Messy camper bylaw considered

Freedom campers using West Coast bush areas as toilets have prompted local councils to consider a bylaw to deal with the problem.

Freedom campers stay in tents or campervans on public land, causing ongoing problems on the Coast with campers leaving a mess in the bush or on the roadside.

Te Runanga o Makaawhio upoko-tuarua (deputy leader) Richard Wallace said there had been a particular problem near its Bruce Bay marae.

"They have actually trampled down grass behind flax bushes and started using that (as a toilet)," Wallace said.

One camper had used a bush next to the marae gate as a toilet.

"When you've got to go, you've got to go; but it's where you go is the thing," Wallace said.

The problem worsened during the tourist season.

Westland District Mayor Maureen Pugh said a bylaw to deal with the problem was mooted at a meeting of the region's three district mayors last month.

"There's definitely a will to work on a common bylaw across the region, which makes good sense," she said.

A bylaw would be likely to restrict the areas where freedom campers could stop overnight, and would work alongside existing littering and parking laws.

Buller Mayor Pat McManus said it was important campers were aware that the districts were "singing from the same songsheet".

"People need to know when they are on the Coast there's a consistent policy. It does need some attention if we want to maintain our clean, green image."

Grey District chief executive officer Paul Pretorius said bylaw enforcement and penalties would be decided when it was formulated.

Brendon Pope, of Escape Rentals, said the company made every effort to ensure customers respected the environment.

"We tell them to assume nothing and ask a local. We explain the benefits of staying in commercial camping grounds, and do everything in our power to make sure customers know their obligations," he said.