26 May 2005

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Federation Anticipates Confiscation of Maori Land

The Queen's Chain Ethos - Confirmed for Mid-Year

Public access legislation being considered by the Government could see private landholders obliged to allow private citizens limited access to their land. The Government intention to create pathways alongside significant waterways will directly affect rural people, who see this as a violation of property rights. This initiative opens landowners to risks such aso extra crime and pollution and adversely impact on their daily activities.

Labour MP, Ms Lesley Soper told a Federated Farmers political forum that compensation for affected farmers had not been ruled out, if legislation allowing public access to farmland went through parliament. It was indicated that it would be at least 2009 until the legislation could take effect.

The Government is advancing its access policy by allocating nearly $8 million over four years to the project. In defiance of landowner opposition to opening up public access to private land, the proposed 2005 Budget allocates $1.9 million a year for policy and development work. It has been indicated to media that this allocation of funds does not pre-empt the Governments decision to go ahead with the policy. Cabinet has still to decide whether to advance the project but this money had to be allocated in the event it did.