Earlier this year, a pre-engagement process was conducted for the review of the Freedom Camping Bylaw. The consultation document has been finalised and Whāingaroa Ward Councillor Lisa Thomson says that it is now available for community feedback.
One of the proposed changes is related to Stewart Street. Currently prohibited, the recommendation is to amend it to a restricted area, allowing freedom camping between the hours of 7pm and 8am. This modification has been suggested due to the proximity of the Joyce Petchell Park public toilets, which would provide necessary facilities for campers during their stay. The James St Raglan Bowling Club car park and the entrance area to the wastewater treatment ponds are proposed to be designated as prohibited for freedom camping.
Earlier in June there was also a revision in the requirements for “self-contained” camper vehicles. The new proposal suggests that these vehicles must obtain official certification and be equipped with fixed toilets in order to comply with the bylaw.
“So it can’t just be a potty or something like that. That came into effect on the sixth of June. So it’s quite good that our consultation is happening now, after that’s been enacted,” said Lisa.
You can have your say on Freedom Camping by visiting this link: https://shape.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/freedomcamping (listen to the full interview below:) Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour Lisa has recently been on a councillor tour of different wastewater plants in the district visiting facilities at the likes of Te Kauwhata, Pukekohe and Meremere to see how bespoke systems meet the demands of different communities.
In Te Kauwhata they are installing a new Membrane Bio Reactor (MBR) – a special piece of technology that provides an ultrafiltration process to wastewater – which is the first of its kind in New Zealand. Over in Meremere, Lisa says that their brand-new wastewater treatment plant showed the entire process at a smaller scale. Lisa adds that the plants with the MBR technology installed are very effective at filtering wastewater.
“The wastewater person, Peter, actually turned on the tap and washed his hands with the treated wastewater,” said Lisa, explaining that because of the MBR technology at Meremere, the wastewater has been treated to a safe level.
“We haven’t got the same membrane reactor as the Meremere one has but it’s on its way,” said Lisa referring to Raglan’s wastewater plant which will have the MBR technology installed in the near future.
Lisa is also aware that the council’s relationship with Watercare has allowed knowledgeable and passionate people to get involved and provide high level advice around the council’s three waters’ services.
Lisa says that the council are currently advocating to the central government that Waikato be included in entity A, along with Auckland and Northland, under the Three Waters provisions so that they can leverage their existing relationship with Watercare – “which is working really well.” In Brief: Waikato District Council Mayoral Awards are open for nominations, contact Lisa if you have someone in mind that is deserving of the award.
Lisa, along with community board members Dennis Amoore and Ross Wallis have met to put the final touches on a community emergency response plan which will be the basis for recruiting a response team.
Discussions are happening around whether changes need to be made to the Te Uku recycling depot but the current 5-day a week service cost is now being covered A Mental Health Community Day is being planned for November – watch this space for more details.
The next Raglan Community Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, Jul 26, 2023 at the Town Hall Supper Room from 1.30pm. https://raglanradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Freedom%20Camping%20on%20Stewart%20St.png