Media Statement
For immediate release
Tuesday, 7 October 2003
Copeland extracts confirmation of private property rights from Minister
United Future MP Gordon Copeland today expressed his delight that in answer to his question in the House, the Attorney
General gave a categorical assurance that existing owners of private title to the foreshore will not have their rights
disturbed without full and just compensation.
Mr Copeland said he was aware that private owners of such title, including farmers and Maori, had expressed concerns
that Government might try to force them to give access to the public without compensation.
“Hopefully such owners’ concerns may have been allayed by the Attorney General’s renewed commitment to the principle
that private property rights cannot be disturbed unless full and just compensation is paid,” said Gordon Copeland.
Ends.