Legal action to assert public rights of access over easements in South Island high country. Obtain legal advice, then possibly legal action
Otago
The Department of Conservation is applying a highly questionable interpretation of rights of public access over easements. I believe that DOC is wrong in law and their position must to challenged. DOC has closed to hunters an access easement to the conservation area on the Pisa Range, despite the terms of the easement not having any such restriction. Dozens of public access easements throughout the high country are at risk. The rights of all recreational users are at stake. I intend obtaining competent legal advice as a first step to correcting this injustice.
if this cause does not not meet a goal fo a minimum of $4000 the action will not go ahead. In that case donors will be contacted to see what they want -return or hold for similar actions.
If the funds are not required before legal action, say if DOC caves in to superior forces, donors will be contacted to decide how funds will be used or returned.
I am Bruce Mason. I have been described as 'a veteran public recreation advocate', although I question the veteran tag. I have had a close involvement with advocacy for public access throughout NZ for the last 30 years. I have a considerable body of knowledge on the subject, which has been put to effective use. The DOC position on easements is JUST WRONG. It must be overturned. The funds are needed to obtain legal advice as a first step. I have the energy but not the funds to pursue this on the public behalf. If the funds are not required before legal action, say if DOC caves in to superior forces, donors will be contacted to decide how funds will be used or returned.
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