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Schedule B - Thames additions to the Freedom
Camping Bylaw
TO
Thames-Coromandel District Council
FROM
Ben Day - Economic Development Manager
DATE
15 July 2012
SUBJECT
Schedule B additions (Thames) to the Freedom Camping Bylaw
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Purpose of Report
To add new locations to Schedule B of the TCDC Freedom Camping Bylaw in order for the
Thames township to be recognised as an NZMCA "Motorhome Friendly Town" and to drive
economic development for the town by increasing visitor nights and visitor spend.
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Background
Since the introduction of the Freedom Camping Bylaw in 2011, camping in self-contained
motorhomes has been permitted at two car parks at Danby Field in Thames, as permitted
under Schedule B of the Bylaw. Schedule B has worked well and Thames is definitely
benefitting from more campervans coming to Thames and parking overnight.
A key strategy to create more economic activity for the businesses of Thames is to support
and grow our tourism industry by creating product that expands our visitor season. One way
to do this, as recently identified by Council staff and Destination Coromandel is to allow
more freedom camping in Thames.
Another key tactic is to attain NZMCA "Motorhome Friendly Town" status to help change the
perception of the Coromandel, which at the moment is seen by many as very anti-camping.
The NZMCA have thousands of responsible members and this is an opportunity to continue
in partnership with that organisation and attract more of its members to the Peninsula.
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Issue
At its meeting in May, the Thames Community Board approved additional car parks at
Danby Field car park for use by self-contained motorhomes and now seeks Council
approval to amend Schedule B of the Freedom Camping Bylaw.
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Discussion
Location:
The Thames Community Board seeks to remove the two car parks currently available at
Danby Field and instead wishes to create a self-contained motorhome camping zone in the
middle parking bay on the western side of the park (see image below), which could cater for
10-15 average sized campervans.
The middle bay is currently under-utilised and is further away from the car parks used by
members of the Thames Community Band Hall at the northern end of the car park.
The car park is also close to public amenities, shops and the Information Centre.
Proposed rules:

Only self-contained vehicles that can show they comply with NZS 5465:2001 are
permitted

A maximum of two nights stay; site to be vacated by 9am

Persons must move at the request of an authorised officer
Enforcement:

Currently Bylaw Officers patrol schedule B locations on a daily basis during spring and
summer periods and 3 days a week during the winter and autumn months. Officers
will certainly respond to "RFS" call-outs on demand as well.
"Motorhome Friendly Town" Status:
If the Council approves this new location, an application will be submitted to the NZMCA to
seek "Motorhome Friendly Town" status for Thames, which will create positive economic
momentum for the town with the association's members.
The TCDC Economic Development Manager will also be bringing reports to the other
Community Boards in August and September presenting a similar opportunity and options
for Schedule B locations.
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Signage:
Signs will be erected to inform motorhome owners of the rules associated with the parking
spaces, which will also point people towards town, the Information Centre, the dumpstation, rubbish bins and potable water.
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Suggested Resolution(s)
That the Thames-Coromandel District Council:
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3.
Receives the report.
Removes the 2 camping parks at the northern end of Danby Field car park from
Schedule B of the Thames-Coromandel District Council Freedom Camping Bylaw.
Endorse the new self-contained motorhome camping zone located at the centre
parking bay at the Danby Field car park in Thames and associated rules, as additions
to Schedule B in the Thames-Coromandel District Council Freedom Camping Bylaw