MP to meet Timberlands to address River Access concerns

Rotorua MP Todd McClay has said he will be meeting with forestry company Timberlands to address widespread concern over fishing access in the Kaingaroa Forest.

“I have had many meetings and discussions over many months with concerned fisherman. It is clear that anglers who have traditionally enjoyed fishing in the Kaingaroa Forest over summer months will be extremely disappointed that vehicle access to the Rangitaiki River has been restricted,” he said.

Mr McClay recently attended a public meeting in Murupara with United Future MP Peter Dunn where over 100 recreational users raised concerns about restrictions on fishing access.

“Since that meeting I have been working closely with Fish and Game, local fishing clubs and Timberlands to establish a dialogue on these access changes. I have invited a number of representatives from Bay of Plenty fishing clubs to join me with Fish and Game in meeting Timberlands where we will seek to clarify some of the safety issues and other concerns that have been raised.

The reality is that we have always had summer access to this river and a lot of fisherman are asking why this has now changed,” Mr McClay said.

Mr McClay said that whilst the Kaingaroa Forest was privately owned, the Rangitaiki River is on public land.

“ It is my hope that we can have a constructive dialogue with land owners and Timberlands and will seek to open a number of additional corridors to this public land and restore fishing access to a public river that has been enjoyed by thousands of New Zealanders and international tourists for many years.”

A meeting with Timberlands has been confirmed for Monday 8 November.

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