WDC has appointed an ambassador to educate freedom campers.
THERE has been a new face meeting and greeting visitors to the King Country this summer.
She is Freedom Camping Ambassador Saskia Lagocki.
The Waitomo District Council employee is funded through central government’s MBIE Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
Waitomo District Council strategy and environment general manager Alex Bell said over previous summers there had been issues with people camping in prohibited areas.
This was especially problematic for places like Kiritehere Reserve as it was a significant site for local mana whenua.
“The ambassador is focusing on tourism hot spots in the district, travelling to coastal spots from Taharoa to Mōkau, and inland to Benneydale and Waitomo Village,” Alex said.
“Saskia is travelling the district this summer to educate travellers on where they should and shouldn’t be camping under our Freedom Camping Bylaw.
“The funding covers all aspects of this project including wages, fuel and vehicle costs, production and printing of educational brochures.
“We’re really pleased to have someone on the ground to educate visitors about our Freedom Camping Bylaw.”
Saskia’s employment was a one-off for the summer period, entailing two to three days’ work a week.
