This page last modified 5 October 2003
Public Access New Zealand (PANZ) gained national prominence through a well-supported campaign to protect Queen's Chain public access along river banks, lake and sea shores during the lead-up to the 1993 New Zealand general election. PANZ is the leading advocate for the 'Queen's Chain'.
We are also very active in advancing tenure reform and public access in the South Island high country (leasehold rangelands) and opposing mass freeholding of these Crown lands.
Other activities includes scrutiny of the management of the public conservation estate (national parks, reserves, conservation areas, etc.) by the Department of Conservation.
We have a particular interest in the defence of rights of passage along public roads (both formed and unformed).
Government responses to Maori claims to public lands and other natural resources are scrutinised for their validity and effect on public recreation.
A major effort goes into reviewing proposed legislative changes, and lobbying.
As our national priorities and resources allow, we assist PANZ Supporters with resolving local access problems.
We publish newsletters, monographs, and campaign alerts.Our main publishing media is the Web www.PublicAccessNewZealand.org
We frequently issue news media releases.
We are an incorporated charitable trust.
Approximately 120 organisations and 500 individuals support PANZ. This is equivalent to approximately 150,000 people.
Despite our numerical support, we are an underfunded, bare-bones organisation. If you think we are a worthwhile enterprise, we need your support to ensure that our work continues.