Proposed changes to the Responsible Freedom Camping Bylaw
Grey District Council proposes updating its freedom-camping bylaw to reflect national self-containment rules and change camping hours, stay limits, temporary restrictions, mapped areas and enforcement provisions.
- Closing date
- 1 August 2026
- Added to Civics
- 24 July 2026
- Source category
- Local government
- Source body
- Grey District Council
- Last checked
- 24 July 2026
Closes in 7 days
Plain-English summary
Grey District Council is updating its Responsible Freedom Camping Bylaw to reflect the Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023 and change several local rules. The draft covers certified self-contained vehicles, regulated camping hours, stay limits, temporary closures, enforcement provisions and mapped camping areas.
The proposed night period is 7pm to 8am, replacing 8pm to 7am, and the standard stay limit would increase from two to three nights in any four-week period. Council would also gain clearer authority to temporarily close or restrict areas during events, seasonal pressure or where damage needs to be prevented. Maps at Moana and around Cobden would be updated to reflect land ownership and current infrastructure.
Submissions can be made through Have Your Say Grey or on a paper form from Council offices. Submitters can ask to speak in support of their feedback.
Why it matters
The bylaw determines where and for how long people may freedom camp on Council-controlled land.
Temporary restrictions could be used during events, seasonal pressure or when camping may damage an area.
Map changes affect designated areas at Moana and around the Cobden breakwater and bridge.
Who may care
- Freedom campers and campervan users
- Grey District residents, tourism operators and nearby businesses
- Environmental, recreation and community organisations
How to make a submission
- Read the draft bylaw, summary of proposal and maps on Have Your Say Grey.
- Submit online through Have Your Say Grey or use a paper submission form from Council offices.
- Indicate on the submission if you want to speak in support of it. Submissions close at 5pm on 1 August 2026.
Disclaimer
Civics.nz is an independent plain-English guide and is not an official government website. Always check the official source before making a submission.