This page last modified 17 September 1999
Public Roads Guide: Index & Intro
(Adapted from 'A
New Zealand Country Code'
published by the Nature Conservation Council)
Reproduction of this code, or
an abbreviated version, in any promotional material and pamphlets
would do much to nullify any criticism of irresponsible actions
on your part as a promoter of public ways. It has been drawn up
to provide some simple guide-lines to help keep the countryside
a pleasant place to live and to recreate.
Respect the country way of life
Many peoples' livelihoods depend on their use of rural holdings.
As far as possible try to fit in with farming operations. Often
the farmer must leave their belongings in the open and the public
are on trust. Courtesy requires that you ask permission before
crossing private property, particularly with a gun or dog. The
law deems you to be a trespasser if found on private property
and are warned off. Avoid entry into obviously private areas--respect
the occupant's privacy--their spatial requirements are generally
greater than is the case in town. Do not walk through crops; walk
around. Try to assist animals in difficulty, and if you cannot,
tell the owner if known, or inform a neighbour.
Use of public ways
Although you are legally entitled to travel along public roads
without requiring the consent of anyone, you should remain mindful
of the limitations.
Your right of use is confined to the legal alignment of the road.
As many fences do not always follow the legal boundaries, or are
absent, you cannot necessarily be assured from features on the
ground what the true alignment is. Legal road widths are variable
too, ranging from one chain (20 metres) down. To be certain stick
to obvious formations or to the line of markers and signs where
provided.
When walking along public roads used by vehicles, where there
is good visibility, keep to the right-hand side of the road facing
oncoming traffic.
Leave gates as you find them
Leaving open a gate closed by the farmer can cause great damage
to the management of stock and pasture, entailing extra work and
inconvenience as well as loss of good-will. Closing a gate which
has been left open may deprive animals of food and water. Leave
gates as you find them, unless you have good reason to believe
that someone else has been careless.
Avoid damaging fences
Fences are expensive assets, easily damaged. Do not climb over
them if there is a gate or stile anywhere near. Go between wires
rather than over if possible--this avoids scraping galvanising
off the wires and shortening the life of the fence. If you must
climb over do so at strainer posts where there is a stay to stand
on or where the wires are tied off. Where no strainer is near,
the safest and least damaging method is for you to put your foot
on the wire hard against a post (not a batten) on the uphill side.
If you have to climb over a gate do so at the hinge end.
Keep dogs under proper control
Your 'harmless' pet can become a sheep or wildlife killer if left
uncontrolled even for a short time. Leave your dog at home during
lambing or calving. Keep your dog on a leash, unless you are confident
you can keep it under control. It is your legal responsibility
to keep your dog off private property and to not allow it to worry
stock or humans. Dogs are prohibited from wildlife reserves and
other conservation lands.
Leave no litter
Carry home all potential rubbish--litter spoils the enjoyment
of visitors and annoys those who live there. It can also be dangerous.
Since litter generates litter, why not be public spirited and
remove any other rubbish left on the site?
Take no risks with fire
Obey all fire notices and restrictions. Cigarettes and matches
are hazards at any time. Do not light cooking fires without the
permission of the landowner--you need this consent for camping
anyhow. Completely douse camp-fires with water before you leave.
Plantations, crops, gorse, dry grass, scrub, coastal vegetation,
driftwood and wildlife areas are special risks. Never light a
fire in a risk area under windy conditions, when sparks may fly,
and never leave a fire or barbecue unattended--always have ample
water on hand. Portable stoves are more convenient than fires,
and generally safer.
Protect plants and animals
Ferns, flowers and trees give more pleasure to more people if
left to grow. This is particularly important beside roads, tracks,
and picnic places. Breeding areas for wildlife are particularly
vulnerable to damaging disturbance--remember that wildlife, like
human residents, need privacy and respect. Binoculars are a better
alternative for viewing wildlife than approaching too closely.