The Southland District Council has decided to make no new changes to the Lumsden freedom camping bylaw.

At a council meeting last week the SDC had to choose whether to stick with the current bylaw or make amendments to it. The preferred option in October was that the SDC would only allow self-contained freedom camping in the Lumsden township for up to three nights in a 30-day period. 

However, the council obtained legal advice that found there would be an appreciable risk should they adopt that action as they did not specifically consult the community on an option more restrictive than the current bylaw provisions.

Mararoa-Waimea Ward councillor John Douglas said more signs had been put up around the town but had caused confusion, with visitors going in circles trying to figure out which areas they were allowed to camp in.

Mr Douglas said the topic was a polarising one in the community, and keeping the current bylaw would allow the council a bit more room to look into the issue further.

"Given the emotional nature of freedom camping and the way it has polarised the community, I think we need some breathing space."

Cr Douglas even invited his fellow councilors to Lumsden and encouraged them to have a walk around the town, see what the situation was like and talk to freedom campers to further understand the issue.

Southland District Mayor Gary Tong said a new government would give people another chance to look at the options around freedom camping.

"It's causing pressure on our visitors, it's about time central government stepped up.

"It's causing too much emotion on our communities," he said.

The council decided to stick with the current bylaw provisions but was also awaiting the outcome of national discussions regarding the issue.