Anger, suspicion over land access issue | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

The Wairarapa rural community has reacted with anger and suspicion to possible law changes giving the public increased rights of access on to private land, according to Federated Farmers Wairarapa president Jim Weston.

His comments come after a standing-room-only meeting at the Masterton Town Hall yesterday to discuss continuing concern and uncertainty over the possibility the Government could legislate to give people the right of access to creeks and rivers.

Mr Weston said the purpose of the meeting was to try to influence members of Parliament and candidates for the general election.

He wanted a clear statement that candidates would not be involved in passing any law that takes property rights without negotiated agreement.

This morning Mr Weston said farmers and small-block owners are suspicious about the Government's intentions, despite reassurances that new laws hadn't been drafted.

He said the meeting showed a high level of concern about security and theft if the public was given greater rights of access.

One farmer in North Wairarapa, who has built a large man-made lake that he allows the public to visit for a fee, has said he will drain the lake if the public are given automatic right of access to waterways, Mr Weston said.

He said deerstalkers and tramping clubs are also opposed to any law changes because they fear they will lose the goodwill that already exists with farmers over access.

Mr Weston said there was also opposition to changes from small-block holders, who had paid big money for peace and privacy.

Mr Weston said there are a few places in Wairarapa, like areas of the southern coast and the Mitre Flats area near Mount Holdsworth, where public access was an issue and these should be resolved on a case-by-case basis.

"There is no need for a blanket change," Mr Weston said.

The meeting has sent out a clear message that the Government should rethink this issue, he said.

But Labour's Wairarapa candidate Denise MacKenzie said she thought concerns expressed at the meeting were premature.

The Government has already ruled out the "right to roam and talk of land confiscating is nonsense", she said.

"It's scaremongering."

The Government is looking at clearing up confusion and inconsistencies surrounding the much-misunderstood Queen's Chain.

It is important to take a look at the public access issue to ensure New Zealanders have continued access to the beaches and major rivers in light of the sales of land to overseas owners, she said.

Policy papers are being prepared but no new law has been drafted yet, she said, and this has led to a level of frustration.

Act MP Gerry Eckhoff said the meeting was the last of his nationwide tour. He said a bill would be introduced into the house before Christmas when people are concentrating on barbecues and thinking of Christmas.

"I know that a bill is drafted," Mr Eckhoff said. "The Government will make an announcement on December 2."

National MP Shane Ardern said his comments should not be taken as scaremongering. They are spelling out what the Government would do.