7 December 2005

Foreshore trespass notices make a joke of Labour assurances

Nelson MP Nick Smith says Labour's assurances that no one would be charged with trespassing for going onto the foreshore because of Maori claims has proven to be false.

He is commenting after two men were served with trespass orders by police at Delaware Bay, north of Nelson today.

Dr Smith says this sets a very dangerous precedent.

"This will confirm the fears of most New Zealanders over the foreshore and seabed debate.

"People have launched their boats from the site for fifty years because it is the safest site on the northern coast of Nelson.

"Iwi repeated their claim that they own the estuary, despite this being disputed by both the previous National and current Labour Governments.

"I find it extraordinary that the police would issue trespass notices when no title has been issued, when the Chief Surveyor has stated that Maori do not own the land and when the matter is before both the High Court and Parliament's Local Government and Environment Select Committee.

"The claim that launching boats onto the estuary is environmentally damaging does not stand up to scrutiny. This is really about Maori wanting to control the recreational fishing in this popular area.

"These trespass notices should be withdrawn. The estuary and the bay are public spaces for all to enjoy," says Dr Smith.

ENDS

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