Eric Roy MP
National Party Outdoor Recreation Spokesman

18 July 2008

National to enhance protection of NZers' birthright

National's Outdoor Recreation policy will ensure that current and future generations will continue to enjoy the great outdoors, while the safeguarding of New Zealand's unique biodiversity remains a priority.

The party's Outdoor Recreation spokesman, Eric Roy, says New Zealanders share a unique birthright over their country's wild and beautiful outdoor areas, and National will make sure that birthright is protected for all New Zealanders.

"We will do this by improving access to the outdoors for all Kiwi families and preserving the rights of recreational hunters and fishers while maintaining important conservation values."

Mr Roy says National's plan includes:

* Changing the focus of Conservation Boards and renaming them Conservation & Recreation Boards. The conservation estate will continue to be well-maintained while its recreational use is encouraged. * Ensuring that public access is achieved through negotiated agreements between landowners and local Conservation & Recreation Boards. * Creating new, affordable, campsites for New Zealand families where there is demand. Sites will be decided through consultation with local communities and tourism operators. * Protecting the rights of recreational fishers by encouraging local management of local fisheries, and giving Fish & Game the option to charge a differential licence fee for foreign anglers. * Giving hunters management roles over specific areas of conservation land to ensure they are recognised as important stakeholders in the outdoor environment.

"New Zealand's great outdoors is unsurpassed in the world, and National believes that all Kiwis deserve the opportunity to take advantage of our enviable natural environment.

"We are committed to opening up access to these special areas while safeguarding the essential conservation values which make our great outdoors so unique."

ENDS

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