Freedom camping location changes pegged out for Golden Bay

Friday, 16 October 2020

Overcrowding in January at the Waitapu Bridge freedom camping site in Golden Bay. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is taking over control of the site and intends to manage it jointly with Manawhenua ki Mohua.

Controversial Golden Bay freedom camping sites at Waitapu Bridge and Taupata may need to come off visitors’ itineraries this summer while a spot at the former Rototai tip could be added.

Tasman District councillors on Thursday agreed to consult on a proposal to remove Waitapu Bridge and Taupata from the council’s Freedom Camping Bylaw and add the site at Rototai.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is taking over control of the popular and – at times – overcrowded Waitapu Bridge site, which is alongside State Highway 60 near Takaka.

A transport agency spokesman said Waka Kotahi intended to manage the site jointly with Manawhenua ki Mohua, which is an iwi-mandated organisation representing Ngāti Tama, Te Ātiawa and Ngāti Rārua in Golden Bay.

Freedom campers may have to change their itineraries in Golden Bay if proposed changes to the council’s bylaw are adopted.

**READ MORE:

Ron Eckman, of Forest & Bird, explains to some freedom campers in 2019 why they must stay off the beach at high tide near the Taupata Gravel Reserve site.

* Tasman District Council to review Freedom Camping Bylaw in time for summer

* Ban freedom camping in Golden Bay says community board

Travellers love it but locals aren't quite so enamoured by the freedom camping site at Waitapu Bridge in Golden Bay. This video was first published in January 2019.

* Iwi urges closure of popular Golden Bay freedom camping site

“Waka Kotahi acknowledges that this site is culturally significant and wishes to work with Manawhenua ki Mohua to look after the site,” the spokesman said. “Both Waka Kotahi and Manawhenua ki Mohua are committed to engaging with the community. When these discussions with the local community are complete, we will be able to provide further details on how the site will be managed in the future.”

The Rototai estuary, with a proposed freedom camp in the distance.

Manawhenua ki Mohua passed a motion to support a planned request in February by the Golden Bay Community Board to prohibit freedom camping at Waitapu Bridge.

In a letter, the organisation at the time said Waitapu was “wāhi tapu – a sacred place for Manawhenua ki Mohua”.

“Waitapu is culturally significant as both wai (water) and whenua (land) sustained tūpuna (ancestors) traditions and practices for generations. Therefore, protecting the integrity of Waitapu is paramount.”

The call by the community board was for a ban on freedom camping for all of Golden Bay, expect for the Motupipi car park site in Takaka. It came after concern was raised by members of the Golden Bay community including iwi about the site at Waitapu Bridge.

Calls were also made to prohibit freedom camping at Taupata Gravel Reserve, near Pūponga, which is a high-tide roosting area for birds including godwits, South Island pied oystercatchers, white-fronted terns and banded dotterels.

It is the second time the former Rototai tip site has been suggested as a freedom camping spot. A similar proposal in 2017 was opposed by some members of the community.

“Given the lack of alternative council land, it is felt that an area of this land is still the best option,” says a staff report. “It is intended to make spaces for a maximum of 60 vehicles.”

A suggestion by council staff to include for consultation another site at the Collingwood Gravel Reserve near the Aorere River bridge was removed by councillors, following a recommendation from the Golden Bay Community Board.

At its meeting on Tuesday, the community board members agreed the Aorere River bridge site was in the “wrong location, a flood risk and in conflict with other users”.

Consultation on the proposed amendments to the bylaw is due to begin on Friday with November 16 as the closing date for submissions. A hearing and deliberations are due to be held later in November with the hearing panel’s recommendations scheduled to go to the full council on December 3.