Did you know… that the owners of all privately owned vehicles used for freedom camping must be certified to the required self-containment standard by 7 June 2026.
Under the Freedom Camping Act 2011 and the Mackenzie District Responsible Freedom Camping Bylaw 2023, vehicles used for freedom camping must have a certificate of self-containment. Certificates are issued under section 87U of the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006.
The self-containment standard in the Freedom Camping Act 2011 was updated by an amendment to the Act in 2023 which provided a transitional period for vehicles to comply.
The period for hire vehicles to be certified to the standard has since elapsed, however the compliance period was extended for private vehicles to 7 June 2026.
The Plumbers, Gasfitters and drainlayers Board has published useful information on the requirements for private vehicle owners at pgdb.co.nz > Self-contained vehicles > Private vehicle owners.
Vehicle owners can visit the Self-Contained Motor Vehicles Register at nzscv.co.nz for further information and to search for a Certifying Authority by area.
Information on camping in Mackenzie District, including the Responsible Freedom Camping Bylaw 2023 can be found at mackenzie.govt.nz > Services > Parks, Venues and Recreation > Camping.