Jim Tucker: Dodging the issue of free-lodgingGRANT MATTHEW/Fairfax NZ Freedom campers park up near the mouth of the Waiwhakaiho River, in New Plymouth. OPINION: I'm vexed by the freedom camping thing - as were New Plymouth's district councillors, who caved somewhat on the issue of what to do about those who want to stay in Taranaki for free. The council's decision to do next-to-nothing is not surprising, because there is no simple (read: not expensive or draconian) answer. JOHN KIRK-ANDERSON/STUFF.CO.NZ Kiwi motorhomers Sharron and Chris King spend about 50 nights a year on the road and say freedom camping can be worth a lot to small towns. Should councils spend their ratepayers' cash on building bigger and better toilets and water supplies at places that are packed with fee-dodgers for a few weeks each year, while requiring campground proprietors to meet strict standards?

Source: Stuff December 27, 2017 21:38 UTC