DoC Ban on Filming Tongariro is Idiotic Lunacy

The draft management plan for Tongariro National Park reveals the idiotic lunacy that has become ingrained within DoC's culture, ACT New Zealand Deputy Leader Ken Shirley said today.

"I am concerned that this Department has become a law unto itself, and is completely out-of-touch with the aspirations and values of ordinary New Zealanders. I will be putting some tough questions to the Department's heads, who are required to appear before parliament's Environment and Local Government committee shortly after parliament resumes.

"The recommended ban on additional accommodation and facilities is a sad reflection of DoC's minimalist and anti-development culture, which is inhibiting the ability of New Zealanders and tourists to enjoy the great outdoors.

"Perhaps the most serious aspect of the draft plan is the ludicrous proposal that there be a ban on the filming of the park's mountain peaks. This reflects the politically correct fringe that has overtaken DoC's capacity to think rationally. Regrettably, it also reflects the excessive emphasis on metaphysical values that now pervade our statute books. Nonsensical proposals such as this will make New Zealand the laughing stock of the civilized world," Mr Shirley said.

© Scoop Media