Public notice of consultation on the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2026

06 Nov 2026

Buller District Council are commencing a consultative procedure to obtain community views on the Draft Freedom Camping Bylaw 2026, as required by the Freedom Camping Act 2011 under the Local Government Act 2002 Special Consultative Procedure.

The Freedom Camping Bylaw is being reviewed to ensure it remains consistent with the requirements of the Freedom Camping Act 2011 and continues to reflect local circumstances in Buller. The draft bylaw aims to balance the benefits of freedom camping with the need to protect the environment, maintain access to public spaces and take into account the impact on local communities. As part of this review, Council has carefully assessed all areas where prohibitions on freedom camping are being considered. The bylaw applies to freedom camping on Council-controlled land in the Buller District, excluding reserves.

Before the final Bylaw is adopted Council is seeking the views of the community and will consider any submissions expressing these views under the requirements of Section 83 (Special Consultative Procedure) of the Local Government Act 2002. After consideration of the submissions Council will decide on a final version of the Bylaw which will be adopted.

A Statement of Proposal has been prepared which summarises the review and the key changes proposed. The Statement of Proposal, Draft Freedom Camping Bylaw 2026, current Freedom Camping Bylaw, submission forms and a copy of the prohibited site assessments are available for inspection and may be obtained from the District Councils’ offices, libraries and on Council’s community engagement hub Let’s talk Buller.

Written submissions on the options are invited during the consultation period from Monday 9 November 2026 to 4:30 on Monday 14 December 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.

Submissions can be made online via Councils’ community engagement hub Let's talk Buller, delivered to Councils’ offices, emailed to submissions@bdc.govt.nz, or posted to Councils’ main office.

If you have any questions, please contact Buller District Council.

Submitters who wish to speak will be given the opportunity to address the Council in support of their submission at a hearing in February 2027.

Buller District Council, Chief Executive Officer, Simon Pickford