Certified Self-Containment Certification & Upgrades

Are you ready for the new freedom camping rules? New Zealand’s self-containment regulations have completely changed. Under national law, the old blue self-containment warrants are officially no longer valid. From this point forward, only vehicles carrying the new green warrant certification are legally recognised as self-contained.  

At MJs RV Service Centre, we make navigating this transition simple. Whether your vehicle requires a plumbing retrofit to meet the strict green warrant standards or you just need an authorised inspection, our expert team in Waitākere is here to get you fully compliant and back on the road.

What are the New Freedom Camping Rules?

The way self-containment is monitored across New Zealand has completely shifted to clear up abuse of the old system. Here is exactly what the new regulations mean for you:

• The Blue System is Dead: The blue warrants and familiar blue stickers are a thing of the past. Displaying them on public land no longer grants self-contained status.

• A Shift Away from Stickers: Enforcement no longer relies on checking exterior stickers. Instead, the new system is built around an official national register and an authorised green warrant card that must be displayed visibly on your front windscreen or left-side window.  

• Where It Applies: You must have a green warrant to free camp on council-managed land or other government-owned property, such as Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) sites.  

• Where Can Uncertified Vehicles Stay? If your vehicle does not hold a valid green warrant, you will be restricted entirely to commercial campgrounds, private property, or public sites specifically set aside and designated for non-self-contained camping (which are limited and highly restricted). Camping in a self-contained zone without a green warrant risks a $400 instant infringement fine.  

• Fixed Toilets Only: To qualify for the new green warrant, your vehicle must feature a permanently fixed toilet that can be used and emptied inside the vehicle without removing the base. Portable toilets are completely banned under the new green standard.  

Are you an NZMCA Member? If you use a portable toilet or choose not to pay the government register levy, you may qualify for the NZMCA's internal "Yellow Warrant." This keeps you compliant with club rules to stay at NZMCA member parks and events, but it does not allow you to freedom camp on public council or LINZ land. For public freedom camping, the green warrant is mandatory.

How We Get You Ready?

Bringing your vehicle up to the new national standard doesn’t have to be stressful. We can inspect, modify, and finalise your certification right here in our workshop.

Step 1 - Initial Assessment & Consultation:

Get in touch with us to discuss your current setup. We'll check your tank sizes, venting, and toilet style to identify exactly what upgrades are needed to clear the green warrant hurdle.

Step 2 - Modifications & Upgrades:

If your caravan or motorhome needs modifications, our workshop team will handle everything - from installing permanently fixed cassette or composting toilets to upgrading freshwater and greywater storage (minimum 4L per person, per day for 3 days).

Step 3 - Official Inspection:

An authorised officer will thoroughly inspect your freshwater, wastewater, ventilation, and fixed toilet systems to ensure they comply flawlessly with the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Regulations.

Step 4 - National Register & Card Issue:

Once passed, we log your inspection details directly into the official New Zealand Self-Contained Motor Vehicles Register. After the government levy is processed, your official green warrant window card is issued, giving you total freedom to explore public land.

Don't risk a hefty fine on your next Kiwi road trip. Get your vehicle certified by our local experts at MJs RV Service Centre who know caravan and motorhome plumbing inside out.