Group formed to probe access to waterways

A new panel has been formed to lead consultation on improving access along waterways, says Associate Rural Affairs Minister Jim Sutton.

The panel, to be chaired by South Canterbury farmer John Acland, would consult affected parties to reach general agreement on what measures could be implemented to improve access to the publicly owned resources of water and fish, he said.

"The Government is still committed to certain free, practical and enduring public access along public water and public land of significance.

"But to be enduring, it needs a broad public consensus in support. For this reason there will be no imposition of a 5m walkway.

"The Government is not pre-judging the work of the panel," said Mr Sutton.

Federated Farmers spokesman Bruce McNab said they looked forward to the panel coming up with a proposal for improving access where problems existed.

The federation welcomed news that the Government had abandoned plans to use legislation to take a 5m-wide strip of land from farmers and other landowners, he said.

"That is a positive step, but we will have to wait and see the panel's recommendation and the Government's response before popping champagne corks."

Mr McNab said his federation would make the most of the opportunity to persuade the Government that legislated right of access for anyone, no matter their character or intent, across private land was unacceptable to land-owners.

"We will tell the Government to first prove that there is a problem with the existing arrangement whereby the public first asks for access, and it is nearly always granted."

Act rural affairs spokesman Gerry Eckhoff said land-owners must retain the right to say who could or could not enter their property.

"This is a property rights issue, not an access issue.

"Until Mr Sutton understands and addresses that fundamental point, any recommendation from this panel is irrelevant."

- NZPA