Fishing rights shouldn't trample property rights

Federated Farmers will defend a fundamental principle of land ownership – the right to exclude access – even if some anglers may have to choose to pay for convenient access.

“Federated Farmers agrees that selling river fishing rights is against the law,” says Donald Aubrey, Federated Farmers game and pest animal management spokesperson.

“Yet all landowners have the right to exclude access to their land by people who are uninvited, whether you live in the town or the country.

“What this boils down to is common courtesy and respect for the property of others. I know many farmers who freely grant access for recreational hunting or fishing but it’s based on the common courtesy of asking permission first.

“A farm may be open ground but its also private property like someone’s house in-town. Importantly it’s also a working environment that may contain sensitive areas or hazards. Taking rather than securing permission is not only illegal but may have unintended adverse consequences.

“Anglers need to respect the right of the landowner to grant or refuse access. After all, if you’ve had your gates left open, fences damaged or discarded fishing line left behind, then you’re probably less inclined to say yes.

“Federated Farmers agrees any body of freshwater, as part of the Queen’s chain, has free public access – even if this forces anglers into long detours or boat only access.

“Yet I am surprised to hear repeated claims that trout and salmon are a ‘public resource’. However, unlike our National Parks or even public toilets you need a $113 license before you can attempt to go after these fish.

“You don’t need a license for native freshwater eels but you need one for introduced trout and salmon making them a highly questionable public resource.

“So if someone is willing to pay for convenient access over private property for whatever purpose then we have no problem with the landowner realising the value this brings.

“While there are real alternatives to both, if I wish to admire the view from Auckland’s Sky Tower or use a toll road, then I have to pay for the privilege. Its convenience and we shouldn’t treat private land any different if people want access over them.

“In many instances the market will provide as another landowner may very well say yes, if politely asked and the land respected,” Mr Aubrey concluded.