Kaingaroa access permits unacceptable says Dunne

"The situation of having recreational users of the Kaingaroa Forest pay for access is totally unacceptable", said UnitedFuture leader, Peter Dunne.

Timberlands, who manage the large previously state owned Kaingaroa Forest have just introduced a system where all hunters entering the forest must register and pay an annual $50 fee and anglers need to register their vehicles (also for $50 per annum) to enter the forest.

"The fact that Timberlands are calling the charge an "administration charge for registration" goes against the well established common rights of New Zealanders to fish and hunt without charge," said Mr Dunne.

"As Timberlands are still intending to restrict access during the summer months it means that anglers are being asked to pay for a permit they are unlikely to be able to use it during the fishing season anyway."

"It seems someone has plucked the $50 figure out of the air and there is no reason that it will not be significantly increased in future years", says Doug Stevens, who is the UnitedFuture spokesperson for the environment and outdoor recreation. "For the many decades prior to Timberlands closing access in 2008 there were no reported fires or major incidents caused by anglers and hunters. What has changed now that a company can deny the average Kiwi the right to access what are publicly owned resources?"

"It is UnitedFuture's policy to ensure that such abuses of power by landowners and forest managers is stopped and that the long established tradition of free unfettered access to outdoor recreational areas is restored for this and future generations," said Mr Dunne.

"Part of what makes this a wonderful country to live in is the egalitarian principle that no-one can own or sell access to publicly owned resources."

"This uniquely Kiwi concept must continue and we will fight those that wish to deprive ordinary New Zealander's accessing what is their birthright," Mr Dunne said.

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