Farmers welcome walk over

Federated Farmers believes the draft strategy and code for walking access strikes a balance between normal farming activities and the public’s right to walking access.

 

“Federated Farmers has had considerable input into this precedent-setting strategy,” says Donald Aubrey, Federated Farmers access spokesperson.

 

“The great outdoors is an important part of the kiwi lifestyle and the New Zealand public deserve access to the countryside. The draft Outdoor Access Code and National Strategy on Walking Access offers that opportunity, while also mitigating the potentially adverse affect it could have on farming activities.

 

“The draft strategy, developed by the New Zealand Walking Access Commission and numerous stakeholder groups, demarcates areas beyond the farm-gate that recreational walkers and trampers can access for no charge.

 

“It also sets out the conditions by which people can access private farm land and land for public use. More importantly, the landholder has the final say on the terms of access to their land. This requirement was a key aspect in gaining the Federation’s support for the draft strategy.

 

“Yet the proposed one-stop online mapping system to show people where they can and cannot roam needs to be approached with caution until we understand the affect it will have on farming activities.

 

“Although we agree walking access to New Zealand’s iconic scenery is important, the public cannot be allowed to freely stroll across a working farm. Thankfully, the new strategy acknowledges this reality.

 

“Not restricting public access to certain parts of the farm would have dire consequences for both stock welfare and the farmer’s business. During lambing, for example, walkers must keep clear of ewes, as there’s a chance vulnerable lambs could die of starvation if left alone by their frightened mother.

 

“Federated Farmers also appreciates the exclusion of vehicle access to the walking tracks. A farmer with several horses would not want a 4WD to pass by and spook them into bolting.

 

“The strategy also makes it clear that members of the public must gain permission from the landholder before gaining access to the walking track. Federated Farmers acknowledges the commission’s effort to maintain private property rights when drafting the strategy,” Mr Aubrey concluded.