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The Tongariro Whanganui Taranaki Conservation Management Strategy Review (CMS) process will be starting in late 2011 - early 2012. There will be several opportunities for you to get involved in the CMS process and we welcome your contributions.

 http://www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/consultations/current/tongariro-whanganui-taranaki-cms-consultation/get-involved/

Should you wish to be involved in the Tongariro Whanganui Taranaki CMS process, please email twtcms@doc.govt.nz and include your:

• Name
• Address
• Contact phone number
• and reference Tongariro Whanganui Taranaki CMS Review in the subject of the email

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In a decision on 12 Dec 2011 the Environment Court denied the withdrawal of the case by the proposers and reversed the road stopping. A valuable win for recreation again. More can be found on the Auckland 4WD Club website   along with a downloadable PDF copy of the full decision

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In a letter to the Court on 31 October, the legal team representing Auckland Council have requested that the Court halt proceedings, as they wish to abandon the proposed road stopping. A final formal meditation session was set down for 9 November. The Higham's are offering to put gates in any fences crossing the legal road, but there is no mention of the buildings that sit on the legal road in the area of the beachfront.

The letter is attached

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Vehicle access to Wellington's south coast could be stopped if trail bike and four-wheel-drive owners keep going off tracks and seriously damaging the unique and fragile environment.
More damage was done over Labour weekend but the off-road mayhem is an ongoing problem.
Wellington City Council's Natural Environment Portfolio Leader Councillor Helene Ritchie says the Council and landowners are upset at the stupid and dangerous antics of some 4WD drivers and trail bike riders using the coastal track between Owhiro Bay, Red Rocks/Pariwhero and Karori Stream.
"Some locals and walkers are calling for the road to be shut to vehicular traffic except for bach owners and special events," she says. "At this time, we don't want the irresponsible minority ruining it for the majority but if behaviour does not improve, the Council will look to further restrict vehicle access or stop it completely."
Vehicles are allowed through the gate at Owhiro Bay every day except Sunday - to allow walkers one day of unhindered access. The Council, bach and land-owners, the police and the Cross Country Vehicle Club have been working together for years to educate drivers on how to respect the South Coast environment.
But increasing activity by some vehicle users is destroying some coastal washout areas on private land past Pariwhero/Red Rocks. The coastal environment is harsh and plants take a long time to grow, and longer to recover. The area is also an important home for native lizards and birds, as well as seals, and rare insects including the spear grass weevil and the geometrid moth.
"This is a fragile coast, not a 4WD playground," she says. "Once one vehicle goes off the formed track, others tend to follow their wheel marks. Once you've had five vehicles over something, the damage is very difficult to make good. As well as the damage to plant and animal habitats, huge tyre tracks make it look vandalised."
Local landowners are also upset at people illegally accessing their properties from the coastal track. Private property signs have been shot at and driven over.
"Like us, they value the coast and its unique environment and are upset at the environmental damage," Cr Ritchie says.

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For many years, LVVTA has had a desire to be able to understand the composition of total LVV certification activities.
This is partly out of interest, but also to put ourselves in a position where we can track trends, and identify areas of growth so that we are better able to prioritise the implementation of technical standards or information sheets in order to assist LVV Certifiers as they are presented with changing trends and new challenges.

More information about the LVVTA can be found on their upgraded website www.lvvta.org.nz

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The NZFWDA are members of the international 4x4 organisation UFWDA. A variety of articles and information with pages 30-31 cover reasons for winch rope failures

Click the link to read 'online'....   http://www.ebookonline.co.nz/doc/ufwda_voice_summer

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• February 2012 to August 2012
  Informal discussions with the community, where we will discuss and gather information and ideas used to prepare the draft CMS.
• September 2012 - October 2012
  Drafting stage of the CMS where we will clarify and seek your feedback on any issues that you raised in the informal discussions.
• March 2013
  We will be formally notifying the draft Tongariro Whanganui Taranaki CMS and this is your opportunity to make a submission on the draft CMS.

Should you wish to be involved in the Tongariro Whanganui Taranaki CMS process, please email twtcms@doc.govt.nz and include your:

• Name
• Address
• Contact phone number
• and reference Tongariro Whanganui Taranaki CMS Review in the subject of the email

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The Nelson/Marlborough Conservation Management Strategy (CMS) review process will start in September 2011. There will be three stages of consultation and you can choose to be involved in any of the steps below:

The first stage is pre-draft consultation, which is when DoC gather and discuss information and ideas which are used to prepare the draft CMS. This will take place from September 2011 until December 2011.

This is a 'once in ten years'  chance to influence how recreation might use public lands. Now is the time to start researching and identifying 4x4 recreation options and opportunities within this conservancy for presentation to DoC. The pre-draft period is vital as it is very, very hard to add material at the later stages of the process.

Contact the conservancy office and ask to be included in all correspondence about the CMS consultation process.

To be involved in the Nelson/Marlborough CMS process, please email cmsnm@doc.govt.nz

Please include your name, address, contact phone and add "Nelson/Marlborough CMS review" in the subject of the email.

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http://www.lawcom.govt.nz/project/review-incorporated-societies-act-1908?quicktabs_23=issues_paper#node-2091

The Commission is seeking feedback on a range of issues and options for reform raised in the paper including: 

• Whether all societies should, as a condition of incorporation, be subject to certain minimum governance rules that they cannot vary; 
• Whether a new Act ought to provide a code that makes the obligations of committee members clearer; 
• How the Act should provide for the resolution of disputes between members and their societies; 
• What rules societies ought to be required to have in their constitution, and the nature of those rules.

The Commission also considers whether a new Incorporated Societies Act should also replace the ability to incorporate under the Charitable Trusts Act.

Make a submission on the paper.  Submissions close on 30 September 2011.

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Quoted from Yahoo-xtra news and confirmed by Phil Heatley MP at the NZFWDA conference

Associate Local Government Minister John Carter said today the seaward boundaries of 23 territorial authorities had been "standardised" to the low tide mark -- officially known as the "mean low water springs" -- so that all 53 coastal councils have the same boundaries at the foreshore.

"The key benefit... is that it will allow all territorial authorities to locally regulate public nuisances and safety issues on beaches where issues arise," he said in a statement.

Until now, only 30 authorities had jurisdiction to the low tide mark, and the remaining 23 had jurisdiction to the mean high water springs -- leaving those councils with no right to regulate activities on the full beach area.

Mr Carter said it would now be up to those councils to manage issues such as the use of vehicles on beaches.

"It will allow local control where there is a community preference for such measures, and answers the demand from many coastal residents and beach users for safer beaches," he said.

In some regions -- such as parts of Northland where beaches are treated as legal roads with 100kmh speed limits, causing environmental and safety concerns -- district councils have suggested expanding their boundaries from the high tide mark to the low tide mark, allowing them to then transfer their bylaw-making powers to the regional council.

The issue was highlighted on New Year's Eve 2007, when Daisy Fernandez, 13, was struck and killed by a motorbike on Ripiro Beach near Dargaville on New Year's Eve 2007.

Far North District Council Mayor Wayne Brown has previously argued his council is not the right agency to impose speed restrictions on beaches.

"Beaches are owned by the Crown, and the Government needs to take the lead in progressing this issue. That doesn't mean fobbing it off on district councils, which already have enough to do."

He was not available for comment today but a council spokesman said extension of jurisdiction would mean the council's ability to control vehicles in reserve areas, including a speed limit of 15kmh, could be applied to beaches if necessary.

"The council will now need to consider whether, in fact, it wishes to enforce the bylaws related to reserves where the reserve area is a beach...whether the speed limit under the bylaws needs to be changed, or whether it may wish to delegate some or all enforcement responsibilities to the regional council."

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As a part of that  working with the NZFWDA, a presentation was made at theNZFWDA conference by Piet Nieuwland from DoC Northland. He emphasised the need to get involved in the process during the month of July while DoC are in a consulting mode.  Following that will be the drafting stage of the CMS with an eventual release to the public for formal submissions.  The next few weeks are critical for input as it is much harder to add things later, to any draft that DoC may create.

www.doc.govt.nz/by-region/northland/getting-involved/consultations/current/

There is still time to add your voice to guide DOC management of places in Northland. From a 4x4 perspective give your views on the Pouto area for example...

 http://www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/consultations/current/northland-cms-consultation/get-involved/share-your-views/places-survey/

You must act quickly now as the consultation is about to end.

They are also consulting the public about a proposal for a Kauri National Park.

While DoC would like the public to use their predefined questions about 'Places', that is simply to make life easy for them.  There is nothing to stop anyone writing specific objectives to include in a CMS. Don't forget to remind DoC that a maintained 4x4 route provides benefits to more than just our recreation! It may be that the concept of 'adopt a track' or similar could encourage DoC to allow access to locations that they could not otherwise afford to maintain.

It is not only the specific locations that need identifying, it is the principle of allowing motorised recreation on public land that should be emphasised. Vehicle use is usually covered in a CMS by a 'policy' statement aligned to the  'General Policy".

http://www.doc.govt.nz/publications/about-doc/role/policies-and-plans/conservation-general-policy/

The important thing is to have your say, otherwise the opportunity will be lost for another 10 years! GET INVOLVED

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The Waikato CMS review isunderway .  Although consultation was listed as ending at the start of July 2011, there is still a survey being promoted on the DOC website www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/consultations/current/waikato-cms-consultation/get-involved/share-your-views/key-places-survey/

Check it out and add your places of interest before 17 July 2011.

We are seeking your views about what places in the Waikato are important and what you might want these places to be like in 10 years time.  You can find out more about the Waikato CMS Review, and those places we have already heard are important, on our website www.doc.govt.nz/waikatocms. Y ou may have previously provided feedback on the Waikato Conservation Management Strategy CMS review. This information will be invaluable in the new review process.

This is another opportunity to get involved in the Waikato CMS review and we  welcome your contributions.

For the information about the CMS process check  www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/consultations/current/waikato-cms-consultation/ 

If you wish to get updates on the Waikato CMS by email, send an email to waikatocms@doc.govt.nz with the words  'Subscribe Waikato CMS Review ' in the subject line and your name and contact details in the email message.

We would like to offer you the opportunity to attend a meeting about the CMS in June, either in Hamilton, Te Kuiti or Thames.  Please advise us by 23 May if you would like to attend a meeting and we will be in touch with more details shortly.  You can contact us by phone on (07) 858 1000 or email on waikatocms@doc.govt.nz.

 You can also share your views with us by:

• Completing the Waikato CMS places survey at www.doc.govt.nz/waikatocms
• Undertaking our NZ wide ‘Quintessentially Kiwi’ survey at www.doc.govt.nz/cms
• Visiting us at site M4 at the National Fieldays 15-18 June at Mystery Creek.

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The CMS review process will include two stages of consultation.  The first being pre-draft consultation, which is when we gather and discuss information and ideas which are used to prepare the draft CMS. This will take place between April and the middle of July 2011.  The second opportunity will be the formal submission stage where the draft CMS is publicly notified and this is planned to take place during February-March 2012.

  http://www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/consultations/current/auckland-cms-consultation/get-involved/

We will do our best to keep you informed and advised on what's going on during this process.

On our website www.doc.govt.nz/aucklandcms you will find information about the Auckland CMS review including how you can have your say about the places, conservation and recreation values that matter to you.

This process will be the same as Northland's, check out that on this NZFWDA website too

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http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/what-is-a-road/what-is-a-road.html

If public lands such as the DoC managed estate covering over 1/3 of NZ have the 'road' definition applied to them, then only registered and road legal vehicles are allowed to access those lands! It's an approach that DoC have started to apply and instantly outlaws quads etc from public lands.

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NZ 4x4 Trials Round 4, 19th February 2011 [HD] from Blink Films

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There is a Bill in Parliament concerning a serious unformed legal roads (ULR) issue.

 There are several aspects of the Bill which give concern. A specific bylaw making power to address vehicular use of unformed legal roads has been included in the Land Transport (Road Safety and Other Matters) Amendment Bill (213-2) (14 December 2010) before Parliament as at January 2011

www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/SC/Documents/Reports/9/9/a/49DBSCH_SCR4954_1-Land-Transport-Road-Safety-and-Other-Matters-Amendment.htm

Timing

There is a timing issue: the Bill was reported back from select committee on 14 December 2010 with minimal notification and Ministry of Transport (MoT) say that they expect the Bill to be considered and pass the remaining stages quite soon (Feb/March). If changes are to be made then there is an opportunity when the Bill is considered at the committee stage through a supplementary order paper.   

The issue

This (and the previous government) approved legislation to empower territorial authorities to make bylaws restricting the use of motor vehicles on unformed legal roads for the purposes specified in paragraph (g) in clause 10 (1) of the Bill.  The drafting of that clause correctly reflects that policy.  The paragraphs reflect accurately the government decision and there’s not a major problem with that. The paragraphs make it clear that local authorities can restrict access on ULR for environmental and safety reasons.

Concerns

There are, however, some concerns about the way the decision is given effect to in the Bill:

·         Paragraph (zk) of clause 10 provides for a very generalised bylaw making power which, as drafted, could be argued to extend the bylaw making power in respect of unformed legal roads  beyond that intended by government policy.  For example, a local authority could restrict all use of ULR in its area by means of a bylaw. It was definitely not the policy to extend the powers of territorial authorities to restrict pedestrian, cycle or horseback use of unformed legal roads beyond the restrictions currently provided for in the Local Government Act 1974.

·         It is possible that the wording of s 22AB (2) (a) and (b) of the Land Transport Act 1998 “to all roads” and “to all vehicles” in each of these provisions arguably extend the scope of the bylaws that may be made under paragraph (g) in a way that was never intended or anticipated. The intention is that the purpose of these bylaws should be addressed in respect of a particular unformed legal road, not to the set of roads that come within the jurisdiction of a territorial authority. A bylaw of this scope to control unformed legal roads in this way was never contemplated.

A concern is that the purpose and intent of the originally agreed change (para (g) is potentially undermined in two ways:

• By the potential for the power to apply to all or any set of ULR in a council area rather than a particular set of named or specified roads (as is presently required); and

·         The “catch-all” nature of paragraph (zk)  of clause 10 risks extending the potential to make bylaws in respect of unformed legal roads that could restrict their public use more than was intended by the approved policies.

In essence, the issue is the potential for the “law of unintended consequences” to arise due to the relationship between paragraph (g) in clause 10 (1) and general power in paragraph (zk).  

The Minister of Transport can disallow bylaws that are considered to be “onerous”.

Solutions

There are possible solutions which retain the intent of paragraph (g) in clause 10 (1) while constraining any broad application of paragraph (zk)  of clause 10. For example:

-          Add a proviso to paragraph (g) in clause 10 (1) that any or part of any ULR contained in such a bylaw must be named specifically together with the reasons and time of restriction;

-          Add a proviso to paragraph (zk)  of clause 10 to the effect that no bylaw may hinder the right of the public to pass and repass on foot on any ULR and that any or part of any ULR contained in such a bylaw must be named specifically together with the reasons and time of restriction.

The wording of these changes would require fine-tuning.

There is also a recommendation made " that road controlling authorities should be able in certain circumstances (such as declaring part of a road as a bus lane) to use a council resolution, instead of having to amend a bylaw, a process requiring a special consultative process"

There is considerable potential for abuse of that process with the public losing an opportunity for involvement in the decision.

At this stage only writing to the Minister of Transport along the lines described above can possibly change this dubious law change.

 Contact details

Hon Steven Joyce

Minister of Transport

Parliament Office
Private Bag 18888
Parliament Buildings
Wellington 6160

Email contact s.joyce@ministers.govt.nz

Phone: (04)817 6813 Fax: (04)817 6513

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Access to Rangitaiki conservation area through the East Taupo Land Trust land is being reviewed because environmental damage being done to both the trust and public land by trail bike and off-road activity.

The Rangitaiki Conservation Area is 40km east from Taupo Township on SH5 and is a popular spot for off-road enthusiasts.

It is also the last remaining large monoao frost flat in the North Island. To date the East Taupo Lands Trust has allowed free public access to Rangitaiki Conservation area through its lands. In recent years motorbikes and all terrain vehicles have consistently been ridden off-road through this area and the damage being done has the private land-owners taking another look at what can be done.

"The trustees have previously allowed public access through their land but with recent events they are rethinking this issue," said Tom Walters, a trustee of the East Taupo Lands Trust.

Department of Conservation  area manager Dave Lumley said, "The department is appreciative of the trust’s support to allow public access through its land but shares the concern about environmental impact occurring on  the land and adjoining public conservation land, The department and the trust are working to overcome this issue."

At present there is one legal access point off State Highway 5, about 2.5km east of the Rangitaiki Tavern. This access  road passes through the private land administered by the East Taupo Lands Trust before arriving at the Rangitaiki Conservation Area.

Motorbikes, quads and 4WD vehicles are not permitted to be taken off road within either the trust land or the Rangitaiki Conservation Area. For access areas see www.doc.govt.nz and search for Rangitaiki, East Taupo Lands. Trust land can be identified at www.easttaupolands.co.nz

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http://www.wams.org.nz/

WAC have spent several months developing a powerful mapping tool for New Zealand land owners and the recreational community, to identify and update information about walking access throughout the country. 

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http://archive.benchmarkemail.com/nzfwda

This link will take you to all the monthly newsletters to date.

 To get on the mailing list, simply use the 'subscribe' tab at the top right of this page

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www.doc.govt.nz/about-doc/news/media-releases/4wd-weekends-coming-up-in-clarence-reserve/

Five 4WD weekends are scheduled up until the end of February with the first due to take place on Marlborough Anniversary weekend, Saturday 30 October through to Monday 1 November.

Other 4WD weekends are scheduled for 26 November to 28 November 2010, and 7 January to 9 January 2011; 28 January to 30 January 2011; 25 February to 27 February 2011, road and weather conditions permitting. Gates open from 8am to 5pm each day.

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Public submissions are being invited on this bill. The closing date for submissions is Friday,
19 November 2010.
The committee intends to travel widely to hear submissions on the bill, to locations including
Invercargill, Christchurch, Blenheim, Wellington, Bay of Plenty, Hamilton, Auckland and
Whangarei. “This is an issue that a lot of New Zealanders feel strongly about. We want to
hear from all people who have an interest in the foreshore and seabed of New Zealand” said
Hon Tau Henare, Chairperson of the Māori Affairs Select Committee.
The bill aims to reform the law relating to ownership of the foreshore and seabed following a
review of the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004 which was completed in June 2009. The bill
defines a “common marine and coastal area” which means the marine and coastal area other
than specified freehold land (land already in private ownership) and conservation areas and
reserves and "the bed of Te Whaanga Lagoon in the Chatham Islands" and provides that
"neither the Crown nor any other person owns, or is capable of owning, the common marine
and coastal area”. The bill aims to give legal recognition, protection and expression to the
customary interests of Māori over the common marine and coastal area. The bill details
various public rights and powers over this area, such as public rights of access, navigation and
fishing.
A copy of the bill can be purchased at any Bennetts Government Bookshop or viewed online
at www.legislation.govt.nz
Submissions should be forwarded by the due date, either online using our website
(www.parliament.nz) or in writing to the address below. If a submitter wishes to appear
before the committee, they need to state this clearly and provide a name, daytime phone
number and email address. Submissions generally become public and are published on our
website. For further guidance on making a submission, read our publication Making a
submission to a Parliamentary Select Committee on our website or contact us at
 04 817 9520.

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Do you know that the National government intends removing Crown ownership from the foreshore and seabed by the end of summer? This is effectively taking your property. It is virtually the giving away of a priceless public asset. The reason is simply politics and power. To retain its power base the National Government has agreed in return for Maori Party support in Parliament, to repeal the 2004 Foreshore and Seabed Act. That 2004 Act re-affirmed the Crown ownership that had been in place since 1840. The foreshore and seabed has been, and is at present, there for every New Zealander to use, enjoy and be responsible for.

Read the comments of Dr Hugh Barr and then write your own comments to the Select Committee to reach them before 19 November 2010

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"National's Marine and Coastal Area Bill will repeal Crown ownership of New Zealand's foreshore and seabed and replace it with a regime that will allow Maori only ownership and control.

Repealing Crown ownership is crucial if they are to achieve their goal.

I hope this briefing paper will assist you in better understanding the significance of this bill to the future direction and well being of New Zealand."

Download the PDF briefing paper below.

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www.doc.govt.nz/publications/about-doc/role/policies-and-plans/conservation-management-strategies/west-coast/

The main document is a large PDF file but it is available as individual sections too.

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the season calendar for 2010- 2011 can be found on the NZFWDA forum...

   www.nzfwda.org.nz/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=70&p=113#p113

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Farmers fear trouble over access plans

By Neal Wallace

Created 14/06/2010 - 05:01

 Farmers are not convinced the Government's latest public walking access proposals will be as trouble-free as officials portray.

 A presentation by Walking Access Commission chief executive Mark Neeson at last Friday's Federated Farmers high country committee annual conference at Mt Cook left many farmers aghast.

 High Country Accord chairman Jonathan Wallis represented the view of many at the meeting when he said the commission was essentially going to go ahead with its access plans, leaving someone else to address problems as they arose. "You [the Government] are going to create an issue but not address it, because that is up to district and regional councils," the Wanaka farmer said.

 Of most concern to farmers was the commission's public promotion of an estimated 56,000km of paper roads - legally designated but unformed - which, because they have never been used or not used for decades, have merged into the landscape.

 In some cases, fences and buildings have been constructed over them. Because the public had right of access to paper roads, the commission would publicise where those roads were.

 Asked how disputed access to paper roads would be resolved, Mr Neeson said that was up to local councils which had legal jurisdiction.

 Mr Neeson said his department had been working with Federated Farmers on the project. He denied he was being irresponsible, saying the commission was launching a code of conduct later this month on how the public was expected to behave on private land.

 "We don't emphasis people's rights as much as we do their responsibilities," he said. It was a project that would evolve.

 The imminent release of information on where the public can walk comes after seven years of debate.

 Mr Neeson said the aim was to create access for walkers based on trust, independence and being responsible.  Most of the information was already available and the commission was simply collating it and releasing it to the public.

 Access over private land would only be with the permission of the landowner, he said.

 By the end of the year, the commission hoped to have maps of approved walking tracks and paper roads on its website, a point which angered farmers.

 Molesworth Station manager Jim Ward said he had had people turn up on his farm using GPS systems, but inaccurate technology meant they were several hundred metres from a legal road.

Accord lawyer Kit Mouat asked how the commission would ensure walkers did not stray from a paper road which went through a swamp or other impassable natural areas.

Mr Neeson said that was why the commission was releasing the code of conduct early, and just because there was a fence or building on the paper road, it did not mean a walker could interfere with the structure. "We don't want people with a laptop and a cadastral map and away they go," he said.

If landowners wanted a paper road closed, that was an issue to take up with councils, he said.

ODT

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Information and resources (including the Information Guide to the Sports Tribunal and the Rules of the Sports Tribunal) about the Tribunal are available from our website at www.sportstribunal.org.nz. 

 Brent Ellis

Registrar

Sports Tribunal of New Zealand 

ph:  0800 55 66 80

fax:  0800 55 66 81

mobile:  021 228 5742

e-mail:  info@sportstribunal.org.nz

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The NZFWDA annual general meeting voted in favour of aligning with Drug Free Sport NZ with 29 for and 5 against the proposal....

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Dear Club Secretary,

Are you looking for ideas for your next trip?

 Interislander offers special group rates, flexible payment options and easy group check in for groups of 10 people or more. If you are taking equipment, have specific needs or take multiple trips per year, our friendly staff can tailor a package to meet your particular travel requirements.

Make a group booking for travel with Interislander any time from now until 30 November 2010 and we will give you a free Interislander family pass (approximate value $500). This voucher* will be valid for a year and makes a great prize for any raffles and fund raisers you may have coming up to fund your trip.

  Interislander operates three ships, the Kaitaki, Arahura and Aratere with up to 11 sailings a day, so you have a wide choice of travel times.

  Once onboard there is plenty to see and do - enjoy a meal together, relax at the bar or simply take in the breathtaking scenery. Kaitaki Plus, our luxury lounge onboard Kaitaki is another great option for groups.

  For more information, a quote or to book your Interislander journey, please contact our groups booking team on 0800 878 898 or email groups@interislander.co.nz

Regards,

Gavin Rutherford

Sales & Marketing Manager

* voucher excludes travel 16 December - 25 January, Easter & Labour Weekend

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The Walking Access Commission has signed a contract with Terralink International to map public access - walking and other - across New Zealand. It is a project that will break new ground technically and in its usefulness. The system is planned to be available on the web. Viewers will need to print off the maps/information they require.

An outline of the system can be downloaded 

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All going well there will be regular updates from RANZ on outdoor issues throughout 2010.

RANZ now has its own Channel on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/user/recreationaccessnz

Please bookmark the above and the RANZ web site for future reference
http://www.recreationaccess.org.nz

My first project for the new decade is a video rebuttal of the opinion of MAF, and their advisers, that it is not possible to create new unformed roads over private land. This is a critically important matter for all outdoor recreationists.

If the resultant official policy, that in future only easements over private land will be sought for public access rather than public roads, then the certainty of unhindered passage over roads could be replaced by much inferior privileges. Unformed roads are potentially most at risk – all 56,000 km of them – from extinguishment and realignment of access as easements.

Before Christmas I challenged the official position at a public meeting with representatives of the Walking Access Commission. They had no answers to my criticism, and showed no interest in my offer to brief the Commission's CEO on the findings of my research or in the papers I handed to him. So be warned – their policy line is well entrenched – their political masters will have to be persuaded to intervene. It appears that, these days,  unless you are a mining or other commercial plunderer of the outdoors, only noise and friction – lots of it – has any effect on the business of Government.

You and your recreational organisation must take an active interest in this issue and lobby Government, right up to PM level.
Ask the outnumbered recreation members of the Walking Access Commission what they are doing about it...
Brian Stephenson brian@bwstephenson.com
Brian is a barrister with extensive experience in employment law and dispute resolution. He is a past president of Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand.
Dr Kay Booth kay@lindis.co.nz
Kay is a tourism and recreation consultant with twenty years experience in parks and recreation research and planning. She has held executive positions with non-government conservation and recreation organisations.

The Bushey Park Road Saga is viewable on YouTube as a 10 min overview or as a 60 minute documentary (in nine parts). I can supply the hour doco as a DVD at $20 per disk (donations also appreciated).

Email orders and payment details: bruce@recreationaccess.org.nz
Please make cheques out to 'Recreation Access New Zealand'

 Bruce Mason

NZFWDA.org.nz | Kindly sponsored by Jeep and ARB

On January 16th, the web server crashed and in the process corrupted the database which stored a large amount of our web site's content. Unfortunately we were unable to recover any data from the corrupted files.

Although it was largely the fault of our web hosting provider, we will be taking extra precautions ourselves by keeping our own database backups so to prevent such a huge loss should the same situation repeat itself.

We have begun to rebuild the sites content and bring things back up to date. If you notice any content that is in-correct and you have the updated information, please get in contact with us.

I apologise for the inconvenience this has caused and thank you for your paitence.

NZFWDA.org.nz | Kindly sponsored by Jeep and ARB

This Bill has had a first hearing in Parliament as presented by the West Coast MP Hon Damien O'Connor (Minister for Rural Affairs). Submissions to the Parliamentary Select Committee have now closed.

For four wheeling it is potentially absolutely disastrous and as you can see from the comments below from Bryce Johnson of NZ Fish and Game Council, that it dismays them too.

The 4x4 community must act swiftly and in big numbers, so contact your MP's and tell them it's not wanted!

We now have a new tool to use that will make it simple for you to reach Members of Parliament! http://www.betterdemocracy.co.nz/email_mps.php

Send all your MP's an email now to let them know the Walking Access Bill is not wanted!

More reading...

Available for download below:

• The NZFWDA's comments to the Select Committee
• Comments from Hugh Barr of CORANZ
• Comments from Brian Stephenson of Federated Mountain Clubs
• A list of all MP contacts

Others news articles on this web site:

• Walking Access Repression - Bruce Mason's view on the bill as a 'blatant assault on our fundamental rights'
• Walking Access Bill - A sinster attempt to rid on unformed legal roads, the view of Bryce Johnson of NZ Fish and Game

Through other web sites:

• An essay on the evolution of this walking access business

Make sure your voice is heard and contact your MP's now!

NZFWDA.org.nz | Kindly sponsored by Jeep and ARB

Submissions close 14th July

This is another important area to four wheeling and it appears that DOC want to heavily restrict use.

NZFWDA.org.nz | Kindly sponsored by Jeep and ARB

Bruce Mason, the very respected access advocate has this to say...

WALKING ACCESS REPRESSION

INTRODUCTION

As I sit at home on Anzac Day viewing the provisions of the recently introduced Walking Access Bill, an inescapable reality emerges - this Bill is a blatant assault on our fundamental rights, dressed up as a public good.

While our politicians are commemorating those who gave their lives for freedom and liberty, these same politicians are now not only betraying the supreme sacrifices of those they claim to honour but also present and future generations. According to the Walking Access Consultation Panel (2007) there are 56,900 kilometers of unformed road in New Zealand - the equivalent of four times the distance by road from Peking to Paris. This is an immense strategic asset, much of which is suitable for recreational use.

"The unformed roading network is one of the greatest recreational assets of the nation, for it is the one mechanism that provides an unqualified guarantee of access for everyone". Brian E Hayes. February, 2007. Elements of the law on movable water boundaries'.

However, all guarantees will be removed if the Walking Access Bill becomes law!

"Section 6...[a little-used provision in the Walkways Act 1990, enabling use of unformed roads as walkways]...is a curious provision which is inconsistent with the common law, the statutory law protecting the status of roads, and the rigorous protection the New Zealand courts have provided for the interests of the public". Brian E Hayes. February, 2007. 'Roading law as it applies to unformed roads'.

Rather than repealing section 6 to protect the interests of the public, the Walking Access Bill expands its powers to bar, restrict and penalise the public. The Bill is an Act of Repression!

POLITICAL EXPEDIENCY RULES

My previous predictions as to the thrust of what Government is really on about have proved correct. Government got a hammering from the rural sector (deservedly so in my opinion) for Jim Sutton's misguided attempt at imposing public access rights over private land. Now our leaders are giving away existing public rights over public lands just to keep the rural sector quiet prior to this year's election! Clark and Co don't want a repeat.

Federated Farmers must be rejoicing - they are set to achieve everything they would ever hope for, and more. Not that a Labour-led Government has any particular affection for the Feds. Just consider the cavalier approach by Government to the concerns of pastoral lessees undertaking tenure review. Government is vigorously asserting public interest ahead of private interest in the South Island high country, even if it costs them/us millions to do so.

In the case of the Walking Access Bill, Government trumpets the fact that the Bill does NOT interfere with private property rights. What they do NOT say is that they are 'interfering' with (read 'extinguishing') public property rights. Political expediency and current electoral imperatives rule ahead of ideology, let alone principle.

Unless there is an electoral revolt, the Bill is destined to become law with Labour and National supporting it. The access-hostile content of the Bill should trigger vigorous opposition from the recreation NGO sector. Their leaderships should be held to account if they fail to resist this lamentable outcome.

WALKING ACCESS BILL 2008

The Bill establishes the New Zealand Walking Access Commission.

The Commission's functions include:

• a leadership and co-ordination role in the provision of public access to the outdoors;
• the provision of information about the location of existing public access;
• the provision of a code of responsible conduct for the guidance of the public and landholders;
• facilitating and funding the negotiation of new public access across private land.

While many of the above functions should be beneficial the imposition of Walkways over public land, especially those that are reserves or unformed roads, is unnecessary and dangerous to the public good.

Clause 3 states that the purpose of the Bill is:
"To provide the New Zealand public with safe, unimpeded walking access to the outdoors (such as around the coast and lakes, along rivers, and to public resources) so that the public can enjoy the outdoors".

Given that public lands (other than wildlife sanctuaries, etc.) already have rights of access - at least by walking - there is no need for additional walking rights to be bestowed. As set out below, in regard to public lands, the Bill actually creates a regime designed to IMPEDE walking access - contrary to the primary purpose of the Bill.

Walkway legislation has been around since the mid 1970's. Up to now this has proved to be largely ineffectual in advancing walking opportunities over private land because it depends on landholder consent. It is not unreasonable that agreement is voluntary, but it is a lesson that should have been well understood by now. The ONLY prospect of further advancing

Walkway establishment over private land arises from the offering and acceptance of payment, or other benefit, that outweighs landowner reticence in foregoing privacy, development opportunities, capital gains and succession rights from unimpeded title.

Government has not indicated any intent to dig deep into its pockets for monetary compensation. The only form of 'compensation' to farmers that has been raised during the lengthy access debate has involved so-called 'paper'
roads - the trading off of public property and rights 'in exchange' for unspecified rights over private land.

Exclamations of joy from Federated Farmers late in February last year, heralding impending farmer veto rights over public use of unformed roads, was a foreboding of what has now appeared in the Bill. The Feds, and some recreation NGOs, were briefed by officials on the Walking Access Panel's report before its release in March 2007.

The Walking Access Bill delivers to adjoining landholders -

• 'Rights' of use over unformed roads "for the same purposes and to the same extent" as if a walkway had not been declared. This follows what I believe to be erroneous advice by Brian Hayes to the effect that farmers have unspecified rights of 'occupation' that should be accommodated as "a special need". Whereas the courts regard such 'occupiers' as no more than trespassers.
• Protection of landholders who have rights of 'frontage' to unformed legal roads including the use of vehicles, They will be able to ignore any restrictions to walking-only passage along roads that will apply to everyone else.
• Rights to request closure to the public of unformed roads adjoining their holdings, with no limitations on the grounds for such requests, or limits to acceding to such requests by the authorities, other than being 'on reasonable grounds' or 'necessary'.

Repression of public use will be effected by -

• Imposition of regulations and bylaws concerning the maintenance of "good order" on walkways, providing for the conditions under which the public may enter, remain on, or use any walkway, with penalties up to $1000.
• Imposition of various 'strict liability' offences such as having firearms, horses, dogs or vehicles.
• Penalties against offenders of up to $5000 for 'strict liability' offences.
• The onus is on the defendant to prove that at the time of the alleged offence an activity is authorised, whereas the prosecution does not need to prove that a defendant intentionally or recklessly committing the offence knew that an offence was occurring: i.e. guilty unless proven innocent.
• More serious offences requiring 'knowledge, intent, or recklessness', including, without having the authority of the landholder of land adjacent to the walkway, enters or remains on the walkway if the walkway is closed, interferes with or disturbs livestock, or ANNOYS or DISTURBS the landholder adjacent to a walkway.
• Penalties against offenders of up to $10,000 for 'knowledge, intent, or recklessness' offences.
• Additional liability for loss, damage, or costs associated in effecting prosecutions, including salaries, wages, and incidental expenses incurred in investigating the act constituting an offence.
• Enforcement officers, including every fish and game ranger. Such officers will have powers to call on any person "in the vicinity" for assistance (no guessing required as to who is most likely to be "in the vicinity"). It is a further offence to obstruct such a person.

ROAD RESUMPTION AND PRIVATISATION

There is a key matter not touched on by the Bill. That is the use of existing Local Government Act provisions for resumption and disposal of unformed roads. Contrary to Hayes's advice to Government this is used extensively - all in secret - until such time as published in the NZ Gazette. My research indicates that resumption is currently almost as prevalent as 'stopping' actions by local authorities, which does require public process with scope for appeal to the Environment Court. The Bill, if enacted in its present form, is likely to add impetus to resumption and disposal of roads.

There are two sets of legal access rights attached to public roads - public passage ALONG roads, and private access ACROSS road frontages to and from adjoining property.

In the drafting of the Bill, Government has concerned itself entirely with protecting private property rights. Long-established public rights are ignored. Centuries-old common law protecting public rights of unhindered passage along unformed roads are being swept aside without any acknowledgement that such rights exist. Whereas Government not only acknowledges coexistent common law rights of access across the road 'frontages' but expressly protects these private rights in the Bill.

The door is wide open for privatisation and control of public lands by stealth, ostensibly in the name of providing 'public access'. No Government should be permitted to get away with this.

I predict that if the Bill is passed there will be a two-pronged state-sponsored attack on the most secure form of public access in New Zealand: resumption and disposal of unformed roads - without public process, and declaring remaining unformed roads to be walkways, making them no more than private rights of way.

The rest of the Bill is relatively harmless. The effectiveness of any future central government walking access initiatives will depend on the allegiancesand calibre of the people appointed to the NZ Access Commission, and the adequacy of government funding. Going by the failure of the former NZ Walkways Commission, we should not expect too much.

FIVE ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE

By submission by Wednesday, 21 May, 2008, to:

Committee Secretariat
Local Government and Environment
Parliament House
Wellington

1. DEMAND the removal from the Walking Access Bill all provisions for declaring walkways over public land.
2. ASK that all road resumption powers under the Local Government Act be subject to 'road stopping' procedures with public rights of appeal to the Environment Court. The committee requires 2 copies of each submission if made in writing. Those wishing to appear before the committee to speak to their submissions should state this clearly and provide a day time telephone contact number.
3. WRITE to the Prime Minister and other MPs expressing dismay at the Bill.
4. QUESTION your recreation organisation as to their role if consulted by or providing advice to Government on these matters (FMC, PANZ, and F&G NZ in particular).
5. MAKE THIS AN ELECTION ISSUE THAT GOVERNMENT CANNOT IGNORE. This would be the most effective measure of all.

Bruce Mason
25 April 2008

http://www.recreationaccess.org.nz

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This Bill is not just going to affect 4x4 recreation as Bryce Johnson (NZ Fish and Game) points out ...

I am currently filing an OIA request for any reports, Cabinet decisions etc, that relate to the decision to include the section in the Bill enabling walkways to be created over public land. I suspect there isn't much I will get back which will indicate it is more a political move than one built on reasonable cause.

Personally I think it is a sinister (and naive) attempt to get rid on unformed legal roads (ULRs) in favour of the adjoining owner. So we all need to dump on this provision in the Bill big-time - especially any of the organisations and individuals who have an interest in recreational access with guns, dogs and vehicles (bike and motorized). The agricultural and local government sectors would love to get rid of ULRs.

We all need to make sure the hard won key points of ‘high principle', from an angler / hunter point of view, that I got into chapter 6 of "Acland 2" (the panel I was on) are not fudged aside in the Bill and during the upcoming parliamentary debates and select committee process.

Already the pro-farmer attitude is emerging in the Explanatory Note to the Bill where it is stated on page 2 that.... "The Bill does not interfere with private property rights".... yet the Bill currently seems silent on the explicitly recorded points in chapter 6 of the Acland 2 report on pages 16 and 17 that...."the public has rights to public resources", and a bit further on...."Wildlife, freshwater fisheries and natural water are natural resources and do not usually attach to the land title" (and hence are deemed to be public resources forming part of the public estate) - where the reference to ‘do not usually' was only inserted because of the uncertain legal possibility around ‘water ownership' in relation to mining rights in places like Central Otago. So the proposition was generally accepted in Acland 2 that land ownership does not extend to the ‘wildlife, freshwater fisheries and natural water' associated with the land upon which it exists - however it does not seem to have come through in the Bill - I wonder why?

What this all means is that the current Bill therefore effectively enshrines "exclusive capture", where a land occupier can effectively grant themselves exclusive ownership of a public natural resource, such as wildlife, or freshwater fisheries, or natural water in situ, simply by (selectively) denying public access, for which they can then probably charge an access fee (which amounts to the sale of fishing or hunting rights in respect of those particular sports fish and game bird species managed by Fish and Game Councils). This needs to be strongly exposed by all of us in the up-coming parliamentary and select committee process.

One point in our possible favour however is that the Purpose statement of the actual Bill, at clause 3(a), states that...."The purpose of this Act is - (a) to provide the New Zealand public with safe, unimpeded walking access to the outdoors (such as around the coast and lakes, along rivers, and to public resources) so that the public can enjoy the outdoors....etc". (my emphasis). However while "public resources" are not currently legally defined in section 4 of the Bill, we should be able to make a strong case for them to be, along the lines of the interpretation taken in Acland 2, noted above - ie. that ‘public resources' means ‘wildlife, freshwater fisheries and natural water'. To this the marine recreational fishing NGOs need to add ‘marine recreational fisheries' and big game NGOs need to add ‘deer, chamois, tahr and pigs', and all the hunting NGOs (including Fish & Game) need to add ‘small game' (such as hares, rabbits and possibly possums) - given that all three are what most hunters cut their teeth on en-route to becoming life-long recreational hunters.

We all therefore need to read this Bill very carefully, and contrast it against the Acland 2 report, including my ‘Alternative View' minority report at chapter 21.
It will become an extremely important piece of legislation for the future of outdoor recreation in NZ, as it cuts to the fundamental heart of what the early English and European settlers sought to establish in NZ regarding the public ownership of and accessibility to natural resources.

Bryce

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The NZFWDA have assembled an online survey to try to get a picture of what four wheelers prefer to do with their vehicles. If we are going to be suggesting to DOC and others what they should be planning for, then we should be using solid data from a wide spectrum of 4x4 users.

It's not a long survey and unless you decide to provide your email address there is no other identification of responses.

Please take part as the numbers are important.

This survey will close on 21 May 2008

Click here to take the survey now

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The Department of Conservation have supplied a list of consultations for the CMS process and their position as of April 2008.

It is vital that all four wheelers show an interest in this process as it will dictate whether 4x4 recreation will be allowed on the public land under the DOC banner.

Bay Of Plenty CMS

Public Notification occurred 10 March 2008. Submissions close 9 May 2008 4.30pm.
This is the first of the 2nd generation CMSs to be notified. You are encouraged to have a look at and see what you think, as it may set the framework for what content could be in other CMSs to follow. Mark Davies mrdavies@doc.govt.nz
Ph. 07 349 7408 Bay of Plenty Conservation Management Strategy review

Waikato CMS

This CMS review is well underway.
The conservancy is presently seeking feedback on a preliminary draft. Comments are due by the 16th April 2008, 4.30pm. You need to request a copy from the conservancy or by using the following email: waikatocms@doc.govt.nz
CMS Open days are being held in the following venues

• Te Kuiti, Thursday 27 March 2-6pm Maniapoto Campus of Te Wananga o Aotearoa, Cnr of Alexander and Taupiri Streets.
• Hamilton, Monday 31 March 4-8pm Hamilton Gardens, Chartwell Room.
• Thames, Wednesday 2 April 2-6pm Thames Civic Centre, 200 Mary St, Thames

This is informal consultation, so please make the most of the opportunity to let the conservancy know your views on their ideas. Matt Vare
mvare@doc.govt.nz
Ph. 07 858 1045 Waikato Conservation Management Strategy review

East Coast/Hawkes Bay CMS

This conservancy is presently reviewing their CMS. The work to date has focused on internal consultation. They are expecting to notify the CMS later in the year. At this stage external consultation is likely to be very focused with key stakeholders.
There may also be an amendment undertaken to the Te Urewera National Park plan regarding mountain biking in conjunction with this process.
Public notification for formal submission is expected towards the end of this year.
Should you wish to be involved please contact the conservancy Amber Dunn
adunn@doc.govt.nz
Ph. 06 869 0478

Northland CMS

The conservancy is very busy undertaking consultation. They have a lot planned and some innovative ways for seeking public engagement.
I encourage you to look at the attached weblink to see what is on offer. It includes:

• Workshops and hui
• On-line public forum
• A survey to find out what people think the CMS should say

This consultation will continue until June 08. They are expecting to notify for public submission later in the year. Piet Nieuwland
Ph. 09 470 3326
pnieuwland@doc.govt.nz
Sioux Campbell - re consultation process
scampbell@doc.govt.nz

general email of process - NorthlandR@doc.govt.nz
Northland Conservation Management Strategy review

Auckland CMS

The review of this CMS is well underway as well. Early targeted consultation is occurring at present. Should you wish to be involved please contact the conservancy.
On the DoC website you will find up to date information including Fact Sheets on what the conservancy is doing.
Formal notification for public submission is intended for Sept/Oct 2008. Rebecca Rush
rrush@doc.govt.nz
Ph. 09 3074853 Auckland Conservation Management Strategy review

Stewart Island/Rakiura CMS

This process is being done in conjunction with the preparation of the Rakiura National Park management plan.
Extensive consultation has occurred on this process and is on-going.
It is expected to be notified for public submission mid 2008.
The DoC website has lots of information on what has happened to date and how you can get involved, including:

• Fact sheets regularly updated
• Notes from various workshops held and public discussion documents Anke de Jong

adejong@doc.govt.nz
Ph. 03 2112491
Peter Wilson
pgwilson@doc.govt.nz
Ph. 03 2112459 Stewart Island/Rakiura National Park Management Plan preparation

Wanganui CMS

Initial consultation is underway for this CMS as well.
The conservancy has a variety of information sheets and is also seeking feedback through a questionnaire which can be found on the DoC website. This is a good opportunity to get involved early in a consultation process.
Notification for public submission is expected in August 2009. Peter Morton
pmorton@doc.govt.nz
Ph. 06 3492135 Wanganui Conservation Management Strategy review

Wellington CMS

This review is in its very early stages. Consultation is yet to start. Emily Greenberg
egreenberg@doc.govt.nz
Ph. 04 470 8423

Canterbury CMS

Canterbury conservancy is in its very early stages of consultation. Poma Palmer.
ppalmer@doc.govt.nz
Ph. 03 371 3745

Chatham Islands CMS

This review is in its very early stages. Consultation is yet to start. Jeff Flavell (Conservation Support Manager)
jflavell@doc.govt.nz
Ph. 04 470 8406

Otago CMS

The review of this CMS is expected to start towards the end of this year. Bronwyn Hunt
bhunt@doc.govt.nz
Ph. 03 4402288

Mainland Southland/ West Otago CMS

The review of this CMS is expected to start towards the end of this year. Anke de Jong
adejong@doc.govt.nz

Subantarctic Islands CMS
 

The review of this CMS is expected to start towards the end of this year. Anke de Jong
adejong@doc.govt.nz

Nelson/ Marlborough CMS

This review is in its very early stages. Consultation is yet to start. Katherine Hughes
khughes@doc.govt.nz
Ph. 03 546 3164

Tongariro-Taupo CMS

No action. This CMS is not due for review for 3-4 years.

National Park Management plans

National Park Action Contact Weblink
Abel Tasman National Park Management Plan 1986-1996 - Review This is presently with the New Zealand Conservation Authority (NZCA) for approval Katherine Hughes
khughes@doc.govt.nz

Westland National Park Management Plan 2001-2011 - Amendment Proposed amendment publicly notified on 18th August 2007 (re: proposed dual walkway/cycleway from State Highway to car parking areas at Franz and Fox glaciers).
This is presently with the NZCA for approval.
Campbell Robertson
crobertson@doc.govt.nz

Whanganui National Park Management Plan - March 1989-1999 - Review Presently under review.
It is still to be forwarded to the Conservation Board for their consideration.
Key consultative processes have been concluded. Peter Morton
pmorton@doc.govt.nz

Mt Aspiring National Park Management Plan 1994-2004 - Review Extensive consultation presently underway.
Should you be interested in Mt Aspiring this would be the time to contact the conservancy. Bronwyn Hunt
bhunt@doc.govt.nz

Kahurangi National Park Management Plan 2001-2011 - Partial review The first formal round of consultation has occurred with this partial plan review, however, it is not too late to be involved.
Notification for public submission has not occurred yet. Katherine Hughes
khughes@doc.govt.nz

Rakiura National Park Management Plan Refer to comments on Rakiura CMS review Stewart Island/Rakiura National Park Management Plan preparation

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"The intent of this document is to ultimately provide for better management of vehicle access to and through the Pisa Conservation Area and any feedback will also be used in the Otago Conservation Management Strategy review process, due to commence within the next year or so."

DOC have extended the submission period to 25th April

The contact at DOC is Paul Hellebrekers, PO Box 93 Wanaka 9343

phellebrekers@doc.govt.nz

This document is only available from DOC as a printed booklet by mail. This is another of those important consultations that 4x4 enthusiasts must get involved in or be left looking at our lands from a State Highway.

However the NZFWDA have scanned the supplied booklet and the basic document and map are available to download here. (Two appendix items have been left out to reduce the size.) If you want those 2 items, contact access@nzfwda.org.nz

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The NZFWDA spoke to a Christchurch hearing on 21 Feb 08 regarding the draft West Coast CMS and the written submission that was put forward in October 07.

Emphasis was put on the "heritage" value of old routes through public lands and the full submission can be found below...

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Their brochure and Feedback submission form are attached.

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The NZFWDA National Executive Council voted on 27 October 2007 to adopt the same "Care Code" as the Department of Conservation uses in its pamphlet, Four Wheel Driving in Conservation Areas.

A scanned version can be downloaded below.

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An Otago Daily Times report on the DOC organised forum about 4x4 use in Otago.

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The Waikato CMS review process started in Dec 2006. Have you registered your interest in being involved? This conservancy includes the Coromandel region so it is vital to 4x4 interests to have an input.

The Waikato DOC office advise that "We are looking at informal consultation in November - and official submissions etc in Feb/March next year"

Contact DOC now! mvare@doc.govt.nz

ind out more here

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DOC's Auckland conservancy have announced a consultation process for their CMS review.

Register your interest in being involved.

Find out more here

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Suzuki Xtreme 4x4 Cup makes the national news.

Check out the video footage of the news clip

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One of the reports compiled as an outcome of the Acland Report on Walking Access is one on unformed roads.

There are several companion reports as PDF that can be found at the Walking Access web site.

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The NZ Conservation Authority has assembled a document about responding to DOC submission processes. There's a down-loadable PDF or an address to contact in Wellington for getting a copy mailed to you.

http://www.doc.govt.nz/About-DOC/Policies-Plans-and-Reports/DOCs-Statutory-Planning-Processes/index.asp

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New Franklin District Council rules for use of vehicles on beaches, including Kariotahi Beach came into force on August 1.

The rules prohibit all vehicles and horses on dunes. You may cross a dune to an adjoining property or road but only by the most direct route possible and in a manner not causing any damage to the dune. The new Bylaws carry fines up to $20,000.

The Council have set a beach "safe zone" at the Kariotahi Road end where most vehicle use is banned.

www.franklindistrict.co.nz

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www.linz.govt.nz

Keep a watch on this site for pastoral lease submissions and utilise the LINZ online mapping system too.

There are several major tenure reviews in process at present and the more pressure from four wheelers, the more recognition we will get.

Loss of vehicle access across these and similar lands, will eventually eliminate the options of traversing the South Island by farm tracks and old roads.

Find out more here

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A message sent from Geoff Ward, Resource Adviser for Rodney District Council, to a few NZFWDA members:

Gentlemen,

Thank you for your enquiry about the review of the Rodney District Council General Bylaw. Drafting of changes to the 6 bylaws under review has yet to be completed. It is expected the agenda Item will be available on the website by 16th July.

The full set of current bylaws can be seen on the Couuncil's website www.rodney.govt.nz

At the present time controls on vehicles on beaches are contained in Chapter 12, Public Places, Clauses 2 (j) and 4 (c). These rules although applying to beaches generally are unclear.

All those consulted to date agree that as a general rule vehicular access to most beaches is undesirable for public safety, environmental and ecological reasons, to protect dune formations and shell fish etc., and vehicles should continue to have restricted access to beaches. However provision needs to be made for beach access either on certain beaches or under certain circumstances.

The draft proposed changes move the matter from the "Public places" Chapter 12, to Chapter 14, "Road and traffic control and numbering of premises", Clause 4.1 [f] . This covers the above issues and states:

"No person shall, without the written permission of the Council or an Authorised Officer, or as indicated by signs, or as otherwise legally permitted:

(c) stop a vehicle on any part of a boat launching ramp or its approaches longer than necessary to launch or recover a boat

(d) take any vehicle on to a beach except by the most direct route to launch or recover a boat".

The exisitng beach access arrangements for vehicles on Muriwai beach for instance will not be affected by these provisions.

The Bylaws have yet to be put out for public consultation which will occur at the end of July .Submissions will not close until 2nd.September 2005. The Council would be pleased to hear from you.

I hope this infirmation answers your queries.

Regards

Geoff Ward
Resource Adviser

Another message from Geoff Ward to Brian Haybittle:

Mr Haybittle,

Thank you for your enquiry about vehicular access to Muriwai Beach. There is no intention of the Council suggesting any limitation to the existing arrangements for vehicles on Muriwai beach north of the Okoritoto Stream.

Generally vehicles have always been restricted particularly on popular beaches where there is a risk to public safety and environmental or risks to the eco system such as dune or shellfish damage or threat to wildlife.

The purpose of the proposed changes are to clarify the position. Provision is being made for existing or other legal access to be maintained as is access permitted by signposting.

The draft bylaws will be on the Council's website www.rodney.govt.nz by 16th July.

The public consultation period will run from 29/7/05 to 2nd September 2005 and will be publicy notified and on the web.

I hope these comments help.

Regards

Geoff Ward
Resource Adviser

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42 Traverse, closed from 1May until December 1. Check back here.

Fishers Rd, a voluntary winter closure in place.

Dunstan Rd, winter closure.

Whangamomona Rd, winter 4x4 restriction from June 1 until September 30.

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Read more at the ICOMOS web site 

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Now you can check DOC boundaries, tracks, and a myriad of other items straight off the Department of Conservation.

Print your own maps and check GPS co-ordinates (note the 1949 datum)

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