This page last modified 18 September 1998
October 1993. 'Public Access', No. 3
PANZ's 1993 pre-election tour
of New Zealand by spokesperson Bruce Mason proved an outstanding
success.
Bruce addressed 21 meetings between Dunedin and Auckland over
a six week period, having already addressed a meeting in Invercargill
a month earlier. Approximately 2500 people attended the meetings,
as did a large number of politicians eager to proclaim their support
for public access, and for the protection of the Queen's Chain
in particular.
Besides providing an avenue for airing PANZ's policies, the tour
resulted in ear-bashings for politicians when they were told by
audiences, in no uncertain terms, to stop meddling with the public
birthright and matters of national heritage.
As an on-going tour, access issues got on-going coverage in the
news media, much to the consternation of the Government. The Queen's
Chain quickly became an election issue, with the political parties
falling over themselves with policies for its protection and enhancement.
Other policy areas, for instance on the handling of Maori land
claims over public lands, saw significant developments.
The tour would not have been possible were in not for the considerable
efforts of many organisers and helpers. PANZ is greatly indebted
to them. Special thanks to those who provided accomodation and
hospitality for Bruce. PANZ would like to acknowledge the organisational
support provided by staff and councillors of Fish and Game Councils
throughout the country.
The following resolutions were carried at meetings--
Christchurch, 14 September 1993 :
Amendment to Bill of Rights
"That this meeting urge Public Access New Zealand to press for the right of free access to the Queen's Chain, as proclaimed by Queen Victoria, to be included in the Bill of Rights and that Public Access New Zealand petition the Queen for her support to ensure that Queen Victoria's wishes on this matter should be inviolate".
"That this meeting requests Public Access New Zealand to consider petitioning the Queen to reject applications for honours sought for those politicians and others who have jeopardised free public access to the Queen's Chain, Esplanades, Marginal Strips or other Public (Crown) Lands".
Masterton, 21 September 1993:
"THAT this meeting send to the Minister of Conservation the message that Government leave the Queen's Chain alone".
Nelson, 16 September 1993
"THAT this meeting conveys its concern regarding the Queen's Chain to the present and to prospective governments and demands that:
(a) The Government endorses for all time the right to a 'Queen's Chain' and vigilantly opposes any restrictions to public use of it.
(b) That a statutory right of access along a strip not less than 20m be granted adjacent to all rivers, lakes and the coast irrespective of land tenure.
(c) That the public's right of access over all road reserves be safeguarded by a statutory obligation to be placed on local and government road controlling authorities".
Wanganui, 23 September 1993
"That the meeting fully support public access and public ownership".