Love our District? Help us promote the best in the West

Keen to spend your summer out and about, having a kōrero with visitors and having a laugh while doing it? We’ve got a role for you.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is on the hunt for four ambassadors to stop in at the 46 freedom camping spots in our District and share information with our visitors to ensure they can make the most of their stay.

Ambassadors will be able to answer any pātai that freedom campers have about the rules, or what to do in the District over the summer period, from December through to February 2024.

Council’s Compliance and Monitoring Manager, Dougal Elvin, says the ambassadors play a vital role over the warmer months.

“We want our freedom campers to feel welcome, and we want them to use our spaces responsibly, so they and their freedom camping neighbours have a memorable stay.

“There’s a lot to do in the Western Bay of Plenty, including enjoying our beautiful walks and beaches. Our ambassadors have all the knowledge our visitors might need, and we’ll be encouraging them to share this with the freedom campers they’re talking to.”

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council has 46 individual freedom camping sites to choose from, where freedom campers with self-contained vehicles can stay and enjoy the best the West can offer in terms of sun, sea and sand.

As part of educating freedom campers, our ambassadors will also be reminding people about fines for illegal activity, such as camping in prohibited areas. Since last summer, fines have increased, and could now set freedom campers not following the rules back around $800.

The teams of two will also be traversing our beaches to make sure four-legged friends are following the beach rules too during the summer period, and they'll be on streets around the District to answer any questions about nearest facilities. So, if you spot them, and you want to find something out, go and say “Kia ora!”.

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 Aotearoa New Zealand clean, drive carefully, be prepared, and show respect.

“These are all values our Western Bay whānau try to live each day, and our ambassadors will be walking the walk as they encourage our visitors to do the same,” adds Dougal.

Think you’re the right person for the job? Apply now at westernbay.govt.nz/careers. Applications close on 12 November 2023.