This page last modified 18 September 1998
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A national campaign to preserve public rights of access to the
New Zealand countryside has been launched.
'Public Access New Zealand' spokesperson, angler and writer Mr.
Brian Turner of Dunedin, said that the Government appears to be
on the brink of privatisation of some national parks, conservation
areas and large sections of the high country. It is showing signs
of buckling under the pressure of Maori land claimants and commercial
interests, Mr. Turner said.
Ngai Tahu are claiming 'joint title' or shared ownership over
national parks and outright ownership of South Island pastoral
leases. The campaign believes that it is one matter for private
interests to make demands upon the Government. This happens all
the time. However it is an entirely different matter how Government
responds to such demands. "Perhaps in the euphoria of the
Sea Lord fisheries deal the Government has forgotten that the
Waitangi Tribunal did not support Ngai Tahu's claim over national
parks and most of the high country," Mr. Turner said.
Government also appears to be unaware that the public conservation
estate is held by Government under a duty of trust to present
and future generations. Government has not consulted the true
owners, the public, about the future of such areas and has no
mandate for using public lands for the settlement of land claims,
Mr. Turner said.
'Public Access New Zealand' believes that the Government is looking
at public lands as a convenient, less expensive means of settling
Maori claims. If Government were genuine in settling grievances
they would be better using commercial assets such as SOE's which
are already destined to be privatised. Productive state farms
and forests, etc., would provide a sounder economic base for settlement
of land grievances. Natural areas which are intended to be preserved
in perpetuity for recreation and conservation purposes are not
the place for private and commercial interests to hold sway.
Public Access New Zealand believes that loss of public ownership
and control will inevitably result in loss of public rights of
use. "We are far from convinced by government assurances
that 'covenants' and 'easements' on freehold or other titles are
the answer to protecting public access. One only needs to look
at the Property Law and Land Transfer Acts to see that covenants
have a total lack of security. They can be amended or extinguished
at any time."
Continued public ownership and control is essential to avoid inherent
conflicts of interest arising between private and public interests,
and to ensure direct political accountability for the management
of protected areas. It wouldn't matter if a new owner or co-owner
was the 'greenest' group in New Zealand. They are not answerable
to anyone but themselves.
It is the campaign's intention to act as a catalyst and focus
for all groups and individuals interested in public access. 'Public
Access New Zealand' intends maintaining momentum through to the
general election next year. We are determined that the politicians
will not be able to hide from the issues we raise, Mr. Turner
said.
If Government gets away with disposing of public treasures such
as parks and conservation areas there is nothing to stop privatisation
of everything else. Our beaches, rivers, coasts, the 'Queen's
Chain,' and public roads could be next. The campaign intends taking
an interest in all aspects of public access to the countryside
and water. It invites support from everyone no matter how they
use the outdoors for recreation. In this respect the campaign
is unique and should have wide appeal. Over a thousand organisations
and individuals have already been circulated nationally with resource
information.
If the public doesn't act now by bringing their concerns to the
attention of MP's and Ministers this generation will only have
themselves to blame for a monumental and irreversible loss of
New Zealand's outdoor heritage. New Zealanders from all walks
of life will be adversely affected. People can justifiably feel
angry with the breach of trust and injustices that Government
appears willing to foist on the community. The challenge is to
direct that anger purposefully at the authors of the threat, Mr.
Turner concluded.