The Government's $8 million investment into freedom camping allowed for 'responsible reaction” following Friday's announcement in Rotorua.

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick says the decision tied in with the new tourism strategy focus on sustainability.

The additional freedom camping fund is aimed at primarily operating costs and such temporary facilities as showers and toilets.

Following what it terms the 'success of last summer”, the $8m is being made available to continue to deliver a better freedom camping system.

It would also encourage responsible camping across New Zealand, Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis announced at the Rotorua i-Site.

Not included were capital costs, for which the Tourism Infrastructure Fund would be responsible.

'This is part of the incremental change needed towards a better, more consistent system across the country and encouraging the concept of ‘responsible camping,” says Steve.

'It ties in with the new tourism strategy which has a focus on sustainability and that's about volume of visitors as well as environmental protection.”

It also helped relieve pressure in local government.

An ambassador programme was also an element the Rotorua District Council liked.

It's been working well in Rotorua in engaging with freedom campers.

'For the past two summers the council has engaged its security contractor to visit known freedom camping spots and speaking to people, moving them on where needed but providing information about where they can go.”

Rotorua is fortunate with many holiday parks and camp sites.

'We don't have as big a problem with freedom campers as some other places do, but responsible camping is definitely something we are working on locally.”

The council had a good model working in partnership with DOC and the community at Boyes Beach, Okareka, where the community looks after things and engages with campers.

The fees were returned to help pay for the upkeep of the area; the council recently obtained funds to improve facilities there, says Steve.