Free public access to the coast no longer guaranteed under National's new Bill

Free public access to our beaches and the sea is no longer guaranteed under National's new Marine and Coastal Area Bill, a spokesman for the Coastal Coalition, Dr Muriel Newman said today.

"Under the present law, Crown ownership guarantees all New Zealanders free public access to the foreshore and seabed. In addition, if iwi are able to claim a greater right to the coast than ordinary citizens, through a customary foreshore and seabed reserve, they are specifically prohibited from charging the public for access. Clause 40 (2) of the Act states: Neither the guardians of a foreshore and seabed reserve nor the applicant group nor the board is entitled to charge or collect fees or other form of payment from any person or body for the use or occupation of the reserve.

"Under National's proposed law, not only is Crown ownership repealed, but the prohibition on charging for access has been dropped. That means that once the Bill becomes law at the end of summer, New Zealanders will no longer have a legal guarantee of free access to the beaches and sea. The Bill will open the door for iwi to charge access fees to beachgoers, surfers, fishermen, boaties and anyone else who wants to use a claimed area of coast.

"The reality is that in pandering to the extreme views of the Maori Party - who want the whole coast in Maori Title - National is selling-out the rights of mainstream New Zealand.

"The foreshore and seabed is the birthright and common heritage of all New Zealanders and should remain in Crown ownership. National's Bill should be withdrawn. If any Party wants to change this law it should be done by asking the public through a proper public referendum", Dr Newman said.

ENDS

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