Whangarei Stakeholder Meeting 28 October 2003
Forum North, Rust Avenue
2pm to 4pm
9 Attended (Northland Fish and Game, New Zealand Conservation Authority, Northland Regional Council, Rural Women New Zealand, Farm Forestry Association, FNDC, Carter Holt Harvey)
Commentary
· Did DOC have input into the work of the Reference Group?
· What sort of role would an access agency have?
- Could it assist in mediation?
- Foreign owners do not like people having access, including from the sea.
- The value of an access strip (Bayleys Beach) between Paihia and Kerikeri is $1.1 million.
- It is difficult or impossible for a local authority to afford.
- Only buying the right of way (not title) for the money.
- Local reaction is opposed to purchases by foreign owners, especially those that are non-resident, who do not allow access.
· There needs to be a national expectation, in legislation, that access should be available.
- If it does not exist then people do not expect to have to give access.
· Management of esplanade strips to control weeds etc - developing costs for local authorities.
· Support for public access along all waterways where title remains with the landowner.
- Could be practical access.
· Access across private land to the beaches etc is a big issue in Northland.
- Roading was not a big issue when Northland was settled mainly on the coast.
· There does not appear to be any consideration of compensation.
- Accords with Fonterra etc.
- Pedestrian and vehicle access: What types of access of covered?
- Farmers do not want vehicle access.
· Mountain bikes: Would need to change the OSH rules.
- Walking is `to be there'.
- Mountain bike access should be negotiated.
- The right to roam would create health and safety issues.
- People need to be accountable for their own actions.
· Cost of providing access - if a community good then the public should contribute; ability to close areas.
· The cost recovery basis for permits is forest blocks.
- Local committees for 4WD/pig hunting/gamebird shooting.
- Permits contain rules.
- The committees arrange insurance etc and then manage the specific activity.
- Seems to keep vandalism down because there is more frequent access and more advice about damage.
- How to manage informal access.
· The Government needs to be persuaded about one agency for access.
· The Government needs to put this topic into legislation now, leave the strategy until later.
· Access must be feasible and practical.
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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