07 Jul 2005

The Fight for Public Access Continues

The Government is planning another round of consultation due to increased pressure from farming lobby groups on its Queens Chain proposal. This is a familiar issue for Maori land owners, who have been subject to the Governments ‘take without compensation’ policy since the founding of the New Zealand Parliament and its supreme sovereign power.

The history of the New Zealand Governments use of this power to take land without compensation is now hitting mainstream New Zealanders. In response to a petition taken to Parliament in late June, the Government has decided to undertake another round of consultation with major stakeholders to seek greater consensus on a way forward in enhancing public access.

This was announced by Associate Rural Affairs Minister Jim Sutton announced the government is beginning another round of consultation among major stakeholders to seek greater consensus on a way forward in enhancing public access. The Government is still committed to achieving free, practical, and certain access to publicly owned rivers, lakes and beaches for all New Zealanders, however drafting complications has meant time is running short to initiate the Parliamentary process to make this law.

Federated Farmers has launched an initiative it says should solve the impasse between farmers and the government over land access by launching a Visitor Access Protocol to assist land owners manage visitors who want to access private land, and clarify the responsibilities of both owners and visitors.

The protocol was launched as the federation and supporters presented a petition with approximately 29,000 signatures to Parliament.

The protocol clearly sets out the understanding between land owners/managers and visitors. It also sets a benchmark of expectation on both parties. Obligations on land owners include that they must explain implications of possible hazards, such as unstable structures and aggressive animals, or the location of poison baits. Landowners may provide alternative routes if they are appropriate. To see the protocol go to Federated Farmers Website