Look, we all know that when nature calls, sometimes you just can’t wait. But in New Zealand, answering that call comes with a pretty wild legal loophole that’s causing quite the stink (pun absolutely intended).
The Law That Has Everyone Talking
In New Zealand, you can technically avoid a $200 fine for doing your business in public if you can prove you had a “reasonable explanation” for believing nobody was watching. Yes, you read that right. This is an actual law that exists in 2025.

The Great Debate
But now, this unique freedom is under scrutiny, and even the Prime Minister has been pulled into what might be the most awkward political debate ever.
The Responsible Campers Association Inc (RCAI), which oversees “freedom camping” (aka camping on public land for free), has some thoughts about how to make this situation less… messy.
The “50-Meter Rule”
Their solution? Just bury it 50 meters away from water sources and at least 15cm underground.

As Bob Osborne, the RCAI spokesman, told The Project hosts, “The thing that seems to offend most people now is seeing that visual aftermath of someone having done it.” (Because obviously, that’s the offensive part, right?)
The Prime Minister Has Thoughts
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern herself had to address this rather unusual controversy on national television.
With what we can only imagine was a straight face, she assured citizens, “There is no intention to change what I consider to be basic hygiene standards,” adding, “I can promise you there will not be people defecating in the streets.”

The Real Issue
This whole debate started because campers felt “targeted” by new rules requiring campervans to have built-in toilets.
The RCAI, which has been around since 2017, argues that it’s unfair to blame freedom campers for the country’s public poo problems.
As Osborne told The Guardian earlier this month, “There is no evidence linking any specific group to this undesirable practice which affects travellers every day all over New Zealand.”
While the RCAI suggests that burying evidence of nature’s call might be a good short-term fix, they’re pushing for what seems like an obviously better solution: more public toilets. Because sometimes the simplest answer is the right one.
Editor’s Note:
This article was sourced from original reporting by The Project and The Guardian.