Hon Dr Nick Smith MP
National Party Conservation Spokesman

9 August 2007

Cheaper hut fees an election-year stunt

Labour's announcement of reduced Great Walks hut and camp fees to take effect just three months prior to the next election contradicts eight years of increasing the charges, says National's Conservation spokesman, Nick Smith.

"Labour increased charges in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2007, so it is rather cynical that in 2008 they plan a change of heart. It seems Chris Carter is copying Dr Cullen's approach to tax."

The Conservation Minister announced the changes while in the Abel Tasman National Park for Conservation Week. From July 1 2008, the Great Walks will be cheaper for under 18-year-olds, bringing the cost for a family of two adults and two teenagers doing three nights in the park from $270 to $180.

"Chris Carter's hyperbole about the importance of young people enjoying the outdoors must be very recent, because only in May, Labour announced increases of 20% for both teenagers and adults to take effect from 1 October this year.

"He increased the cost of his example family of two adults and two teenagers doing the Abel Tasman from $126 to $225 in 2004, and from $225 to $270 in 2007.

"Why the public should be grateful for a $90 reduction in election year when the Minister has put the charges up by $144 over the last three years is beyond me."

ENDS

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