Cattle cool down and drink water at a man-made reservoir in the mountains near Ignacio, Colorado June 11, 2014. The land where the cattle graze is leased from the Forest Service by third-generation rancher Steve Pargin. Several times a year, he and a crew
IN PHOTO: Cattle cool down and drink water at a man-made reservoir in the mountains near Ignacio, Colorado June 11, 2014. The land where the cattle graze is leased from the Forest Service by third-generation rancher Steve Pargin. Several times a year, he and a crew led by his head cowboy, David Thompson, spend a week or more herding cattle from mountain range to mountain range to prevent them from causing damage to fragile ecosystems by staying in a single area too long. Picture taken June 11, 2014. Reuters/Lucas Jackson

New Zealand’s new legislation on conservation land may shut out outdoor enthusiasts from accessing such land, which have been outstanding recreational areas. The changes are coming under a wave of health and safety laws. However, the news has disappointed hunters, trampers and mountain bikers who are worried that farmers will lock down their gates than risking liability for the actions of those crossing their land.

It is known to all that going out into the great outdoors is part of Kiwi life. "Trampers have relied on crossing farmers' land for a long time now, and there's a history that goes back over a century and we'd just hate to see that disappear," noted Robin McNeill, president of the Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand. According to McNeill, the wordings in the Health and Safety Reform Bill could prompt landowners to lock recreational users out, rather than taking responsibility for any mishaps to anyone, crossing their land. Under the new law, such conservation land would be called as “worksite.” He said farmers have reason to get worried and may find it easier to put up a sign saying 'Trespassers will be prosecuted – keep out' or 'This is a worksite – keep out'," said McNeill.

Despite protests, Michael Woodhouse, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister refused any discussion on the proposed changes as the bill is going to the select committee in a few days. McNeill argues that it is not too late to make amends. "We think some careful wording of the bill would fix this pretty easily but it does need to be spelt out, and it does need to be spelt out much more clearly even than in the last act." If the bill is passed that will herald the biggest changes to existing health and safety legislations.

Maori Representation

Meanwhile, the Government is bracing to increase ethnic Maori representation in Conservation Boards to improve the representation of iwi and hap ū . The boards have the mandate to advise the Department of Conservation on local issues and act as a point of contact for communities. In 2013, a Government appointed panel found that the boards were not diverse enough. The report advised "boards should actively enhance their relationships with iwi and manawhenua through joint meetings and identification of projects of common interest". Nicky Wagner, associate conservation minister said 42 percent of the boards' 135 members would now be Māori, and it will be up from 36 percent representation they had in 2014. The boards are already working with communities to decide on what to do with conservation land. “We want conservation boards to be really involved with what happens to land. We've tried really hard to make sure that the people we appoint are Māori, deeply connected, and bring their families with them,” the minister said.

(For feedback/comments, contact the writer at k.kumar@ibtimes.com.au)

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