Taupo Public Meeting 23 September 2003
The Events Centre, AC Baths Avenue, Taupo
7pm to 9pm
10 Attended
Commentary
· It is not difficult for local authorities, which can overlay information on topographical maps using a digital cadastral database.
. An organisation is needed to provide accurate information.
. A driver is needed.
· Should people be blaming local government for the muddled up legislation on access?
. Councils are not always playing their part, there are not always reserves where they ought to be.
. Councils need more information to do their job.
· Can councils sell reserve land?
. Is the reason that they are not doing anything because they are putting the issue in the too-hard basket?
. This should not be difficult now with cadastral databases.
· There is a great concern that the right to roam would not suit New Zealand's situation.
· People are fortunate in Taupo that there is so much Crown land, making it easier to recreate.
. Taupo is a good model for other regions.
. Land has been surveyed to include public spaces and reserves.
· With Landcorp land, it does not seem that people have the right that they think to access land.
· A code of conduct would be very important to `sort this mess out'.
· How can some land be sold with riparian rights, e.g. Acacia Bay?
. Are riparian rights an anomaly?
. How could it be overcome without paying compensation?
. Brian Hayes: There are more riparian rights in the North Island than in the South Island, as a result of land been sold directly from a Maori title to settlers.
Bob Cottrell: Access for Maori is different.
. Difficulty for Maori of access to the resources of their own land.
. The Group tried to reflect this in the report.
. The Group met with a variety of people to find a degree of commonality.
· What other activities, aside from walking, does the Group see happening on the land?
. If this issue is looking to the future, should mountain biking be included?
. Paper roads could be usefully retained for 4WD.
· Some fishing guides are bad in thinking that money provides access to their fishing resource, but this is not the view of all.
· Keen to see the issues resolved and see also what the solutions will be.
· This report, although excellent, has opened a can of worms.
. This issue needs to be pushed along politically.
. The dollar is ruling what is happening.
. The Queen's Chain approach needs to be applied to all waterways.
. Would like to see what the solution will be.
. What will happen to our submission when it reaches Wellington?
· A licence can provide great access, but if someone is going to charge $1500 and require a helicopter to access the land, this is not the answer.
· The United States is looking at buying forestry, and it has a poor track record, refusing access.
. There is a different culture and ethos.
. John Acland: Overseas buyers must accept the New Zealand culture.
· Access will become increasingly important as people feel the need for exercise and most of the population is in the cities.
. Land could therefore become a greater asset.
· Access needs to be easy, simple and non-intrusive.
. Access is important, more so with the lack of exercise that people have today.
. An Access Agency would deal with the facts to clarify the situation.
. John Acland: The country should be seen to assist people.
· People need the facts, i.e. maps, to know what their rights are.
· Get on and do what is written in the report, there is a need to act.
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
Contact this person
