Land access - New Zealand Four Wheel Drive Association Inc.

Work Party confirmed for 42 Traverse - Volunteers Wanted!

Thu, 21 May 2020 02:50:02 GMT

It would be great to get volunteers from 4wd clubs to come along and help this hugely worthwhile project, which is a vital part of maintaining and building our relationship with DOC and of course ongoing access to this iconic 4wd track.

In the words of Peter Vahry from Friends of 42 Traverse "This has taken months to set up and we are going to need to show enthusiasm for keeping this route for our recreation. This is a rare opportunity to get some strong local PR."

Information is on their website www.friendsof42traverse.nz under the "News" tab.

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Unformed Legal Roads - New Video from Walking Access Commission

Thu, 21 May 2020 02:14:43 GMT

You'll find it on their website at www.walkingaccess.govt.nz/about-us/news/unformed-legal-roads//

This doesn't mean we can just barge in through fences and gates and help ourselves to access where it might upset adjacent land-owners. It is always worthwhile politely approaching land-owners first where there are obstacles or the risk of conflict, explain the situation and your understanding of the road and ask about ways to make minimal impact of the land or the land-owners or other users.

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Notice to 4wd Clubs about Resource Consents

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 05:28:26 GMT

Before you go, think about the lessons learned from the experience at the last Deadwood, where the organising club and the Association were both fined large amounts for breaches of the Resource Management Act.

Our advice is simple: Don't damage the beds of waterways and don't cause sediment. In many cases this means keeping out of streams and bogs etc.

The National Executive is putting together some detailed information for clubs, including step-by-step guidelines. These will help you to comply with the Resource Management Act, to find out if your trip or event can take place without needing a resource consent, or if a resource consent is required some tips on how to apply for it.

To find out whether your trip or event complies with the Act, you will need to contact two councils (who will have their own rules about what complies): your local regional council and also your local district or city council. In some places like Auckland a single unitary council may cover both roles. Go through their helplines.

Tell them as much detail as you can about what you're planning and ask whether it complies with their rules. This is the most important part of the planning.

Our Association President is preparing a detailed description of all this, which will be published shortly.

That will be followed by the detailed step-by-step guidelines that the National Executive is preparing for clubs.

Signed: Grant Purdie, National PRO.

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Judge's Sentencing Notes and Ruling - GW case against NZFWDA

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 04:11:35 GMT

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Valley 4wd Club and NZFWDA Convicted and Fined for Deadwood Safari

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 07:04:26 GMT

This follows the conviction of Valley 4wd Club relating to the same event, where Valley Club was fined $60,000 plus costs.

The NZFWDA was fined $38,000 plus costs on its guilty pleas.

In convicting the NZFWDA, the Judge made the point that he expected all 4wd clubs to be on notice to ensure their rules, processes and behaviours pay due regard to environmental risks and comply with all relevant legislation and Regional and District Council rules.

The National Executive of the NZFWDA accepts that its constitution and rules were not strong enough to ensure compliance with obligations under the Resource Management Act and has been working on changes to these and to the way that they are implemented across all our clubs' and members' activities.

The NZFWDA reminds every NZFWDA club and member, and indeed every person who drives off-road, that they must comply with Regional and District Council rules pertaining to water bodies, streams and rivers as well as to the wider environment, If there is any doubt about the interpretation or extent of these rules, best practice is to seek advice before acting.

The overarching Tread Lightly principle of the NZFWDA is to leave the environment as you find it.

Neville Dunton
NZFWDA President
on behalf of NZFWDA Executive Committee

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Maratoto opened for four wheeling for the summer from 20 December 2019

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 07:01:46 GMT

Following discussions with the Department of Conservation (DoC) and with their agreement, initial maintenance work on the Maratoto track has been carried out
Please respect the track and stick to it (some bits are closed at DoC’s request). Make sure that your vehicles and footwear are clean before going in (to reduce the risk of Kauri dieback) and don’t forget the track levy which helps fund work on the track… direct payment can be made to the NZFWDA Maratoto account at 02 0400 0217 946 001 Include a reference name please.

NZFWDA northern zone president John Hickey stated " I am pleased to announce that DoC has now agreed that Maratoto can be opened for four wheeling for the summer from 20 December 2019. (Steve & Ces tell me that some vegetation trimming may be needed. (I understand Thames club may organise some trimming of vegetation (no chainsaws and no sharp points to be caused by trimming…)) .Thanks to everyone who has helped – DoC‘s Peter French, Bill Horgan & Leanne Irvine and especially Steve & Ces."

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42 Traverse cut back for 2019 is cancelled

Wed, 02 Oct 2019 20:55:58 GMT

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'One or two idiots ruin it': Council blocks track to vehicles

Wed, 02 Oct 2019 07:14:06 GMT

A four-wheel-drive enthusiast has a message for people calling for the closure of tracks –‘‘give us a chance.’’

North Canterbury 4WD Club member Trevor Taylor says the city council’s decision to install a gate blocking off Worsley’s Track to vehicles without consultation was not fair and people should have been consulted.

Read more:

Call to close reserve track to vehicles

But city council transport operations manager Steffan Thomas said consultation was not required on this occasion.

“The closure of Worsleys Rd was undertaken through the use of a temporary traffic management plan. This closure was notified by pre-warning signage on-site, as is required for temporary closures. As this is not a permanent closure, consultation as per road stopping process was not needed.”

Mr Thomas said Worsley’s Track will be closed to cars and motor-cycles until late August next year “due to concerns about fire risk.”

Southern View reported last month Huntsbury Ave resident David Drayton wants the city council to do more to stop four-wheel-drive vehicles damaging the Bownvale Reserve track and endangering walkers and cyclists.

Mr Taylor read the article and told Southern View closing off tracks like this one and Worsley’s Track is unfair to responsible four-wheel-drive users.

Mr Taylor said it is just a few people ruining it for everyone else wanting to drive on tracks like these.

“One or two idiots ruin it for everyone else. It’s the old story, let’s punish the good guys, and it’s just not right.”

He said North Canterbury 4WD Club always encouraged its members to be responsible when four-wheel-driving and believed they should not be punished for other’s bad behaviour.

“We’re very, very careful with what we do. We always follow the tread lightly policy that we have, that sort of leave only a few tyre marks and nothing else, that’s very important for us. That’s why we have these regular meetings with DOC [the Department of Conservation] and things like that.

“I’m just an ordinary four-wheel-driver who wants us to keep our access,” he said.

Mr Thomas said there are still options for people wanting to go four-wheel-driving but they should not abuse these privileges.

“There is a variety of information available online for local four-wheel-drive opportunities, including through the Department of Conservation and four-wheel-drive clubs. The council would also encourage four-wheel-drivers to use all roads with respect and to minimise damage that may inhibit other road users,” he said.

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Report on the Findings of the Review of the Walking Access Act 2008

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 01:23:09 GMT

Executive Summary

A review of the Walking Access Act 2008 (the Act) is required under section 80, which requires it to be undertaken within ten years of the Act’s commencement. A report on the findings of the review is due to the House of Representatives within eleven years of the Act’s commencement – by the end of September 2019. The review is required to consider the need for the Act, its operation and effectiveness, and whether any amendments are necessary or desirable.This report outlines the findings of the review, undertaken between November 2018 and August 2019.Below is a summary of the most significant findings and recommendations for each of the major themes that emerged from the review.

Key Theme 1: Necessity of the ActThe review recommends retaining the Act, with changes made to it. It found resounding support for the ongoing necessity of the Act and of the New Zealand Walking Access Commission (the Commission), which it establishes. The Commission’s role as an honest broker between parties, its Regional Field Advisors (RFAs), its Walking Access Mapping System (WAMS), and its regional strategic project work are particularly valued.

Key Theme 2: Purpose, objective & prioritiesThe review found that the Act’s scope and the Commission’s activities are not accurately reflected in either the name of the Act or the Commission. The Act has always been concerned with public access for a range of activities, not just for walking. The report recommends that the name of the Act be changed to the Outdoor Access Act, and that the Commission’s name be changed to the New Zealand Outdoor Access Commission.The report recommends changing the current purpose of the Act, which only captures ‘enjoyment’ as a benefit of access. The broader health, social, cultural, and economic benefits of access should also be acknowledged in the purpose section.The review also recommends that Section 11 of the Act, which outlines priorities for negotiating access over private land, be replaced with a strategic planning process. Through this process, priorities would be set every three to five years, allowing them to adapt to changing circumstances and emerging access needs.

Key Theme 3: Challenges and future requirementsThe review found there are many challenges and emerging needs in relation to establishing and maintaining access to the outdoors. Major challenges were: barriers to private landowners providing access; growing visitor numbers; lack of adequate infrastructure like carparks, toilets, and signage; equity of access; and the inflexibility of the current ‘walkways’ mechanism under Part 3 of the Act. The report identifies potential changes to the Act and work of the Commission to address these challenges and meet future requirements for access, including: continuing and expanding strategic, regionally-focused project work; the Commission considering equity of access for different population groups and types of access users; and further investigation into a relaxation of survey requirements for public access ways.

Key Theme 4: Functions of the CommissionThis report recommends combining some existing functions (listed in section 10 of the Act) and framing them in broader terms. Three new functions are recommended for the Commission: partnering with Māori across the breadth of its work; contributing to policy work on access, such as providing advice to councils and involvement in Destination Management Planning being carried out by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE); and coordinating and building the capacity of volunteers. It also recommends the advice function specify public access advice is provided about applications to the Overseas Investment Office in Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), to the Office for Māori Crown Relations – Te Arawhiti, and to LINZ for the management of Crown Pastoral Land.

Key Theme 5: PartnershipsThe review found that the Commission and central government agencies need to work together more on public access. Similar findings were made in relation to the Commission’s work with territorial authorities, with unformed legal roads noted as a key area in which greater collaboration would be useful. The report recommends options for improving policy-level collaboration across central government, and that further investigation be carried out into options for formalising the Commission’s role in processes to stop unformed legal roads. Further investigation is also recommended into options for integrating the responsibilities and functions of the Commission, Te Araroa Trust, and New Zealand Cycle Trail Incorporated (the national body responsible for governance of Ngā Haerenga – the New Zealand Cycle Trail).

Key Theme 6: Māori interestsTo date the Act has had a limited impact on, and relevance for Māori. A key recommendation responding to this is that the Act include a statutory function for the Commission to partner with Māori across the breadth of its work, and set out explicit principles for this partnership (to be translated into its strategies and practices).

Key Theme 7: Controlling authoritiesThe report recommends investigating whether non-public bodies, such as community groups and Māori groups, could be appointed as controlling authorities to promote, maintain and manage access ways. This acknowledges the significant role these groups already play in maintaining tracks and trails, encourages local buy in, and reduces the pressure on public bodies to carry out this role.

Key Theme 8: GovernanceThe report recommends that the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) remains the administrator of the Act, that the Commission remains a Crown entity (Crown agent), and that the required number of board members remains at between five and eight. However, it recommends a change in relation to the board requirements, so that the Act specifies that the board will collectively need to have skills, experience and knowledge relevant to outdoor recreation, landowner and rural interests, tikanga Māori, local government and central government. Currently, the only skill specified in the Act is knowledge of tikanga Māori.

Key Theme 9: ResourcingThere was consistent feedback that the Government funding received by the Commission is inadequate. The report recommends that the Commission’s baseline funding be increased, at a minimum, to keep up with the pace of inflation. Further, the report recommends that any changes made to the scope or quantum of the Commission’s work will need to be accompanied by appropriate additional funding.

Key Theme 10: Specific legislative changesA number of specific, technical changes to the Act have also been identified. Although not dealt with as formal recommendations, they are detailed later in this report.

Read the full report

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Review of the Walking Access Act 2008

Tue, 21 May 2019 03:07:24 GMT

https://www.walkingaccess.govt.nz/about-us/news/have-your-say-on-the-future-of-public-access-to-the-outdoors/

Can we widen the scope of the Commission to include awider range of recreations? This is a chance to influence the future of access... we did that with the creation of the original format of the Commission when we got recognition that unformed legal roads were for everyone and should not be just for walkers.

In the discussion document there are again suggestions that some unformed legal roads should be gazetted as walking use only... motorised users need to respond to that threat.

Get involved!

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4wd Club helps programme to introduce kiwi to Wellington

Wed, 15 May 2019 20:15:08 GMT

Wellington City Council and the Cross Country Vehicle Club have been setting up a project to work together on pest control in Te Kopahou Reserve, WCC's largest reserve.

More recently Capital Kiwi has joined the project. Capital Kiwi aims to introduce colonies of kiwi around Wellington City and is confident this can be achieved. As a first step though, it will rely on a successful pest eradication programme.

The first "boots on the ground" job for the combined team of WCC, CCVC and Capital Kiwi was to set out the traps, which happened in March. See this video showing some highlights of the day:

https://www.facebook.com/capitalkiwi/videos/378692762733509/ and remember to turn on your sound!

Although the CCVC folk knew there was a video being put together, the amazing recognition of CCVC's contribution was a complete surprise.

This project was a great example that Barry from CCVC used when he gave a talk to the NZFWDA Conference on 12 May about the opportunities and benefits of 4wd clubs working alongside territorial authorities. Naturally he showed the video as part of his presentation. It was all well received.

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42 Traverse closed to 4WD use for winter

Wed, 01 May 2019 09:56:38 GMT

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Future management of Molesworth Station responses

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 09:22:58 GMT

The survey was undertaken in line with the 2013 management plan for Molesworth stating DOC would seek public views on the management of Molesworth ahead of the farming lease for Molesworth expiring on 30 June 2020.

There were more than 4,500 responses to this survey.

https://www.doc.govt.nz/molesworth-survey

A good level of 4WD participation in this survey, especially from the Canterbury region.

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Threats to our land access

Sat, 16 Feb 2019 23:15:55 GMT

As we have often highlighted to all our members, it is really important to make sure that every one of us complies with the basics:

Have a good relationship with the land owner or land manager, understand their requirements then comply with these. This includes where and when you can go, where and when you cannot go, behaviour expected and any other conditions of access.
Think safety! Undertake hazard identification and have a safety plan for every trip. See the Health & Safety Policy and Guidelines for Clubs at this link.
Value and safeguard the environment. This includes a "tread lightly" approach and being aware of the requirements of the Resource Management Act. Failure to mitigate for risks to the environment, such as sedimentation and streambed disturbance, can have dire consequences such as loss of future access, the possibility of a fine or prosecution. As all our national trials organisers know, the NZFWDA has extensive guidelines for running an event, available at this link.

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42 Traverse finally repaired

Fri, 15 Feb 2019 02:33:50 GMT

http://friendsof42traverse.nz/news.html

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42 Traverse blocked by a washout

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 03:29:36 GMT

Although the 42 Traverse will open for 4x4 access on December 1, it is currently not possible to drive right through. A significant collapse of a deep culvert has cut the track in the area to the south of the Waione Stream. DOC intends to repair the damage but it may take a while before full access is available. Images of the damage can be found at http://friendsof42traverse.nz/news.html

An update provided by DOC on 30-11-2018...

Hi Stakeholders/ users/ passionate Tong Forest community members, We have a notice to share, the T42 has had a log culvert collapse and 4WD can't get through. Can you share this with your 4WD friends please. We shared this message on our local FB page last night so that got the word out quickly and Peter Vahry shared it on some club sites as well. Alerts will be in place on the website and we have put tape up at the site and haven't taken down the 4WD restriction signs. Updated signage will go up next week. Thanks Stacey

Access limited on the 42 Traverse

If you are planning on a 4WD adventure on the 42 Traverse, in December, please note there is no complete thoroughfare due to the collapse of an old log culvert. The collapsed area is 15km from Kapoor's Road. The area is marked with signs and danger tape. Hunters can still drive in and then continue their access on foot.

Mountain bikers, hikers can still get through. However, please careful if you are planning on going through the collapsed area. The road in this is forest is an old logging road and was never envisaged to last so long. Numerous streams were crossed with log culverts and over time they have collapsed.

A contractor has been engaged to complete the repair work and we will keep stakeholders informed of progress. Please check www.doc.govt.nz/tongariro for alerts and updates.

A map of the area is available below

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Trail Torque - Jun/Jul/Aug 2018

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 22:54:23 GMT

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A new resource for South Island four wheeling

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 08:35:55 GMT

The South Island of New Zealand has many great options for 4WD travel but getting up to date information about those routes has been difficult.

For those of you that like scenic tarmac and gentle gravel roads there is a network of excellent route options. For those of you that like challenging tracks in remote locations then you will be like a kid in a candy store! 4X4 Explorer specialises in challenging adventure routes in the most remote and spectacular places of the South Island.

Auckland 4WD Club were introduced to this resource at its meeting during July and it created considerable interest. There is a cost to access the maps and information.

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Proposed track closures due to Kauri Die Back

Thu, 12 Jul 2018 01:11:34 GMT

Link to the DOC Media Release: https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2018/proposal-to-close-tracks-to-protect-kauri/

In 2014, the Government provided DOC with funding to manage the human spread of kauri dieback on tracks on public conservation land. This resulted in the Kauri Dieback Recreation Project.

As there is currently no proven cure or treatment for kauri dieback, we can only save kauri by stopping the disease from spreading. To achieve this, the project has taken the following approach:

- Upgrading tracks to protect kauri roots and eliminate wet and muddy sections

- Developing and installing cleaning stations

- Introducing initiatives to change people’s behaviour, as the evidence shows that people are the main vector for the disease - Closing tracks

TRACK CLOSURES

The decision to propose track closures is not taken lightly, but has been considered in situations where there is:

- high kauri dieback risk

- low visitor use

- high upgrade and ongoing maintenance costs

- a similar experience provided in the vicinity.

- Not all tracks will be fully closed. Partial closures are considered where we can close a section of track to protect the kauri there and still retain the experience.

HOW TO SUBMIT

DOC would appreciate your feedback on these proposed track closures. Your response will be taken into consideration in the final decision-making process. Submisions close 10 August 2018.

Email your submission or related questions to: kauridieback@doc.govt.nz

Link to the Tracks looking at closure: https://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/have-your-say/all-consultations/2018/proposal-to-close-tracks-to-protect-kauri/

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Waitawheta 4WD track CLOSED

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 07:50:11 GMT

We have recently lost the sanctioned use of the iconic Waitawheta 4WD track located in the Northern Zone, west of Waihi town.

Because of concerns relating to sedimentation of adjacent streams allegedly caused by 4WD activity, the track has been closed by DOC and the Hauraki District Council (HDC). This is notwithstanding that NZFWDA Northern Zone members have over the past five or more years spent an inordinate amount of their own time, effort and expense collaborating in good faith with staff of the constituent authorities in the carrying out of works to upgrade the standard of the track and to thereafter implement an ongoing management and maintenance plan so as to enable the track to be reopened to 4WD use.

It recently became apparent that the opposition of the Waikato Regional Council (WRC) to resumed 4WD activity had caused DOC and HDC to change their previously helpful positions. The upshot of this was that in May of this year we were advised that we would need to obtain a resource consent in order to undertake further track upgrade works and to thereafter allow 4WD activity to officially resume. This is notwithstanding that previous advice from WRC staff was that no such resource consent would be required. The costs associated with the requirement to apply for a resource consent (which may or may not be granted) is beyond the means of the Northern Zone and the on-going risks associated with being the legal holder of the consent (if granted) would have been unacceptable.

The ironic result of this is that unauthorised 4WD (and other) activity of the Waitawheta track will continue to occur in an uncontrolled manner thereby creating far greater adverse effects on the environment than those which would have resulted from managed 4WD activity as offered through the Northern Zone proposal.

EFFECTIVE August 2017

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MARATOTO IS CLOSED

Sat, 07 Jul 2018 09:12:29 GMT

All off road tracks in the Maratoto area are now CLOSED to ALL vehicles. This includes the Whangamata (Wires) Track, Loop Road, Waipaheke and all tracks off these tracks. This closure is by order of the Department of Conservation and is due to Kauri Die Back.

EFFECTIVE 13/03/2018 until further notice.

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Need to convince a landowner that they're not at risk?

Wed, 04 Jul 2018 02:40:14 GMT

Does the new Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 significantly change the obligations farmers have to ensure the safety of recreational visitors to their land?

The Walking Access Commision have a FAQ handout that outlines many of the questions that landowners have about the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015

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Trail Torque - Mar/Apr/May 2018

Sun, 17 Jun 2018 09:36:45 GMT

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Whangamomona Road closed

Wed, 09 May 2018 05:57:13 GMT

Unfortunately the news regarding the Whangamomona Road is not so good – Cyclone Gita and another couple of significant localised rain events caused considerable damage – so since the storms the road has been shut and no attempt to repair the damage will be made until next summer.

Tim Payne

Taranaki Regional Council

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Trail Torque - Dec 2017/Jan/Feb 2018

Sun, 11 Mar 2018 08:07:32 GMT

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Molesworth Station

Thu, 11 Jan 2018 07:53:05 GMT

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Whangamomona Road Closure

Thu, 20 Apr 2017 06:55:53 GMT

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42 Traverse closes early

Wed, 12 Apr 2017 01:02:23 GMT

The Department of Conservation has advised.... "After the heavy rain over the past week some subsidence has occurred on the 42 Traverse. It looks like potentially an old log culvert that has collapsed or rotted away. The track is no longer passable by larger 4WD vehicle, but still passable by walkers/cyclists/quad bikes. The track drops away down a steep bank on the other side so re-routing the track isn’t an option, this issue wont be fixed in the remaining 2 weeks of the 4WD season"

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Draft Wellington Conservation Management Strategy consultation

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 01:21:23 GMT

For details of how to comment on the Draft CMS ... http://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/have-your-say/all-consultations/2016/draft-wellington-cms-consultation/

Submissions close Tuesday 4 April 2017.

The draft Wellington CMS will replace the Wellington CMS 1996-2005, and parts of the Wanganui CMS 1997-2008 and Hawke’s Bay CMS 1994-2004.

Since the previous Wellington CMS was made operative, the Wellington CMS region’s boundaries have changed to include:

some of the Manawatū-Rangitikei area, once covered by the the Wanganui CMS (1997-2008), and
the Ruahine Forest Park and adjoining land, once covered in the Hawke’s Bay CMS (1994-2004).

The new boundaries match the Wellington Conservation Board boundary. Wellington CMS boundaries (PDF, 321K) (opens in new window)

The draft Wellington CMS (2016-2026) is simpler, shorter, more concise and Place-based. It is consistent with the other newly reviewed CMSs, and integrates the Department’s national priorities with local priorities, that have been identified with tangata whenua, the community, and others.

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News from the New Zealand Walking Access Commission

Fri, 03 Feb 2017 04:25:52 GMT

http://newzealandwalkingaccesscommission.cmail20.com/t/ViewEmail/j/47D8C97AFD16B1E4/BF55351F1727C705A2432AF2E34A2A5F

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Maratoto opens for summer

Thu, 22 Dec 2016 09:31:48 GMT

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42 Traverse opens on 1 December for 4x4 use.

Wed, 30 Nov 2016 08:14:17 GMT

Friends of 42 Traverse Inc. http://www.friendsof42traverse.nz/index.html have been advised by DoC that the bollardsat the entrances to the 42 Traverse have been removed. DoC have cautioned that the vegetation cut back work they had planned was not achieved due to poor weather. That means that the route will be scratchy in several areas.

The 42 Traverse is a 'special' place and the Friends of 42 Traverse and the NZFWDA would like to keep it that way, so please take care and don't 'rip it up'. Only the main track is permitted for 4x4 use, so please stay on it.

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Kaimai-Mamaku-Recreation-Strategy-Survey

Sat, 12 Nov 2016 09:09:46 GMT

The Department of Conservation is developing a five-year Recreation Strategy for the Conservation Park.

The strategy will ensure the Kaimai Forest Park is managed in agreement with the joint priorities of iwi, recreation users, local community and DOC. The plan will also inform the upcoming Conservation Management Strategy (CMS) review in 2017.

We are undertaking this survey as part of the consultation for the Kaimai-Mamaku Recreation Strategy. The survey link is provided below.

http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3114866/Kaimai-Mamaku-Recreation-Strategy-Survey

In it we are asking recreational user groups and other groups, organisations and businesses with an interest in recreational use of the park about:

· your involvement with the area and its uses for recreation and tourism;

· what the area means to you, what makes it special;

· the activities you have undertaken there (or would like to);

· the key sites or areas of the park for you;

· any potential opportunities for enhancing the recreational opportunities available there.

We are keen to get your initial input through this survey consultation. We don't want to limit your responses, so most questions are general in nature and allow for open-ended responses.

If you have any questions about the overall project please contact Craig Summers at the Department of Conservation, Tauranga csummers@doc.govt.nz . If you have any questions about doing this survey or want to discuss any of the questions please contact Gordon Cessford gordon@visitorsolutions.net

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Canterbury (Waitaha), Otago and Southland Murihiku Conservation Management Strategies (CMS)

Thu, 01 Sep 2016 03:09:42 GMT

The Canterbury (Waitaha), Otago and Southland Murihiku Conservation Management Strategies (CMS) have been approved by the New Zealand Conservation Authority and are operative on 1 September 2016.

The CMS are 10-year strategic documents that set the direction for how the Department will manage public conservation lands and waters within the Eastern South Island and Southern South Island regions. Key features of the CMS include enhancement of the Department’s partnership with Ngāi Tahu, alignment with the Department’s strategic direction, partnering with others to deliver conservation, and consistent management of activities on public conservation lands and waters.

Further information about the CMS and online copies are available at http://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/our-policies-and-plans/conservation-management-strategies/.

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New Walking Access Mapping System now live

Fri, 08 Jul 2016 10:21:22 GMT

The upgrade includes a new-look interface and added functionality that allows those with GPS devices to export data and upload route plans to view against the mapping system’s public access information – something users suggested through a recent survey.

There have also been upgrades to the system’s drawing and measuring tools, which will help people more accurately mark areas on the map and measure distances.

New Zealand Walking Access Commission chief executive Eric Pyle said he was delighted with the improvements to the system.

“Many users asked for the export to GPS functionality, along with improvements to the system’s loading speed and drawing and measuring tools. I am pleased that we have delivered on these requests. Other improvements, such as improving the help guide and simplifying the interface, will make for a more user-friendly desktop and mobile experience.

“The upgraded Walking Access Mapping System makes it even easier for people to plan and enjoy excursions in New Zealand’s stunning outdoors.”

Mr Pyle said the Commission strongly encouraged user feedback on the new system.

The Walking Access Mapping System (www.wams.org.nz) is a free website showing publicly accessible land across New Zealand. It displays topographic maps and aerial photography, and includes a built-in ‘enquiry tool’ that allows users to contact the New Zealand Walking Access Commission with queries about access to the outdoors or details of public access issues that need resolving.

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Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tane Conservation Park Management Plan

Wed, 22 Jun 2016 09:30:00 GMT

This is the first management plan for the park that provides for co-governance of the Park expressed through the joint approval of the Plan by Ngāti Whare and the Board. The park will continue to be managed as a Conservation Park by DOC on behalf of the people of New Zealand.

The draft was publicly notified on Wednesday 15 June 2016 in accordance with Section 23(1) of the Ngāti Whare Claims Settlement Act 2012 and you are invited to make a submission.

This is the best opportunity for you to have your say and influence how the park is managed in the future and we encourage your involvement.

http://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/have-your-say/all-consultations/2016/whirinaki-conservation-management-plan/

Submissions close 16 August 2016

DOC Senior Community Ranger, Mike Jones said the draft document has been developed in a collaborative manner with Ngāti Whare. It uses a lot of Māori vocabulary and values such as kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and mauri (life force) to shape the aspirations and outcomes for Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne.

"It has been a very special process to be part of. Local DOC staff have gained a new appreciation for this special forest, talking and working alongside kaumatua (elders) of Ngāti Whare about the special places in Whirinaki.

"If Whirinaki is important to you, make sure you read the draft management plan, get involved and make a submission" said Mr Jones.

Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park was created in 1984 and was the site of numerous protests associated with attempts to stop native logging of indigenous forests in New Zealand during the 1970s and 1980s. Today it covers 65,000 hectares, is a strong-hold of whio (blue duck), north island brown kiwi, short and long-tailed bats and supports many recreational opportunities including mountain biking, short to multi-day walks, hunting and camping experiences.

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Tongariro Whanganui Taranaki Conservancy, and how you can get involved.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 08:55:32 GMT

The places, plants and animals the Department of Conservation (DOC) looks after belong to you. DOC manages them on your behalf.

Conservation Management Strategies (CMS) are plans for how this happens.

You may be aware that recently the old Whanganui and Tongariro Taupo Conservancies merged to create one new conservancy – the Tongariro Whanganui Taranaki (TWT) Conservancy.

Each conservancy had its own CMS. The old Whanganui Conservancy CMS had just started its review process and the Tongariro Taupo Conservancy's review was planned to start in 2011. The newly merged conservancy will develop one CMS to manage the Ruapehu, Whanganui, Taranaki and Taupo-nui-a-Tia Areas.

If you were involved in Whanganui Conservancy's preliminary consultation, that this will be taken into account when we begin the review of the new Conservancies CMS.

Get involved

The Tongariro Whanganui Taranaki CMS review process is yet to be scheduled. Once the process begins, there will be several opportunities for you to get involved. To register your interest see the contact details below.

Contact

To be involved in the Tongariro Whanganui Taranaki CMS process, email twtcms@doc.govt.nz to register your interest, and include your:

name
address
contact phone number
and add Tongariro Whanganui Taranaki CMS Review in the subject of the email.

We will add your details to our contact list and be in contact when the review is scheduled.

http://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/have-your-say/all-consultations/2011/tongariro-whanganui-taranaki-cms-consultation/

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Early closure of 42 Traverse

Wed, 02 Mar 2016 03:50:30 GMT

"I can now confirm that as of Monday, 7 March 2016 the entire 42 Traverse track will be closed to all 4WD vehicles. LUVs and ATVs will be able to access the track from the end of Kapoors Road to ‘Canyon Lookout’. We are recommending that LUVs and ATVs do not continue beyond the lookout for safety reasons, until repairs are carried out."

DoC have since advised closure from 15 March as per the link....

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/central-north-island/places/tongariro-forest-conservation-area/things-to-do/42-traverse/

Mere Mokoraka

Senior Ranger, Services (Local Bodies)

Kaitiaki Matua Rangatopu

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai

DDI: +64 7 892 3466 | M: +64 27 284 5911

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DoC advise 42 Traverse opening from 11 Jan 2016

Fri, 08 Jan 2016 04:30:36 GMT

Good news. It is opening this Monday 11 January!

Be aware that the route has not been trimmed recently, which could result in a bit of 'pin striping' of vehicle paintwork through some sections.

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DoC concerns over illegal use of a central North Island area, once known as SF70

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 08:06:50 GMT

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42 Traverse cut back postponed

Thu, 05 Nov 2015 05:20:19 GMT

Damage done by 4WD's while the route is closed has resulted in DoC blocking the entrances until 1 December, which means no access for the vehicles needed to get to the work sites.
A new date is being investigated and will be advertised.

A note from DoC..

"Many apologies for the inconvenience of this. The people doing the damage have cost the Department several thousand dollars in repair bills and so we were forced to take pretty radical action with the T42. It was definitely not our preferred option, as it is only a tiny minority of people doing it, but was the only option for us.
Please do let me know if there is anything that I can help with. I have also included the link to the Ruapehu Bulletin article."

http://www.ohakune.info/blog/645444

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Whangamomona Road closed and needs work

Thu, 29 Oct 2015 08:11:30 GMT

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Auckland Council beach permits

Wed, 02 Sep 2015 02:48:13 GMT

Auckland Council from 1 Sept require vehicles wanting to use Muriwai and Kariotahi beaches to have permits to be on those beaches. The annual permits can be requested online and are issued online.

http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/licencesregulations/drivingonbeaches/Pages/rules.aspx

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Department of Conservation 4WD options

Wed, 18 Mar 2015 07:40:28 GMT

Whether you use your vehicle to go camping, hunting, fishing, or to simply enjoy driving through spectacular landscapes, there are many places to go four wheel driving on public conservation land.

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-do/four-wheel-driving/?region=All&actionId=50558#findplaces

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Auckland Transport document about unformed legal roads

Sat, 21 Feb 2015 04:52:47 GMT

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Tenure Review outcome for Poplars Station in the Lewis Pass

Mon, 22 Dec 2014 02:36:05 GMT

After various submissions by PANZ etc., all the ULR’s bisecting the Poplars Station have now all been properly surveyed and pegged, giving the public their rightful access to this outstanding landscape, fishing, hunting, horse riding etc. All the Section 24 Marginal Strips have also been marked on the new title documents as well.

The public now has direct access from State Highway 7 to the Hope Riverbed by the cattle yards; this access did not exist before Tenure Review. Please respect the environment and Tread Lightly!

http://panz.kiwi.nz/latest-news/

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DoC release their draft CMS's for Canturbury, Otago and Southland Murihiku

Mon, 01 Dec 2014 04:31:35 GMT

While the full draft of the essentially common Conservation Management Strategy covers a wide range of topics; of strong interest to four wheeling is what the DoC position is in respect of vehicles. DoC have provided a report within the overall draft CMS document that covers legal roads.

That report is attached as a pdf.

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Update from Matamata-Piako District Council

Wed, 26 Nov 2014 01:01:13 GMT

"Apparently there is a rumour going around that Matamata Piako District Council is not going to clear Thompson’s Track and its going to be closed.

I can confirm that this is totally incorrect. Can you please advise members that the track will be cleared this summer.

Also, please reiterate to them to not take it upon themselves to start clearing the track.

Cheers

Engineering Officer - Roading
Matamata-Piako District Council "

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Community conservation groups

Fri, 20 Jun 2014 05:25:26 GMT

Kaitaia 4WD club are aiming to improve the image of recreational four wheel drivers by joining forces with the Department of Conservation, the local community and iwi to protect these valuable midden sites along the west coast south of Ninety Mile beach.

The club is a member of the New Zealand 4WD Association and club members believe that it's possible to enjoy the sport without trashing the environment.

Tauroa is their playground and they want to be involved in looking after it.

To view the full DoC article on their website..... http://www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/volunteer/groups/northland/kaitaia-4wd-club/

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NZ Four Wheel drive Submission on Waikato CMS.

Wed, 04 Dec 2013 17:30:22 GMT

NZ Four Wheel drive Submission on Waikato CMS.

Hi Tony

Thanks for the follow up. We’ve had some interesting internal conversations about this. And there are a few avenues to move in.

1) From a site perspective the local staff see risks in using 4WD on Waipaheke Track around the steep gradient and drop offs as well as the current use by motorcycles. Progress here would mean having the risks confirmed and then agreeing if the risks were able to be mitigated or not. Peter Carter based in Thames office is the local staff member to liaise with on this, and would also need to include Shaun Sweet (another one of the Recreation Advisors that has a 4WD focus).

2) Then; if the risks could be mitigated. The Waipaheke Track is currently utilised by motorbikes and this is a successful arrangement. At present there is less opportunities for motorbikes than 4WD across all public conservation land so we wouldn’t want the bikes to feel like they were losing a space. However there is potential for NZFWD to work with the dominant club using this area to explore the option of a shared use arrangement. This would need to take into account the risks identified (as per point 1) for 4WD vehicles on this track. Any agreement of shared use and risk mitigation would need to be developed between the two groups, be fairly formal and then submitted to us for the final tick.

3) Apparently a request for 4WD clubs to give DOC their preferred locations/ new locations has been sent out a while back. We haven’t had all responses back yet, once we get these our team is keen to look at all the requests/ options on a national scale and determine which are the best to go ahead with based on a number of factors (like safety and increasing participation). So an option is to wait for this feedback to come back to us and then we would work though the feedback to progress the best options nationwide. Shaun Sweet would lead this and work with NZFWA and local clubs on options. I think this is probably the best long term view of approaching options for 4WD but of course will be a longer journey.

So I suppose that gives you more options of where to from here and some of our thoughts, rather than a yes or no to the request. Peter and Shaun are both aware of NZFWD’s request about the Waipaheke Track now so would be open to more discussion with you. Or as per option 3 we can take the nationwide option by starting to encouraging clubs to get their feedback in.

Hope that is helpful.

Kind regards

Tinaka

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4WD use encouraged by DOC’s Conservation Management Strategy

Sat, 27 Jul 2013 23:16:05 GMT

Thursday, 11 July 2013, 3:01 pm
Press Release: Department of Conservation

11 July 2013

4WD use encouraged by DOC’s CMS

The Department of Conservation (DOC) wants more people to make the most of Otago’s four-wheel drive roads and rugged routes and is asking four-wheel drive enthusiasts to have their say about their hobby.

DOC has outlined its policy on four-wheel driving in its recently released draft Conservation Management Strategy (CMS) for Otago, which will guide DOC’s management of conservation land, wildlife, cultural heritage and recreation in Otago for the next 10 years.

The CMS highlights areas that are available for four-wheel driving such as Oteake Conservation Park in Central Otago, Macetown and Skippers near Queenstown and Te Papanui near Dunedin.

Wanaka Area Office Manager Paul Hellebrekers says Otago has a range of challenging routes on conservation land which DOC would like to promote for four-wheel driving but he asks that drivers stay on the roads so as to protect the fragile high country terrain.

“There are many opportunities for four-wheel driving on public conservation land, especially on roads running through areas that were formerly pastoral leasehold land,” Mr Hellebrekers said.

Four-wheel driving on conservation land near Wanaka occurs within the Pisa Conservation Area and access is allowed under a permit system introduced in 2008 after four-wheel drives and trail bikes damaged sensitive and fragile wetland areas on top of the Pisa Range.

Mr Hellebrekers said the Pisa Range permit system works well, at no cost to drivers, and satisfies adjacent neighbours who also had concerns about the behaviour of drivers. Permit applications are available on www.doc.govt.nz

Wakatipu Area Manager Greg Lind said Macetown had experienced major problems with four-wheel drivers going off road and causing major degradation in wetland areas. DOC has reduced the problem through signs, fencing, prosecutions and working with neighbouring landowners. “So now four-wheel drivers are still enjoying a unique 4WD experience with its many river crossings and remote country,” Mr Lind said.

In the Skippers area, DOC and Shotover four-wheel drive club members are developing a management agreement formalising how the club can continue to use the route into Skippers Creek in exchange for club members maintaining the route.

“This is a gnarly route with lots of steep inclines that is popular with drivers because it allows them to push their drive training and experience to the limit,” Mr Lind says.

Shotover club members had some input into development of the draft CMS.

Sometimes DOC restricts access for four-wheel drive vehicles during the winter and if there is a health and safety or fire risk. This avoids damage to roads and tracks and minimises conflict and public safety issues.

Central Otago has spectacular 4WD opportunities, many of which are also through former pastoral leasehold land. While there are some ongoing issues where users have ignored locked gates and driven over fences, in the main the public are responsible and stay on formed tracks. Road maintenance work by DOC has decreased the number of issues with track surfaces and concessionaires and the public are quick to advise DOC of damage and instances where fences are down or locks have been damaged.

Coastal Otago Area Manager Robin Thomas said in the past four-wheel drive and motor-bike users had occasionally damaged and disturbed wetlands in Te Papanui Conservation Park.

“These fragile wetlands and bogs in the wetter coastal area are prone to damage and can take decades to recover. Drivers also braid the tracks, (vehicles strike soft ground and go around it) but we have largely solved this by both liaising with the local clubs and ‘armouring’ the main route to provide a more solid base,” Mr Thomas said.

“The majority of vehicle users are responsible and respect these sites. Unfortunately, it only takes one or two people to create a problem.”

DOC is encouraging four-wheel drive and motor-bike clubs to “adopt a track”. “Come and talk to us about your ideas for good routes. We can find ways you can help, like removing water from tracks and distributing gravel onto boggy sections. We want to provide opportunities for vehicles in the back country and we encourage clubs to hold working bees on sections of tracks to allow that,” Mr Thomas said.

The public can view the draft Otago CMS on the DOC website at www.doc.govt.nz/cms. This website also includes a submission form and information on how people can make a submission. Submissions are open until 13 September 2013.

Further information

A CMS is a statutory document that provides strategic direction for DOC’s management of public conservation land integrating legislation, policy, strategic goals over a ten-year period. It aims, through conversations with communities, to show how natural, historic and cultural heritage of regional and local importance fit into the national context.

A CMS also:

• identifies how to integrate management of places to achieve national conservation outcomes;
• clarifies priorities for management of conservation resources;
• guides decision making (e.g. on applications to undertake commercial activities);
• describes conservation outcomes to be achieved;
• sets out a framework to increase conservation efforts over the next decade recognising that the department cannot do it alone.

The draft Otago CMS has been prepared by DOC in consultation with the Otago Conservation Board, Ngai Tahu and the community.

Draft CMSs have also been released for Canterbury and Southland.

ENDS

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Auckland CMS consultation closing... get involved quickly!

Thu, 05 May 2011 01:58:03 GMT

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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What is a road?

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 09:27:34 GMT

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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A serious unformed legal roads (ULR) issue.

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 07:23:03 GMT

Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

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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Walking Access Commission mapping system available

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 04:22:44 GMT

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.

They will continue to review your feedback to pick up ideas for future enhancements and focus on improving the accuracy of the data prior to the final release early 2011. Feel free to continue sending feedback for improvements as new ideas arise to chris.fawdray@walkingaccess.govt.nz. All data issues and access related enquiries should be entered via the WAMS enquiry form.

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New North Island Conservancy

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 04:22:35 GMT

Boundary changes from the Lower North Island Review are now in effect
Most significant of the changes is the formation of the new Tongariro Whanganui Taranaki (TWT) Conservancy, which is an amalgamation of the former Tongariro Taupo and Whanganui Conservancies.

Damian Coutts will become the Conservator for the TWT Conservancy on 1 July 2011. Until that time Paul Green is the Conservator. Damian is currently seconded to work on a number of national projects. TWT Conservancy staff are operating out of two office locations – Turangi and Whanganui.

Other changes include:

Palmerston North Area ( Jason Roxburgh ) is now Manawatu Rangitikei Area and its boundary has moved so it is part of the Wellington Hawke's Bay Conservancy.
Taupo Fishery and Turangi/Taupo Areas ( Dave Lumley) have amalgamated to become Taupo-nui-a-Tia Area with the Area Office located in Turanga Place, Turangi.
Poneke and Kapiti Areas Rob Stone) have amalgamated to become Kapiti Wellington Area with the Area Office located in Thorndon Quay, Wellington.

Whanganui Area Nic Peet Taranaki Area Phil Mohi

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4WD weekends coming up in Clarence Reserve

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 02:36:03 GMT

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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Coastal & Marine Access - David Round (Canterbury Law lecturer)

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 04:43:46 GMT

http://breakingviewsnz.blogspot.com/2010/10/david-round-truth-about-free-beach.html

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Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 09:30:00 GMT

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.

Address for correspondence: Māori Affairs Committee, Parliament Buildings,
WELLINGTON 6160.
For more information contact:
Hon Tau Henare (Chairperson)
Māori Affairs Committee
 (04) 817 6934
OR
Suze Jones (Clerk of the Committee)
 (04) 817 9506

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CORANZ overview on Foreshore and Seabed legislation / Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 08:27:38 GMT

Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

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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Speak now, or forever lose your beach!

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 09:00:20 GMT

"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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West Coast CMS published by DOC

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 04:58:14 GMT

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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Walking Access Commission 'Outdoor Access Code'

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 01:55:10 GMT

www.walkingaccess.org.nz/store/doc/Code.final30June.pdf

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Farmers fear trouble over access plans

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 05:50:35 GMT

Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

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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Public access mapping contract signed

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:47:45 GMT

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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Defining the value of legal roads .... a video

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 07:55:21 GMT

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:

www.youtube.com/user/recreationaccessnz

... Or via the RANZ website:

www.recreationaccess.org.nz

Ultimately, it will only be public pressure that will persuade the Commission to alter its approach.

How about letting the Commission know your views?

contact@walkingaccess.govt.nz

...as well as myself

bruce@recreationaccess.org.nz

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Recreation Access argue for unformed legal roads

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:59:56 GMT

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

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Walking Access Bill 08, Action needed now!

Fri, 23 May 2008 07:44:24 GMT

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!

Oteake Conservation Park proposal

Wed, 21 May 2008 07:42:16 GMT

Oteake Conservation Park proposal on the Department of Conservation website.

Submissions close 14th July

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

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Walking Access Repression

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:56:55 GMT

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

DEMAND the removal from the Walking Access Bill all provisions for declaring walkways over public land.

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.

WRITE to the Prime Minister and other MPs expressing dismay at the Bill.

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).

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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Walking Access Bill - a sinister attempt to rid on unformed legal roads

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:14:07 GMT

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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NZFWDA comments on DOC Pisa Range questions

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 07:19:37 GMT

The document found at the link below was compiled in association with the Otago Land Rover Owners Club to complement the comments from that club.

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Bay of Plenty CMS closes 9 May

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 07:37:52 GMT

Bay Of Plenty CMS Public Notification occurred 10 March 2008.

Again it is important to get involved and try to ensure that 4x4 recreation is recognised and allowed for within the CMS.
This is your only chance to change things for the next 10 years!

Mark Davies
mrdavies@doc.govt.nz
Ph. 07 349 7408 Bay of Plenty Conservation Management Strategy review

Copies can be downloaded from here

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Waikato CMS preliminary draft comment

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 07:36:36 GMT

A copy of the NZFWDA comments can be found below. The contact at DOC is Matt Vare mvare@doc.govt.nz

Waikato preliminary draft CMS

New Zealand Four Wheel Drive Association Inc. (NZFWDA) comment on the preliminary draft.

The NZFWDA is the national body for a large proportion of the organised 4WD clubs around New Zealand. Individual NZFWDA memberships exceed 2300 people, within 52 clubs. These numbers do not reflect the families of the individual members.

The evolution of the 4WD vehicle (4x4) and the numbers imported into NZ over recent years, has allowed a wide spectrum of the population to consider using their 4x4 vehicle to travel to areas that may in the past only have been seen by tramping club members. Those tramping clubs traditionally used modified trucks (often 4x4) to transport walkers as far as possible, before they got out and walked to their intended destination. Today's families want to do the same, but in the more flexible 4x4 and usually still in the company of others for safety. It is the children of today who will be the future guardians of our lands and unless they have experienced the variety and grandeur, even if mostly by 4x4, their enthusiasm is unlikely to be as passionate.

The ageing population is another factor, with many who were outdoor enthusiasts in their younger days, still wanting to explore and enjoy the back country but are now often limited by the physical capabilities of their bodies, often as a consequence of the exuberance of their previous outdoors activities.

The visit by the Department of Conservation (DOC) Waikato staff to Auckland was appreciated but the overall approach to "consultation" in the preparation of this important document appeared to fall well short of the suggested community relationship building that is written into the preliminary draft.

From the New Zealand Four Wheel Drive Association (NZFWDA) perspective we have concerns in several areas of the draft, as were discussed at the meeting.

The words "off road" imply cross country travel and in most cases that is not what 4x4 recreation on public lands involves. The use of "off highway" recognizes the use of lesser roads and what could be better described as "routes".

The presented options for 4x4 use within the first draft are poorly presented. The reference to the Maratoto "Place" suggests more off highway options than do presently exist, with only one actual route for 4x4 vehicles and one specifically for motorcycles and quad use. We would like reference to possible increases to those options within the Maratoto, as the existing routes are already well used and the CMS is supposedly forward looking.

We would like the language of the CMS to be defined (as in will, should and may) and for the option of 4x4 recreation to be allowed in other parts of the Waikato conservancy.

The possible 4x4 use of the farm parks on the Coromandel and otherwise infrequently used old benched routes need recognizing in the CMS. Again we are looking at up to 10 years ahead and without provision in the planning, the present only option on the Coromandel at Maratoto, is likely to become very stressed.

Clear reference to the options for 4x4 use in the Pureora Forest are needed. At present there is only a passing reference in the draft.

As pointed out at the meeting in Auckland, there is a need for DOC to recognize the heritage value of old routes through and across the public land that they manage. A policy of elimination of such pieces of valued heritage, for economic management reasons, is not acceptable and effectively contravenes the Conservation and Historic Places Acts.

The preliminary draft is inadequate in its vision for 4x4 recreational options for the Waikato conservancy. There may be many unexplored opportunities within those lands for a variety of 4x4 recreation types. The NZFWDA realize that DOC knowledge of our needs is limited and we plan to work to widen that knowledge through working with the Department where possible.

In the meantime we request that the CMS is written in a flexible manner so that the future can be addressed and managed as it evolves.

Yours truly,

Peter Vahry
NZFWDA northern public relations

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DOC Northland CMS survey online

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 07:18:13 GMT

Do your part for 4x4 recreation and have input.

They have not specified a cut-off date so comment now to ensure you are included! Find out more here

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DOC CMS consultation list

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 07:31:25 GMT

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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Pisa Range in Otago

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 07:27:54 GMT

"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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NZFWDA at West Coast CMS hearing

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 05:42:15 GMT

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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Didymo management testing

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 05:28:54 GMT

The official report on the testing for methods of cleaning off Didymo to prevent its spread. It is fairly technical.

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Wanganui-Taranaki CMS

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 07:25:02 GMT

Their brochure and Feedback submission form are attached.

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Auckland CMS review

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 07:16:48 GMT

They now have a survey on their website http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/page.aspx?id=45406 that asks what people want.

There are very few options for 4x4 recreation available on the mainland as much of the conservancy relates to Gulf islands. Kaipara South Head is still probably the main option and four wheelers should register their interest in that area strongly. Find out more here

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Access to Stadia track in Coromandel

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 05:15:45 GMT

For the 2004 Denny’s Winch Challenge, permission was sought and granted. The organisers have maintained a good relationship with the owners of the three landholdings involved and after several months of discussion, those owners are willing to allow 4x4 use by arrangement, to NZFWDA club groups. (The NZFWDA clubs have the required level of Rural and Forest Fire insurance)

There is a fee of $25 per vehicle for a day or weekend and permission must be requested in advance. The owners have delegated 4x4 management responsibilities to Peter Vahry and all requests must go to access@nzfwda.org.nz

The area is large but boundaries must be observed, along with specified “no-go” areas. Trip leaders will be supplied with maps. Access will only be via the Stadia track. The Grapevine / Chelmsford track runs on the same property but is a “no-go” at present. The Neavesville Road is also a “no-go”.

This area is not suitable for “family” 4WD’s as it is presently rather rough. Work will be needed to remedy the string of mud holes at the bottom of the Stadia track and to minimise the transfer of mud and dirt onto the state highway. Some future time will see a barrier erected to manage access.

The tolerance of the owners is limited and the arrangement will require users to conform to the rules of access. This is a wonderful opportunity to use a great 4x4 area, so get permission and please don’t screw things up.

A PDF file showing the no-go areas can be downloaded below.

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NZFWDA adopts a Code of Conduct

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 06:33:54 GMT

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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UFWDA Land Use presentation

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 05:11:03 GMT

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Otago 4x4 forum review in the Otago Daily Times

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 06:23:41 GMT

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

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Waikato CMS review started in 2006

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 07:15:41 GMT

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 Auckland Conservancy CMS

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 07:14:27 GMT

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

Find out more here

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DOC CMS review for Northland

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 07:13:20 GMT

Contact DOC and register your interest in being involved. Find out more here

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Roading Law as it applies to Unformed Roads

Mon, 12 Mar 2007 05:07:00 GMT

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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Acland Report released

Wed, 07 Mar 2007 05:05:23 GMT

walking access web site

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Maratoto in 2007

Tue, 06 Feb 2007 05:37:49 GMT

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Department of Conservation's Statutory Planning Processes

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 05:00:06 GMT

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 Beach use rules for Franklin District

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 04:48:03 GMT

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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High Country Tenure map

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 07:10:41 GMT

http://www.linz.govt.nz/docs/crownproperty/high_country_leases/pastoral_leases_map_20030324.pdf

This is the site for a map of the high country stations involved in the tenure review process. Almost none have any provision for use by vehicles over the areas passed to DOC management.

Further material on this process and those areas on which submissions are being collected can be found at the LINZ website below.

Curently consulting on

31 March 2006: Have your say on the Twinburn Tenure Review. Submissions close on 2 June 2006.

31 March 2006: Have your say on the Dunstan Peaks Tenure Review. Submissions close on 2 June 2006.

31 March 2006: Have your say on the Birdwood Tenure Review. Submissions close on 2 June 2006.

3 March 2006: Have your say on the Kyeburn Station Tenure Review. Submissions close on 5 May 2006.

Find out more here

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Land Information NZ

Sat, 24 Sep 2005 07:40:43 GMT

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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US Collaboration case studies

Thu, 15 Sep 2005 06:47:55 GMT

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Muriwai Beach access

Thu, 07 Jul 2005 12:00:00 GMT

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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Seasonal closures

Thu, 23 Jun 2005 07:39:11 GMT

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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Is DOC following the rules on old roads, are they not our heritage?

Fri, 10 Dec 2004 06:45:00 GMT

The Department of Conservation is a member of ICOMOS and bound by it's philosophy.......surely old roads are our heritage too?

Get access to the Department of Conservation mapping

Sun, 29 Feb 2004 06:41:26 GMT

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)

DOCgis GeoSpatial Information Platform

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Land access - New Zealand Four Wheel Drive Association Inc.

Work Party confirmed for 42 Traverse - Volunteers Wanted!

Unformed Legal Roads - New Video from Walking Access Commission

Notice to 4wd Clubs about Resource Consents

Judge's Sentencing Notes and Ruling - GW case against NZFWDA

Valley 4wd Club and NZFWDA Convicted and Fined for Deadwood Safari

Maratoto opened for four wheeling for the summer from 20 December 2019

42 Traverse cut back for 2019 is cancelled

'One or two idiots ruin it': Council blocks track to vehicles

Report on the Findings of the Review of the Walking Access Act 2008

Read the full report

Review of the Walking Access Act 2008

4wd Club helps programme to introduce kiwi to Wellington

42 Traverse closed to 4WD use for winter

Future management of Molesworth Station responses

Threats to our land access

42 Traverse finally repaired

42 Traverse blocked by a washout

Trail Torque - Jun/Jul/Aug 2018

A new resource for South Island four wheeling

Proposed track closures due to Kauri Die Back

Waitawheta 4WD track CLOSED

MARATOTO IS CLOSED

Need to convince a landowner that they're not at risk?

Trail Torque - Mar/Apr/May 2018

Whangamomona Road closed

Trail Torque - Dec 2017/Jan/Feb 2018

Molesworth Station

Whangamomona Road Closure

42 Traverse closes early

Draft Wellington Conservation Management Strategy consultation

News from the New Zealand Walking Access Commission

Maratoto opens for summer

42 Traverse opens on 1 December for 4x4 use.

Kaimai-Mamaku-Recreation-Strategy-Survey

Canterbury (Waitaha), Otago and Southland Murihiku Conservation Management Strategies (CMS)

New Walking Access Mapping System now live

Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tane Conservation Park Management Plan

Tongariro Whanganui Taranaki Conservancy, and how you can get involved.

Contact

Early closure of 42 Traverse

DoC advise 42 Traverse opening from 11 Jan 2016

DoC concerns over illegal use of a central North Island area, once known as SF70

42 Traverse cut back postponed

Whangamomona Road closed and needs work

Auckland Council beach permits

Department of Conservation 4WD options

Auckland Transport document about unformed legal roads

Tenure Review outcome for Poplars Station in the Lewis Pass

DoC release their draft CMS's for Canturbury, Otago and Southland Murihiku

Update from Matamata-Piako District Council

Community conservation groups

NZ Four Wheel drive Submission on Waikato CMS.

4WD use encouraged by DOC’s Conservation Management Strategy

Auckland CMS consultation closing... get involved quickly!

What is a road?

A serious unformed legal roads (ULR) issue.

Walking Access Commission mapping system available

New North Island Conservancy

4WD weekends coming up in Clarence Reserve

Coastal & Marine Access - David Round (Canterbury Law lecturer)

Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill

CORANZ overview on Foreshore and Seabed legislation / Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill

Speak now, or forever lose your beach!

West Coast CMS published by DOC

Walking Access Commission 'Outdoor Access Code'

Farmers fear trouble over access plans

Public access mapping contract signed

Defining the value of legal roads .... a video

Recreation Access argue for unformed legal roads

Walking Access Bill 08, Action needed now!

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

More reading...

Oteake Conservation Park proposal

Walking Access Repression

WALKING ACCESS REPRESSION

Walking Access Bill - a sinister attempt to rid on unformed legal roads

NZFWDA comments on DOC Pisa Range questions

Bay of Plenty CMS closes 9 May

Waikato CMS preliminary draft comment