News
Defining the value of legal roads .... a video
February 18, 2010
Addressing a forum convened in Wanaka by the Walking Access Commission, Bruce Mason was given 10 minutes to address the issue of what are the
appropriate mechanisms to honour the Commission's purpose of
"achieving free, certain, enduring, and practical walking access to the
outdoors."
In
a numerical ranking of different access mechanisms, public roads came
out the winner, by a long mile. Whereas the Commission's preference for
easements over private land, are next to worthless — they cannot be
taken seriously for securing public access.
The
address was in the form of a DVD movie prepared especially for
the occasion. It was well received from the floor, including from
farming representatives. I did however hear doubts from a couple of the
Commission members — a case of seeing difficulties where none exist. It
remains to be seen whether any changes occur to the Commission's
National Strategy, and more importantly, in their outlook.
You are invited to view this on YouTube, and to make up your own mind.
'Achieving Certain Access' is now on YouTube as two parts. You can access this by either:
... Or via the RANZ website:
Ultimately, it will only be public pressure that will persuade the Commission to alter its approach.
How about letting the Commission know your views?
...as well as myself