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Hā​wera LibraryPlus, isite and AA relocated

Hāwera LibraryPlus, isite and AA services are now located at Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga, the new building on the corners of High and Regent streets, Hāwera.

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Freedom Camping

Hōpuni kore utu

The South Taranaki District is a beautiful part of the country and a great place to explore. South Taranaki District Council hopes you take time to enjoy the spectacular scenery, get to know the friendly locals and experience all it has to offer.

While we’re a camping-friendly district, we support responsible camping and encourage the use of commercial camping grounds, Department of Conservation camping areas and our own designated areas.

Click here to download the handy Freedom Camping Brochure, a one-stop shop for all Freedom Camping areas on Council land within the District.

Our Freedom Camping Bylaw (2016) was designed to protect our natural environment and ensure sustainability. We allow self-contained and non-self-contained camping in different areas around the district.

Freedom Camping Changes

The rules for freedom camping in New Zealand have changed and the Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023 is now law. The following key changes now take effect:

  • Vehicles with a portable toilet are no longer able to be certified self-contained.
  • The original infringement fee of $200 has been increased to $400. Many of the fees will increase further when regulations come into force. New infringement offences are also in place.
  • From 7 December 2024, all rental vehicles will need a green warrant to be certified self-contained under the new requirements.
  • From 7 June 2025, all vehicles will need a green warrant to be certified self-contained under the new requirements.

Further information on the freedom camping changes can be found on the MBIE website.

Featured

Freedom Camping Ambassadors

We actively enforce our bylaw over the summer months with Freedom Camping Ambassadors who check in on the sites regularly to ensure the rules are being upheld. If there are any serious offences taking place, you could be fined.

Chris - Eltham/Kaponga area

Phil - Pātea area

Rodney - Pātea area

Doug - Waverley area

Sandra - Ōpunakē

Dion - Ōpunakē

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