Federated Farmers Speech by Tom Lambie at Parliament
Minister, Hon Jim Sutton, Members of Parliament, Farmers, supporters, Agnes Nicolas and the media.
We are here today to deliver a petition. The petition clearly shows farmer opposition to government-imposed public
access.
Today also marks the end of the first stage of Action Orange.
This action has been designed and delivered by members of the federation’s strong provincial network.
Throughout the last seven days we highlighted the generosity of landowners who currently allow public access to their
land.
We reminded all New Zealand that 92 percent of farmers grant access when asked.
It is the asking that is all important.
Urban households expect the right to manage who comes onto their property. Farmers expect the same just as Parliament
does.
The orange caskets carrying the petition symbolise the depth of feeling from landowner's in relation to their right to
manage who comes onto their property.
We thank those many members of the public who have shown their support over the last week and who respected the orange
ribbons.
I extend a special thanks to all those from the Chathams, to Cape Reinga to Stewart Island who supported Action Orange.
We look forward to a continued culture of respect for private property rights.
Today farmers will remove the symbolic orange ribbons from their gates.
Today we will show a way forward that will maintain the goodwill of both farmers and visitors.
My fellow Board member John Aspinall will launch our Visitor Access Protocol.
But first Minister I invite you to accept the petition started by our North Canterbury President.
Minister the petition.
ENDS