Draft Freedom Camping Bylaw 2026

Buller District Council is consulting on the Draft Freedom Camping Bylaw 2026, and we would like to hear your thoughts on how freedom camping will be managed in the Buller District in the future.

The Freedom Camping Bylaw is being reviewed to ensure it remains consistent with the requirements of the Freedom Camping Act 2011 and continues to reflect local circumstances in Buller. The draft bylaw aims to balance the benefits of freedom camping with the need to protect the environment, maintain access to public spaces and take into account the impact on local communities.

As part of this review, Council has carefully assessed all areas where prohibitions on freedom camping are being considered. The bylaw applies to freedom camping on Council-controlled land in the Buller District, excluding reserves.

Please review the Draft Freedom Camping Bylaw and the Statement of Proposal. The Statement of Proposal outlines the content of the proposed Freedom Camping Bylaw, explains the review process, provides guidance on how to provide feedback, and outlines next steps. The assessment of prohibited sites provides background on each site where freedom camping is not allowed.

The Statement of Proposal, Draft Freedom Camping Bylaw 2026, current Freedom Camping Bylaw, submission forms and a copy of the prohibited site assessments are available on this page or can be viewed at Council’s offices in Westport or Reefton, Buller District Libraries, Ngakawau Community Centre, or Karamea Information Centre.

The community is invited to make submissions during the consultation period from Monday 9 November 2026 to 4:30 on Monday 14 December 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.

Giving feedback is one of the most powerful ways communities in New Zealand can shape local government decision-making.

Buller District Council is consulting on the Draft Freedom Camping Bylaw 2026, and we would like to hear your thoughts on how freedom camping will be managed in the Buller District in the future.

The Freedom Camping Bylaw is being reviewed to ensure it remains consistent with the requirements of the Freedom Camping Act 2011 and continues to reflect local circumstances in Buller. The draft bylaw aims to balance the benefits of freedom camping with the need to protect the environment, maintain access to public spaces and take into account the impact on local communities.

As part of this review, Council has carefully assessed all areas where prohibitions on freedom camping are being considered. The bylaw applies to freedom camping on Council-controlled land in the Buller District, excluding reserves.

Please review the Draft Freedom Camping Bylaw and the Statement of Proposal. The Statement of Proposal outlines the content of the proposed Freedom Camping Bylaw, explains the review process, provides guidance on how to provide feedback, and outlines next steps. The assessment of prohibited sites provides background on each site where freedom camping is not allowed.

The Statement of Proposal, Draft Freedom Camping Bylaw 2026, current Freedom Camping Bylaw, submission forms and a copy of the prohibited site assessments are available on this page or can be viewed at Council’s offices in Westport or Reefton, Buller District Libraries, Ngakawau Community Centre, or Karamea Information Centre.

The community is invited to make submissions during the consultation period from Monday 9 November 2026 to 4:30 on Monday 14 December 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.

Giving feedback is one of the most powerful ways communities in New Zealand can shape local government decision-making.

  • Submission form

    The community can give feedback using the online submission form. Making a submission will take 5 – 10 minutes depending on your feedback, and all questions, excluding your name, are optional. 

    The submission is from Monday 9 November to 4:30 pm, Monday 14 December 2026. Submissions received outside these dates and time will not be accepted.

    There are also other ways to have your say.

    • Download the submission form and fill it out.
    • Hand deliver your submission to Council’s offices in Westport or Reefton, Buller District Libraries, Ngakawau Community Centre, or Karamea Information Centre.
    • Email your submission to submissions@bdc.govt.nz with the subject Freedom Camping 2026.
    • Collect a paper submission form from Council’s offices in Westport or Reefton, Buller District Libraries, Ngakawau Community Centre, or Karamea Information Centre.
    • Post your submission to Buller District Council, PO Box 21, Westport 786


    Submissions are one of the most powerful ways communities in New Zealand can shape local government decision-making.


    Make a submission
Page last updated: 09 Nov 2026, 06:55 AM