Saddle Hill Community Board chairman Scott Weatherall said residents had expressed frustration at Braid’s Hill Reserve, Brighton Surf Club Domain and various lay-bys from Brighton to Taieri Mouth being used by freedom campers. ‘‘During the summer months, there can be 12 to 15 campers a night at every lay-by.’’There was also ‘‘significant kick-back’’ over freedom campers using Braid’s Hill Reserve and Brighton Surf Club Domain. Freedom campers in non-self-contained vehicles can only camp at two designated sites — Warrington Domain and Ocean View Recreation Reserve. The freedom camping scene was constantly evolving, and council staff were always looking at how sites were managed around the city. Data was beginning to come in on freedom campers this season, and was showing ‘‘steady growth’’ so far, he said.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 14, 2019 14:26 UTC