To make compliance easier for motorhome owners, the Government has revised the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers (Self-Contained Vehicles) Regulations 2023. One of the key changes exempts campers with fixed cassette-type toilets from needing to install ventilation kits for freedom camping certification.
For campers to get the green warrant card, it is important for these fixed toilets to still be installed according to the manufacturer’s design and specifications. If your manufactured waterless/composting toilet comes with a ventilation kit, then that ventilation kit must still be installed. The amendment merely removes the blanket requirement for ventilation kits, easing the burden on those with cassette-type systems.
Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act and New Certification Process
On June 7, 2023, the Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act came into effect. At the end of August 2023, the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) published the updated self-containment regulations.
From December 7, 2023 onwards, motor vehicle owners have the choice to certify their vehicles based on these regulations. In addition to a $120 government levy, there is an inspection fee required for the certification. Vehicles certified with a blue warrant card under the older NZS 5465 standard can continue to use this certification for freedom camping until June 7, 2025. Starting June 7, 2024, vehicles must pass inspection and display a green warrant card to be certified.
NZMCA’s Interim Approach to the New Regulations
From October 2024, New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) will act as a Certification Authority. The government’s amendment to self-containment regulations directly impacted 90% of NZMCA members’ vehicles, specifically those with fixed cassette-type toilets, which now no longer need the ventilation kits.
Approximately 10% of NZMCA members own vehicles with portable toilets, which cannot be certified under the new regulations. In response, the NZMCA has created a new certification system, offering yellow warrant cards to accommodate these members. This parallel system ensures that those who do not plan to freedom camp or seek green warrant certification can still participate in the club under this alternative standard.
You can read the legislation here: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2023/0217/latest/whole.html
