Posted by Matt Bebbington on 9th Aug 2024
64 Sandyford Street Christchurch
64 Sandyford Street Christchurch
Get your motorhome or caravan certified self-contained with the new green warrant system. Expert installation and certification in Christchurch for legal freedom camping across New Zealand.
All blue warrant certifications will no longer be valid after 7 June 2026. From this date, only vehicles with the new green warrant certification can legally freedom camp on local authority land, conservation areas, and other designated sites across New Zealand.
If you currently have a blue warrant, you can continue freedom camping until your warrant expires OR 7 June 2026 (whichever comes first). After this, you MUST obtain green warrant certification to freedom camp legally.
New penalty: Freedom camping without valid certification carries a $400 infringement fee, with fines up to $1,000 for repeated offences.
To experience the best of New Zealand through freedom camping, your RV must be certified self-contained under the new green warrant system. This certification proves your vehicle can operate independently for at least three days without external facilities or discharging waste into the environment.
Self-containment certification is now mandatory for freedom camping on local authority land, Department of Conservation land, NZTA land, and LINZ land throughout New Zealand. The new regulations, established under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers (Self-Contained Vehicles) Regulations 2023, ensure freedom camping remains sustainable while protecting our environment and communities.
At RV Solutions in Christchurch, we help motorhome and caravan owners meet all green warrant requirements, from initial upgrades and installations to full certification. We understand the regulations and can guide you through the entire process.
Your vehicle must meet all these requirements to receive certification
Most Important Change: Portable toilets NO LONGER qualify. Your vehicle must have a permanently installed fixed toilet.
Fresh water capacity sufficient for minimum 3 days based on certified occupancy (minimum 4L per person per day).
Grey and black water tanks must equal or exceed fresh water capacity for 3-day independence.
Working sink connected to wastewater system via proper water trap to prevent odours.
Adequate sealed storage for solid waste for the certified duration and occupancy.
Proper ventilation to maintain air quality and prevent moisture buildup inside the vehicle.
Your certification is based on the number of occupants your vehicle can accommodate. For example, a vehicle certified for 2 people must have:
Minimum Fresh Water: 24 litres (2 people × 4L per day × 3 days)
Minimum Wastewater: 24 litres (equal to or greater than fresh water)
Fixed Toilet: Adequate capacity for 2 people for 3 days
The certification process in 4 simple steps
If your RV doesn't currently meet requirements, we can install a fixed toilet, upgrade water tanks, add proper venting, and ensure all systems comply with regulations. Our Christchurch workshop handles complete installations.
Schedule your inspection with an approved Certification Authority in your region. You can find certified authorities in the national SCV Register at nzscv.co.nz. Inspection fees vary by provider.
A qualified Vehicle Inspector examines your RV to verify all systems meet requirements. If approved, you'll pay the $120 (inc GST) government SCV levy plus the inspector's fee.
You'll receive a self-containment certificate, green warrant card (displayed on windscreen), and green sticker (rear of vehicle). Your vehicle is added to the national register. Certification valid for 4 years.
Common questions about green warrant certification
All blue warrants become invalid after 7 June 2026, regardless of their original expiry date. You must obtain a green warrant to continue freedom camping. Your blue warrant is only valid until it expires OR 7 June 2026 (whichever comes first).
No. Portable toilets no longer qualify for green warrant certification. You must install a fixed toilet that is permanently secured in your vehicle. This is the most significant change in the new regulations.
Green warrant certification is valid for 4 years from the date of issue. However, if you modify your vehicle's plumbing, tanks, or toilet systems, you must get recertified immediately.
If your vehicle cannot be retrofitted to meet requirements, it will no longer qualify as self-contained for freedom camping. You can still use it at campgrounds and areas where self-containment isn't required.
With a valid green warrant, you can freedom camp on designated local authority land, Department of Conservation sites, and other public areas that allow self-contained vehicles. Always check local bylaws and signage.
Freedom camping without valid self-containment certification carries a $400 infringement fee. Repeated offences or serious violations can result in fines up to $1,000. Enforcement officers can verify your certification on the national register.
Yes, if you plan to freedom camp AND connect to shore power. EWOF (Electrical Warrant of Fitness) certifies your electrical system is safe. Green warrant certifies your waste and water systems meet self-containment requirements. They are separate certifications.
Yes. While NZMCA offers certification services to members, there are many approved Certification Authorities throughout New Zealand who can certify any vehicle. Find one in your region at nzscv.co.nz.
Whether you need a complete self-containment installation or just certification for an existing system, RV Solutions can help. We'll guide you through the requirements and ensure your motorhome or caravan is fully compliant for freedom camping across New Zealand.