Preface
When the Hon Jim Sutton asked me to chair the Land Access Ministerial Reference Group (the Group), I knew it would be a challenge, but I did not envisage the breadth and depth of discussions that would take place, not only around the table, but throughout the whole country and in both of our cultural strands. It is a tribute to my Group that it has been able to initiate discussions that have been so wide-reaching.
This report shows that access arrangements and associated conventions in New Zealand are under threat. Few New Zealanders recognise this, and there is a reluctance to debate the implications. The Group was given many examples that demonstrate the problems and opportunities for access. Undoubtedly, there is no "one solution fits all" response, yet action is essential in the current environment that seems to focus on "rights" over society at large.
Our Group proposes a broad strategy to promote, encourage and where necessary, direct better public access by foot to rivers, lakes, the coastline, and our forest, mountains and countryside. At the heart of this strategy is the belief that solutions need to focus on provision of access per se rather than ownership for access.
Past attempts to secure formal access to waterways and resources for both Maori and Pakeha first came together, although not intentionally, in the Land Act 1892 when the then Minister of Lands, Jock McKenzie, gave legal status to the Queen's Chain. Specific proposals are suggested to advance and affirm McKenzie's vision for free public access to waterways. This focus builds on Maori and Pakeha needs for practical and secure access without affecting ownership.
I would like to thank the Group for its constructive participation in and consideration of the issues. This Group has an immense range of expertise, and experiences, and the fact that this is an agreed report on a complex, emotive and controversial topic reflects highly on all members. I would like to particularly thank Mr Brian Hayes for his detailed historical research on the legal foundations of the Queen's Chain. He has written a companion document to this report.
I would also thank the many individuals, groups and organisations that responded to the Group with helpful and detailed ideas, examples and views about access. This report endeavours to encompass the range of views expressed through the broad approach it has taken.
Many thanks are also due to Mark Neeson, Grant King and Sharon Thurlow (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry), who provided advice and secretariat support to the Group.
Finally, thanks to the Hon Jim Sutton for establishing the Group, which has delved in depth into the access situation and taken time to listen to wide-ranging points of view. I have enjoyed the challenge and, on behalf of the Group, now offer our findings to the Minister with the knowledge that this report provides a way forward.
John Acland
Mount Peel
Peel Forest
August 2003
Contact for Enquiries
Mark Neeson
Manager, Land and Water Policy
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526, Wellington
Phone: +64 894 0703
Fax: +64 4 894 0745
