Dunne disappointed at Timberland’s decision to close forest access

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne has expressed his disappointment that Timberlands have once again closed all access to the Kaingaroa Forest and the Rangitaiki River.

“It is obvious that Timberlands now have a policy to keep New Zealanders from enjoying these publicly owned resources and are using any slight jump in the fire risk as an excuse to do so,” said Mr Dunne.

Yesterday the fire risk in the forest rose from low to moderate and this alone has prompted the move to close all access into the forest. In the past the risk had to be at very high or extreme before access to recreational users was denied.

The new policy makes it highly unlikely that any access will be allowed for the rest of the summer.

“It is difficult to understand the justification for this closure considering the level of fire risk.”

“The Rangitaiki River which flows through the forest is a hugely important fishery,” said UnitedFuture spokesperson on the environment and outdoor recreation, Doug Stevens. “It was the venue for the 1990 World Fly Fishing championships and according to local Fish and Game attracts between 6000 and 9000 visitors to the region each year.”

Businesses in the area are already suffering. The motel, Flaxy Lodge at Murupara has already closed for the summer due to poor booking and other small businesses in the area are suffering as people now by-pass the town.

“It is a tragedy that this river is once again closed just as the new fishing season has started,” said Mr Stevens. “The effect this will have on many thousands of people, both recreationally and financially, will be profound.”

At a recent meeting in Murupara Peter Dunne and Rotorua MP Todd McClay heard how the attitude of Timberlands has had a huge negative impact on the community.

“It is appalling that a big company like Timberlands can use their muscle to destroy the livelihoods of small businesses in the area,” Mr Dunne said after the meeting.

“Murupara is not an affluent area and I would like to think that Timberlands would be doing its best to work with the local community rather than acting like a bully and shutting them out.”

“New Zealanders have a long-established tradition of being able to freely enjoy the outdoors. We cannot allow self-centred actions such as those taken by Timberlands to destroy this important part of our heritage, that would be unforgivable,” said Mr Dunne.

Peter Dunne and Doug Stevens will both address a public meeting on access to the Kaingaroa in Rotorua on 22 November.

ENDS

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