Walking Access Bill passed into law
Sep 26, 2008 8:21 AM
Legislation creating a commission to deal with public access through farms to lakes and rivers has been passed by Parliament.
Rural Affairs Minister Damien O'Connor says the Walking Access Bill went to the heart of what most New Zealanders regarded as their fundamental birthright.
"The bill builds on the legacy of public access established over the last century and a half and creates the Walking Access Commission to clarify, promote and extend walking access to lakes and waterways throughout New Zealand," he says.
"I am pleased to have led this issue from a time when it caused large-scale controversy and division until now, when it has passed through the House with strong support."
O'Connor says an easier option would have been to shelve the issue, but the challenge to persevere was accepted because of the changing pressures and circumstances facing rural New Zealand.
"With quality input from a wide range of individuals a sound way forward has been achieved," he says.
The new commission will develop a strategy and a code of conduct for people who want to walk through privately-owned land to get to lakes and rivers.
O'Connor said it would also provide robust advice, offer local and regional leadership and help local groups with access issues.
It would mediate in any disputes over walking access.
"Hundreds of New Zealanders have shared their views on walking access issues over the last five years and this bill is a significant milestone," he says.
"It is part of a wider vision for the preservation of the heritage of all New Zealanders."
Source: NZPA
Walking access legislation becomes law
Walking access legislation becomes law
Last edited by Militaris on Fri Sep 26, 2008 6:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Walking access legislation becomes law
So the government snack it through at the last minute, any updates on any nasty little hooks which might now be law...