Opposition To Land Access Growing, Says Eckhoff

Tuesday 16 Nov 2004

Gerry Eckhoff - Press Releases - Rural

ACT New Zealand Rural Affairs Spokesman Gerry Eckhoff today welcomed the Ruapehu District Council's opposition to the Labour Government's dopey plan to strip farmers of their property rights.

"Yesterday, at a meeting on public access in Taumaranui, Ruapehu mayor Sue Morris told 175 attendees that her council supported ACT's campaign to protect and restore farmers' property rights," Mr Eckhoff said.

"Mayor Morris, the leader of New Zealand's largest rural district, also pledged to seek the support of all rural mayors and councils around the country.

"The meeting, organised by Don Coles, a King Country farmer and chairman of Property Rights New Zealand, saw Taumaranui people demonstrate their anger towards Labour's latest attack on rural communities.

"Both Stephen Franks, author of a Private Members' Bill allowing people from isolated areas to defend their property from thieves, and I spoke at the meeting. We received tremendous support, like we have all around the country.

"While such support is extremely gratifying, it is hardly surprising, given the huge depth of feeling towards Labour's attempt to abuse the property rights of rural landowners," Mr Eckhoff said.

Gerry will be in Te Kuiti, Rotorua, Whakatane, Te Puke, Cambridge, Hamilton and Auckland this week.

ENDS

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