NZ Walking Access Commission Report

NZ Walking Access Commission’s First Annual Report Published

The first Annual Report for the New Zealand Walking Access Commission, covering its first nine months of existence, has been presented to Parliament.

New Zealand Walking Access Commission chairman John Acland said the first nine months of operation were a busy time for the Commission and, although the organisation was not yet fully operational, progress has been made on key priorities.

“We are now working closely with government agencies, local authorities and local organisations with an interest in walking access to help secure and promote walking access in the future.”

Mr Acland said the Commission’s Board initially focused on establishing its strategic direction and governance arrangements.

In its first nine months of operation the NZWAC:

• selected and appointed its first Chief Executive;
• established organisational and financial policies and procedures;
• initiated discussions with its major stakeholders;
• developed the draft Outdoor Access Code;
• developed the draft National Walking Access Strategy; and
• issued a Request for Proposal for the Public Access Mapping System.

He said the Board was pleased with the progress made in developing the draft National Walking Access Strategy and the draft Outdoor Access Code during the period. These were key documents for the NZWAC and would be a priority for the 2009/10 financial year. They were subsequently released for public comment on 30 September 2009, and submissions invited by 18 December 2009.

The NZWAC also made progress towards establishing a public access mapping system. In May 2009, it issued a Request for Proposal and began the process of selecting a provider.

ENDS

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