SVEN HERSELMAN

Marlborough New Zealand Motor Caravan Association members Lawrence and Barbara Gledhill with their greatgranddaughter Delia Conner, 4, at the clubs Christmas party.

Freedom camping is a part of Kiwi life that is unlikely to stop but needs to be properly regulated and policed, says the president of a campervan group.

Marlborough New Zealand Motor Caravan Association president Kevin Addley said he had nothing against freedom camping so long as those using the allocated sites were sticking to the rules.

He said one of the benefits of being in the association was that all members had access to "park over" properties.

"We have an index of these properties around the country where you can camp at very reasonable prices. Being self contained is very important and is a requirement of being a member of the association," he said.

Freedom camping has been an ongoing issue in Marlborough, with campsite and holiday park owners upset after the Marlborough District Council last year opened a car park at Collins Memorial/Koromiko Reserve near Picton to freedom campers.

Last week, council announced that four further sites - A&P Park, the railway station, and the Wynen St car park in Blenheim and the High St car park in Picton - would be opened to freedom campers. The sites would operate on a trial-only basis during summer and would include strict conditions, including self-contained vehicles only, parking between 6pm and 9am, one night only and no hanging clothes.

Addley said he wasn't against the new sites, although he didn't think the site in Picton was a good idea because of its location.

"These places need to be properly policed by council."

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