Certified Self Contained Motorhome : NZS 5465:2001

In 2011 the New Zealand Parliament passed the Freedom Camping Act,[1] which gives local councils and authorities the power to ban freedom camping in some, but not all, areas. The Act does not include Certified Self Containment even tho attempts were made to include it. The reasoning is because the Standard is only applicable to a minority of Freedom campers as determined by the Act.

In places where freedom camping is permitted, local councils may only allow vehicles that are certified as self-contained to camp there, though generally that breaches Bill of Rights requirements. The New Zealand Parliament introduced the act because some tourists disposed of human waste inappropriately where they were camping. Unfortunately placing the emphais on the camping vehicle rather than the persons has been found wanting. After all you can not teach a non-person object to be responsible. [2]

Motorhomes, campervans or caravans have to undertake an inspection and the vehicle has to meet the New Zealand Standard NZS 5465:2001 in order to become certified. Being "certified"self-contained requires having the equipment on board to remove any waste generated in a freedom camping designated area for a period of 3 days therefore alienating the majority of Freedom campers as well as locals wanting a night at the local beach. 

For many simply being 'self contained' without certification is sufficient - that being the simple ability to retain waste until proper facilities for disposal are available.  .[3] Inspections are made by Plumbers and some RV businesses. .<ref>{{cite web

New Zealand's camping rules are monitored by the local authorities and fines can be levied for camping in an area where it is prohibited. As of May 2020 only 1/4 (25%) of NZ Councils require Certified self containment.

In 2020 the Self Containment Standard and it use by Private organizations came under Investigation by MBIE, Ombudsman as well as Netsafe. At the time of editing the outcome of those investigations is waited on.

References
  1. "Freedom Camping Act 2011". Legislation.govt.nz. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  2. "Freedom camping and caravan self containment - Ministry for the Environment". Mfe.govt.nz. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  3. "New Zealand's Freedom Camping and Self-Containment Rules". Trademycampervan.co.nz. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
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