Armourguard’s compliance services

Freedom camping is a growing issue in many New Zealand regions. Although most freedom campers are respectful and doing what’s required of them, unfortunately that is not always the case. Typical problems include littering, illegal dumping, noise control, health nuisances, overcrowding in sensitive areas, and health & safety concerns for campers and members of the public alike.

While many freedom campers are domestic and international tourists who are travelling on a budget, they are not the only group. Increasingly it involves individuals or families experiencing housing insecurity (homelessness and private vehicle dwellers), seasonal workers between accommodation, and locals seeking short-term shelter.

Each group has different needs, behaviours, and levels of compliance and this requires a nuanced and compassionate approach from our officers.

Armourguard has freedom camping management contracts with several local councils around New Zealand, including local councils in Whangarei and New Plymouth.

What is involved in freedom camping security services?

Freedom camping security involves monitoring freedom camping hotspots in urban, coastal and rural areas. Although it varies by council, our officers typically do early morning and evening patrols during the peak season, signage audits, compliance checks, public engagement, and reporting. This involves identifying non-compliant campers, issuing warnings or infringements when appropriate, and educating visitors on permitted sites and responsible camping behaviours.

Freedom camping officers need more than just regulatory knowledge. They require strong interpersonal skills, local knowledge, conflict resolution training, and the ability to remain calm and professional in unpredictable settings. Officers often engage with people at dawn or late at night, in remote areas, and occasionally in emotionally charged situations. Navigating language barriers, tackling and recognising mental health, understanding diverse cultural practices, and managing safety are part of the job.

Scenarios can range from respectfully waking people parked overnight in a restricted area, to dealing with overflowing waste from campervans, to assisting vulnerable individuals sleeping rough in vehicles or tents.

How Armourguard adds value?

Armourguard brings a people-first approach to acting within the boundaries of the Freedom Camping Act 2011. However, education, consistency, and respect for cultural and social context takes precedent over enforcement, so officers adopt a flexible and empathetic approach whilst upholding the legal requirements.

Our team is also trained to de-escalate tensions and refer individuals to appropriate support services when necessary, making us more than just compliance officers, but an integral part of community wellbeing.

We also provide real-time reporting, photo evidence, and further analysis that supports future planning.

Case studies

Our freedom camping security work delivers excellent outcomes by combining education first with proactive engagement and enforcement secondary. Armourguard remains committed to supporting our council clients’ approach to managing freedom camping in a way that protects community amenity and supports public wellbeing.

Case Study – Whangarei District Council: Educating Overseas Tourists

Armourguard has been supporting the council’s freedom camping programme since 2019. Here is an example:

Educating Overseas Tourists: During a peak holiday weekend, Armourguard freedom camping officers encountered four campervans parked overnight at a prohibited coastal site. Instead of immediately issuing infringements, they engaged with the tourists, explained the local bylaw, provided maps to designated freedom camping areas, and conducted a follow-up check the next evening. All campers had relocated appropriately, and two left positive feedback through the council’s website. The interaction showed how education first encourages long-term compliance and left a positive feeling all round.