Waikato District Council is considering a freedom camping ban for James Street, Raglan.
The proposed change to the Freedom Camping Bylaw would mean that freedom camping would not be allowed anywhere along James Street.
Council is looking at this now, after freedom camping and antisocial behaviours were identified as ongoing issues on James Street during the Alcohol Control Bylaw process, says Customer Services Acting General Manager, Imelda Bolton.
As a result of the feedback from submitters during the Alcohol Control Bylaw process, Council chose to prohibit alcohol from being consumed on James Street, including consumption inside a self-contained vehicle. The changes to the Alcohol Control Bylaw 2020 were adopted in August 2025.
“Based on ongoing community feedback, Council is considering amending the Freedom Camping Bylaw to include a ban on James Street and we are now asking the community to give their feedback.”
Since the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2023 was developed, Council has continued to receive community feedback and complaints about freedom camping and the associated antisocial behaviour that occurs on James Street.
Issues include alcohol consumption, loud music and noise disturbances, public urination and defecation near residential properties and community facilities, and campers setting up washing lines and cooking on grass berms for days at a time. There are also concerns about the ongoing disruption and impact to Bryant Retreat for women.
The amendment to the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2023 will align with, rather than duplicate, the alcohol control guidelines specified in the Alcohol Control Bylaw, says Bolton.
Freedom camping is allowed in some other parts of Raglan. The Freedom Camping Bylaw 2023 is not legally required to be reviewed until 2028, and Council is not inviting feedback on other aspects of the Freedom Camping Bylaw as part of this consultation.
Under Section 10(3) of the Freedom Camping Act 2011 Council can prohibit or restrict freedom camping to protect the area, protect access to the area, or to protect the health and safety of people who may visit the area.
“We’re seeking feedback from the community to help inform the final decision”, says Bolton. “The extent of the prohibited area in the Raglan CBD may be increased or decreased based on the feedback received through this submission process.”
To give feedback, go to www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/say-it. Consultation closes on 14 November 2025.
