Contestants had to write a 200-word essay about freedom, and create a piece of original, two-dimensional artwork that represents what freedom means to them.

Contrary to popular belief, freedom campers are not all young overseas tourists. There are thousands of New Zealanders of all ages and backgrounds living on the road all year round who routinely ...

The Freedom Camping Act 2011 () set out clearer conditions and definitions. It referred to camping in a tent or vehicle in a public space 200m off a road, coastline or hiking track.

There are also 14 designated freedom camping sites located in the Rodney, Franklin, and Hibiscus and Bays. However, these rules are inconsistent across the region and do not address all issues.

The Government is receiving submissions until November 1 on extending the freedom camping transitional period beyond June 2025 for privately owned, self-contained vehicles.

Whangarei District Council is expected to give the go ahead at a council meeting tomorrow to make the Camping in Public Places Bylaw, which will come into effect on October 21.