Hon David Carter MP
National Party Agriculture Spokesman

22 February 2007

Public access backdown

The Labour Government's Consultation Panel on Public Access is about to release its findings and rumours are abound that it's a massive backdown on Helen Clark's initial wishes, says National's Agriculture spokesman, David Carter.

"We are hearing that the panel has concluded that public access is freely given by the majority of rural landowners and there is the odd case of where there is an access issue.

"The report apparently concludes that the answer then lies in negotiating a solution with the individual landowner.

"This is exactly what National has said all along.

"This panel is yet another example of Labour's wastage at a massive cost of more than $200,000 to arrive at the obvious answer.

"What will be of interest is Fish and Game New Zealand's position on this final report. For some years, Bryce Johnson, Fish and Game New Zealand's Chief Executive has argued that access has been denied to recreationalists on a significant scale.

"Now that he is a government appointee to the panel, will he be part of a unanimous Panel report, or will he present a minority position?"

ENDS

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