Green Party Says Days of Car Camping Anywhere Are Over

Freedom Camping is in the firing line of the Green Party’s tourism policy.

Spokesperson Eugenie Sage has highlighted the policy while kayaking at the Akaroa Harbor in Canterbury.

It’s a recurring theme, with party co-leader James Shaw diving in before announcing the party’s maritime policies.

Sage says they will invest in city councils to create designated vehicle camping spots so local communities aren’t so overwhelmed.

“We’ve seen an increase in people buying caravans and motorhomes. We want to make sure that they don’t overwhelm local communities because that undermines the spirit of hospitality.”

“The days of free camping, the big motorhomes that would stop and park anywhere, are gone.”

She said it’s about ensuring that RVs are encouraged to use local vacation parks and are designated areas for them to park.

It comes after the National Party announced that it is proposing a national framework for camping freedom as part of its tourism policy.

Camping freedom measures would include prohibiting campers without their own restrooms from parking more than 200 meters from public restrooms.

The party also said it would modernize the Conservation Law and the National Parks Law, and improve the collection of tourism data.

Meanwhile, Stuff reported that free camps will receive another $ 8 million boost this summer to prevent misbehavior in hot campsites.

Government grants to 45 city councils will cover the cost of providing trash and sanitation services, ambassadors to educate campers and enforcing the rules on the use of autonomous vehicles.

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Camping freedom is when you are camping on public land that is not a recognized campground or holiday park.

You can camp freely at the Department of Conservation and on local council land. Each council has different statutes; your vehicle may need to be autonomous.

Also discussed in Akaroa was a party push for Kiwis to continue exploring their own backyard after international borders are opened.

Sage said that local tourism reduces the climate impact of international air travel and supports the local population.

He said that protecting the tourism sector and building its resilience is about investing in domestic tourism.

The party also wants to invest more money in regional railways and safe cycling.

Sage also said she was glad that the Medical Association had changed its mind about cannabis.

The NZMA had openly opposed legalization, but backed down over the weekend after criticism from members. You are now taking a neutral position.

“I think it was very controversial that they opposed the referendum without consulting their members, so it is very good that they changed their position.”