The mayor of Westland District says there's still plenty of scope for people to camp responsibly in the area, despite its Freedom Camping bylaw.
The Motor Caravan Association is filing papers in the High Court at Greymouth today in a bid to quash the bylaw, which it says is overly restrictive and in breach of the Freedom Camping Act.
Maureen Pugh says the ban on freedom camping within one kilometre of townships and settlements was put in place because some campers were spoiling the pristine environment.
She says there was a huge amount of not only litter, but human waste, which was most concerning.
Ms Pugh says it's a shame the caravan association has chosen to challenge individual councils over their bylaws after years of consultation.
