19 October 2023
Maurice Gerbinald
By email: [FYI request #24226 email]
Tēnā koe Maurice
INFORMATION REQUEST – Communication between TCC & MSD regarding
enforcement of Freedom Camping and & Homelessness exemption
We write in response to your email dated 25 September 2023 in which you requested the
following information:
I kindly request any communications between TCC and Ministry of Social
Development regarding the enforcement of Freedom Camping Act and the
homelessness exemption.
We have considered your request in accordance with the Local Government Official
Information and Meetings Act 1987 (“
LGOIMA”) and respond as follows:
The communication between Tauranga City Council and the Ministry of Social
Development (MSD) regarding the application of the Freedom Camping Act and
associated homelessness exemptions have mostly been limited to face-to-face and
telephone conversations.
A summary of these conversations is as follows:
As we do not provide housing services, we engage with the individuals
claiming to be homeless and request evidence that they meet this criteria.
This evidence is often a referral letter to MSD or other support agencies.
We have contacted MSD directly, with an individuals permission, to confirm if
they are waiting for emergency housing and/or receiving and other support in
order to move to appropriate residential accommodation.
While homelessness is a complex issue, we will continue to apply the Freedom
Camping Act 2011 fairly and consistently ensuring enforcement decisions are
considered on a case by case basis.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision.
Information about how to make a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz
or freephone 0800 802 602.
Tauranga City Council Private Bag 12022, Tauranga 3143, New Zealand +64 7 577 7000 [Tauranga City Council request email] www.tauranga.govt.nz
We may publish this response on our website as your request may be of interest to others.
All personal information will be removed and only the question and answers will be seen.
If you wish to discuss this decision with us, please feel free to contact the writer.
Ngā mihi
Kath Norris
Team Leader
Democracy Services
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