Hon. David Carter MP
National Party Agriculture Spokesman

31 October 2005

Fresh legs given to rural walkways plan

National Party Agriculture spokesman David Carter says the Labour Government’s unpopular plan to confiscate property rights for public walkways across farmland is back on the agenda.

“Having said the plan was dead in the water, Jim Anderton has wasted no time giving fresh legs to this unpopular ‘Government knows best’ piece of legislation.”

Mr Carter is commenting after Mr Anderton resurrected the idea at the weekend.

“Farmers roundly rejected this proposal the first time around.

“Now, after a series of assurances by the previous Agriculture Minister, Labour has completed a total about-face on the most important rural issue of the election.

“It’s clear now why Helen Clark unexpectedly appointed the compliant Mr Anderton as Agriculture Minister - so he could implement the agenda which Jim Sutton was forced to abandon.

“Labour has gone back on its word and Mr Anderton is merely re-releasing the hugely controversial policy using slightly different language.

“Mr Anderton must tell the rural community how he will define and identify the ‘iconic rivers’ which require compulsory public access.

“This is a classic case of Labour saying anything to get elected, then doing the reverse in Government. Farmers have long memories and will remember this kind of blatant deceit,” says Mr Carter.

ENDS

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