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Following a recent review, New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has announced strong public support and need for the Walking Access Act 2008.

The revelation comes after a mandatory review of the Act, which the MPI completes every 10 years, looking at whether the Act is fit for the future and what improvements are needed.

This included considering access to the outdoors in cities, towns, rural areas and further afield, and access to wahi tapu and other areas of cultural significance. The Act is about providing free access to the outdoors for walking and for types of access that may be associated with walking, including access with firearms, dogs, bicycles or motor vehicles.

Charlotte Denny, MPI Director of Land, Water and Climate Policy, stated “the purpose of the Act is to provide free, certain, enduring and practical access to the outdoors for all sorts of activities.

“The Act also established the New Zealand Walking Access Commission.”

Public engagement between last May and July informed the review, including public meetings, hui and written submissions.

The review has made 30 recommendations and proposed six technical legislative changes, including changing the name of the Act and the Commission to reflect its work leading and supporting public access to the outdoors generally, rather than solely walking access. They also include acknowledging the Maori-Crown relationship under the Treaty of Waitangi through a partnership approach between the commission and Maori.

Kay Baxter, MPI Manager of Land and Water Policy told the Wanaka Sun the review also revealed strong support for the commission's role.

Baxter advised "the work underway around mountain bike access on Coronet Peak and Glencoe Stations near Wanaka has been recognised as part of the Commission's achievements to date.

"The objective of the commission is to lead and support the negotiation, establishment, maintenance and improvement of access over public and private land. No recommendations were made to change this."

Since 2012/2013, the Commission has negotiated a total of 300 access opportunities. It works with private landowners, local government, the Department of Conservation and others.

Denny added “the review’s recommendations will shape the next stage of our work, which is a formal policy process to test the findings from the review.

“This will include consultation with the public before the Government decides on any changes to the Act and the commission’s work.”

More information about the timing of the next stage is expected to be announced next year.

Images: The Big Omaha Trail (top - courtesy of Matakana Trails Trust) and the Pauanui Tairua Trail (below).

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