Dunedin's freedom camping policy will soon go out for public consultation, with hearings on May 17, to try to deal with issues before the Rugby World Cup.
The Dunedin City Council is attempting to deal with the problem of people freedom-camping in ecologically sensitive areas, and inappropriate disposal of human waste from vehicles without facilities.
A report to yesterday's council planning and environment committee detailed plans to lift a blanket ban on freedom campers outside camping grounds. The intention was to allow vans with toilet facilities on public land but ban vans without facilities, backed by fines of up to $1000.
However, following a workshop of community boards yesterday morning it was decided to allow freedom camping for up to two nights on designated council land for vans without facilities.
Cr Jinty MacTavish said last night the intention was to make those designated areas places with facilities for campers.
Crs MacTavish and Kate Wilson were appointed to hear public submissions, with a community boards representative to be added.
