Auckland Scouts Demand Action Against Freedom Campers’ Disruptions

Scouts in Auckland’s Herne Bay are confronting increasing disruptions caused by freedom campers, leading to serious concerns about public hygiene and safety. The Hawke Sea Scouts group leader, Reuben Jackson, reported that the group’s hall, located on West End Road near Cox’s Bay Reserve, has faced significant challenges over the past few years. Freedom campers are taking up car parking spaces, and some have been observed engaging in inappropriate and unsanitary behavior.

The car park designated for freedom camping includes three specific spots. Despite this, Jackson noted that campers often occupy all available spaces, making it difficult for families with young children to drop off and pick up their kids. Children as young as six are affected, as parents are forced to park further away due to the lack of accessible spaces.

Jackson expressed his frustration at the situation, stating, “I have seen campers urinating in broad daylight and leaving rubbish in the carpark.” He added that security cameras have recorded campers defecating behind the scout hall. Though Jackson himself has not encountered any messes, he mentioned that other leaders have had to deal with cleaning up waste.

The safety of children visiting the hall has become a primary concern. Jackson highlighted a recent incident involving a man facing court for an indecent act in the carpark, amplifying his worries about the environment in which children are left to navigate alone.

In addressing the issue, Jackson has reached out to Auckland Council multiple times, urging them to find alternative sites for freedom campers that do not impact the scout group’s activities. He referenced the relevant freedom camping bylaw, which he believes grants the council the authority to enact changes to protect public health and safety.

While the council does carry out enforcement measures, Jackson argues that these efforts are insufficient. “They ticket anyone who is sleeping in a non-designated car park at 6 a.m. However, this does nothing to make the car parks available for families during the evening,” he explained. “It doesn’t solve the issue of our youth being exposed to things they should not see.”

Jackson asserted that there are numerous other car parks in Auckland that could be better suited for freedom camping, especially those that remain unused in the evenings. He mentioned that on some nights, up to 20 vans could be seen parked in the area, indicating a high turnover of campers rather than a consistent group.

According to Jackson, most campers are generally respectful. “The tourists are usually fine when you talk to them and ask them to move, but I’ve had some New Zealanders who can be a bit more angry when you tell them to move.” He also highlighted issues of public urination, with toilets located just a couple of hundred meters away.

Auckland Council’s compliance manager, Adrian Wilson, acknowledged the concerns raised by Jackson and others regarding freedom camping at Cox’s Bay. He noted that in 2024, there were 21 complaints filed with the council, along with three complaints already this year. During that period, the council issued 80 infringements for breaches of the freedom camping bylaw.

Wilson clarified that under the current bylaw, a maximum of three freedom camping vehicles may stay overnight at any one time. These vehicles must be self-contained and can only occupy designated spots. Additionally, stays are limited to a maximum of one night within a two-week period, with vehicles required to vacate by 9 a.m.

The bylaw is up for review in 2026, during which the public will have the opportunity to submit feedback. Wilson confirmed that all restricted and prohibited sites would be assessed as part of this review process. Jackson has already made a submission in anticipation of the upcoming review, hoping it will lead to meaningful changes that will enhance safety for the scouts and the broader community.