Temporary access to Kaingaroa fails to solve problem
25 January 2011

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne has reiterated his commitment to finding an enduring solution to the Kaingaroa Forest access dispute despite today’s announcement of a short-term relaxation of the summer ban.

 Due to recent heavy rain Timberlands have announced that the Kaingaroa Forest will be open for recreational access over the next two weekends. The fire danger within the forest has dropped from moderate to low, meeting Timberlands strict criteria for allowing access.

 “I commend Timberlands for dropping the fire danger and allowing a temporary restoration of access, however this is only a short-term solution brought on by fortuitous circumstances,” said Mr Dunne.

 “I congratulate Eastern Fish and Game and others who have lobbied on behalf of fishers for better access, at least over the next couple of weeks people can enjoy the world class fishing the Rangitaiki River and Flaxy Lakes provide.”

 “However, we mustn’t lose sight of the larger goal, which is to establish a more enduring and workable set of access provisions for the Kaingaroa that will satisfy the long-term needs of all parties.”

 “It is totally unreasonable that the only time people can access the forest and its waterways is when the fire danger is low, in the past the risk had to be at very high or extreme before access to recreational users was denied.”

 “While the next couple of weeks is a godsend for fishermen and local businesses, I am committed to finding a more lasting solution to the access issue and will continue to work with interested parties to do so,” said Mr Dunne.