Crown-owned Land
Recreational participants refer to the ability of DOC to require a concession for access to publicly administered lands. Participants do not feel that it is fair for DOC to charge the public to cross its conservation estate simply for fishing access. Landowner participants also question the right of DOC to charge a fee for access when this is not required for access onto private land.
It does not appear to some participants that DOC is encouraging free and easy access to land managed on behalf of the public. Several participants, however, acknowledge that DOC concessions do not exclude the public.
Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998, Land Tenure Review
Participants suggest that access to the high country onto or across pastoral leases is permitted with few exceptions, as is the case for most farmland. However, some participants indicate that new owners with an urban background or from overseas do not hold the traditional view of granting access.
There are mixed messages from participants regarding the tenure review process. There is a view that tenure review is enhancing walking access, but other participants state that tenure review is not working well and may create artificial access points. The issues may become clearer as the process advances.
Roads
Participants often refer to unformed roads. Many people, both landowners and landusers, are uncertain of the rights attached to these roads, although it is commonly known that there is a large network of these roads, many of which can be found through private land. Again, it is important to participants that the closure of these roads be advertised if it affects public access.
Some participants suggest that unformed roads can be used as a bargaining tool, to negotiate more appropriate access to public land, waterways and the coast. A participant proposes that some unformed roads be upgraded to walking tracks and others removed if no longer appropriate. Most participants state that the current uncertain status of unformed roads needs to be addressed to suit the needs of both landowners and land users.
Charging for access
DOC's charge of concession fees for access to commercial resources is covered in the section Crown-owned Land.
Contact for Enquiries
Rural Affairs Coordinator
Sector Performance Policy
MAF Policy
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0675
Fax: +64 4 4 894 0745
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