Are you a visitor to the western Bay of Plenty with a thirst for local knowledge?

If you are enjoying our freedom camping spots in the Western Bay these holidays, keep an eye out for our friendly Summer Ambassadors.

You might even score yourself a free drink bottle!

"Our Summer Ambassadors for this year are Jett Groshinski, Jerami Macdonald, Julian Scnippering and Monica Marescalchi," says a Western Bay of Plenty District Council spokesperson.

"And they are now out and about, travelling around our 46 freedom camping spots to provide support and advice.

"They will also be gathering information to help us plan ahead, so campers can have an even more enjoyable experience next year." 

Those who take part in the council's survey will be gifted a small token of thanks, a sustainable, stainless steel drink bottle to help keep them hydrated during their stay.

“Holidays are all about making memories. We want our freedom campers to feel welcome, and to have all the information they need to make the most of their stay in our beautiful District,” says Council’s Compliance and Monitoring Manager, Dougal Elvin.

“Our ambassadors will also be reminding people about changes in legislation, so they can do the right thing and continue to have a positive freedom camping experience.”

Since last summer, fines for illegal activity, such as camping in prohibited areas, have doubled to $800. And, within the next two years, all freedom camping vehicles will have to have self-contained toilets which are plumbed into the vehicle.

"The teams of two will also be traversing our beaches to make sure four-legged friends are following the beach rules during the summer period, and they'll be on streets around the district to answer any questions about nearest facilities," says Dougal.

“The ambassadors are there to provide advice on local amenities, while also guiding, educating and advising people on how to comply with the rules."

Jett Groshinski, an Arts and Commerce student at the University of Otago, applied for a Summer Ambassador role after a gap year of travelling around New Zealand in a camper van.

“I love developing relationships with people in the community and am really enjoying meeting a range of different people. Having stayed at various freedom camping spots around the country, I can really relate to what information is useful,” says Jett.

Jerami Macdonald, who has just finished his first year at Wintec in Hamilton, studying quantity surveying, is also enjoying getting out and about and meeting visitors from different parts of New Zealand, and overseas. 

“My girlfriend’s sister was one of the first ever people to do this job, and it sounded really interesting. I like talking to people and getting to know their stories. My mum is French, and I’m fluent in the language, which has surprised some of the campers!” says Jerami.

This is the fourth year Council has employed ambassadors. These roles align with the national promotion ‘The Tiaki Promise’ which aims to protect nature, keep New Zealand clean, drive carefully, be prepared, and show respect.

“We were looking for people with an easy-going nature, an interest in the outdoors and the ability to engage easily with people — but above all, we were seeking individuals who wanted to make a positive difference in the community,” says Dougal.

“Our Summer Ambassadors for 2023-24 are all these things, so if you see them out and about and you need some help, hit them up!”