Freedom Camping Hawke's Bay - Self Contained Only - $200 fine prevention

As I have heard several times that we backpackers in Napier have been fined $200 (for staying too long), I will explain the rules 'briefly'.

10 nights are allowed per calendar month.

But what is a calendar month?

'Calendar Month - a period from a specified day in one month to the day numerically corresponding to that day in the following month, less one.'

What do we understand? 'For example, if I arrive here on April 6, I can stay here 10 times until May 5. Then from May 6 to June 5, another 10 times. And so on, Jackpot! Then I can stay here 8 times, then go somewhere else and shortly before the next calendar month begins, stay here 2 more times, amazing!'

Unfortunately, not quite correct!

The calendar month does not start on the first day you start camping. The days shift. Sounds strange? Yes, but unfortunately that's how it is.

The said calendar month is a period of about 28 days, variable depending on the month. A calendar month is a period from one day in the month to the same day in the next month, minus one day. Clear so far. Now the twist:

The period is not fixed. It does NOT necessarily bind to the first day of the first night. An example:

I sleep the following nights in Napier.

1. 10/02

2. 17/02

3. 20/02

4. 21/02

5. 22/02

6. 25/02

7. 26/02

8. 06/03

9. 08/03

10. 09/03

A calendar month is complete and the next one begins, correct? Wrong! It continues as follows:

The first night is excluded because the 10 nights have been reached and the period from 10/02 to 09/03 is over. Therefore, the new calendar month begins on 17/02, which is our second night in Napier. Accordingly, the calendar month no longer goes from 10/02 to 09/03, but from 17/02 to 16/03. Basically, you can say that on the day you want to stay overnight in Napier, you simply subtract 30 days and see if you have already reached your 10 nights or not. Don't worry, a visual illustration is coming soon.

So when we think the month is over and the new one starts and we can stay here again, this happens:

10/02 is excluded!!

1. 17/02

2. 20/02

3. 21/02

4. 22/02

5. 25/02

6. 26/02

7. 06/03

8. 08/03

9. 09/03

10. 10/03

11. 11/03

Now there are more than 10 nights from 17/02 to 11/03. To be precise, 11 nights, one too many. And that's why we get fined. I have discussed with the Napier Council for a long time and tried to make them understand how confusing and misleading this unclear regulation is, but they block. You will be placed in front of a computer and can submit your complaint there. For me, this is almost criminal.

So, be careful about how long and where you stay in Napier, they will suck the money out of your pockets.

I hope I could explain it in a somewhat understandable way for everyone, otherwise I am available for answers. Don't rely on what anyone from the security tells you. I believe no one except one person in the council knows exactly what the rules are. If you're not sure, park somewhere else. Don't risk it, $200 is hefty.

In Hastings, there are 9 free campsites (for Self Contained only), on which you can stay for 2 nights every 4 weeks. You also won't receive a fine directly there. If the campsite in Hasting is relatively empty, you can almost stay here indefinitely without being asked to leave. So if you are working in the Hawke's Bay region and are here for a long time, I definitely recommend camping in Hastings. There is also a cheap campground (Te Awanga Holiday Park), where you pay $75 per person for one week. Just be careful where and for how long you park your van...