Federation of Maori Authorities

For immediate release

7 March 2007

Outdoor Walking Access a welcome review for Maori Land owners.

Media Release

The Federation of Maori Authorities (FoMA) is welcoming the outdoor walking Access panels’ review of Land Access.

After 6 years of discussion on this highly contentious issue, common sense has prevailed and land owners will be given the common courtesy of people requesting access over their land.

FoMA advocated for Negotiated and Agreed upon access across Maori land since the beginning of the enquiry. The panel has taken this onboard and has not only said this is for Maori land but for all private land, which FoMA strongly supported. In this day and age it is imperative that we are able to protect our property rights whilst the public have the ability to negotiate access.

Economic opportunities present in Maori land have been limited an example used by the panel was Mt Tarawera. The panel suggests by using the commission that they may negotiate for more flexibility in regards to access of these sites. During the past 6 years FoMA has not supported access that hinders economic development, as the panel has noted that charging for access may be the only economic benefit that the land presents.

Although the panel is aware that Maori land holdings are 5.6% of New Zealands’ total 167 years after the signing of the Treaty the recommendations lack Treaty of Waitangi substance, and do not allow for Article 2 granting tino rangatiratanga. . .o ratou whenua o kainga me o ratou taonga katoa, or the full and undisturbed possession of their lands and estates fisheries and other properties, and therefore guaranteeing Maori the right to determine access to and across their lands.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss issues pertaining to Maori with the new Commission.

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