Public Access to Kaiangaroa Forest Protected

MEDIA RELEASE

30 April 2008

Public Access to Kaiangaroa Forest Protected

Fish & Game New Zealand applauds the protection and enhancement of public access to the Kaiangaroa Forest as part of a Crown settlement with Central North Island iwi announced today by Treaty Negotiations Minister Michael Cullen.

“The proposal put forward to the Crown by Central North Island iwi generously recognises the significant recreational use of the forest by all New Zealanders,” said Bryce Johnson, Chief Executive of Fish & Game New Zealand, “and the particular provision for the protection and enhancement of public walking and vehicle access is welcomed.”

Rob Pitkethley , Manager of Eastern Fish & Game Region, said, “The enhancement of practical public access to this well used recreational area will be appreciated by a large number of New Zealanders. We anticipate that practical public access to the public fishing and hunting resources within the forest will see an enhancement of vehicle access, and all public recreational users of the Kaiangaroa Forest should take time to acknowledge these provisions agreed by both Central North Island iwi, and the Crown.”

ENDS

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