Auckland Council is set to ensure a smoother summer for locals and visitors by stepping up its efforts to manage freedom camping.

Thanks to a substantial funding boost from the Ministry of Business, Employment, and Innovation (MBIE), the council is gearing up for a busy season with more resources at its disposal.

The MBIE's Freedom Camping Transition Fund, offering $10 million over two years to help councils adapt to new freedom camping regulations, has allocated $256,000 to Auckland Council.

This significant funding will enable the council to educate the public and ensure compliance with the rules around freedom camping.

Auckland Council's Compliance Manager, Adrian Wilson, expressed the importance of this funding, especially with the increasing challenges during the summer season.

He stated, "Callouts related to the nuisance caused by freedom campers place high pressure on the team over the summer period, and with drier weather predicted this year, we are gearing up for another busy season."

With the additional resources, Auckland Council plans to increase the number of staff responsible for proactive monitoring and patrols at prohibited and restricted sites, as well as areas known for anti-social behaviour.

From early December to late February, a dedicated team of ambassadors and compliance officers will visit popular summer locations in the region.

Their mission: is to educate visitors on the rules surrounding freedom camping and camping in vehicles.

In the evenings, they will conduct patrols in areas previously identified as hotspots for anti-social behaviour, aiming to reassure the public and educate rule-breakers.

Security officers and the New Zealand Police will support the ambassadors as needed.

Adrian Wilson emphasized that the initial approach will be educational, stating, "Our approach will be to provide education first, which could mean reminding campers of the rules around waste disposal, ensuring people aren't staying more than the maximum two nights in the same area, or reminding people of the many other campsites and holiday parks where they can legally stay."

While the council does have the option to issue trespass notices and infringement fines if necessary, they hope that people will voluntarily comply with the rules once made aware of them.

The ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone can enjoy the region's natural beauty without negatively impacting others or the environment.

MBIE Tourism Investment and Performance Manager, David Talbot, noted that the cost of addressing freedom camper issues has traditionally fallen on local ratepayers and taxpayers.

He emphasized that this funding is provided to help educate travellers and support councils in transitioning to the new Freedom Camping rules, with the aim of better managing Freedom Camping within local communities.

Freedom camping in Auckland comes with specific guidelines, and it is essential for campers to follow them.

These guidelines include using a certified self-contained vehicle, staying a maximum of two nights in the same road or off-road parking area, and vacating the parking space by 9 am on the day of departure.

Additionally, campers should not return to stay in the same area within a two-week period, comply with special rules for freedom camping on Waiheke Island, and avoid staying in prohibited areas or restricted zones.

Responsible waste disposal is also vital.

With this significant funding boost, Auckland Council is determined to make the summer season enjoyable for all while ensuring that freedom camping is managed effectively and responsibly throughout the region.