New trails finished in time for Christmas

Outdoorspeople in Wellington and Canterbury will have even more opportunity to enjoy the outdoors these holidays thanks to the completion of two new loop trails that received funding from the New Zealand Walking Access Commission’s Enhanced Access Fund.

Awards celebrate NZ's public access champions

Four of New Zealand’s public access champions were celebrated recently at the New Zealand Walking Access Commission Awards in Wellington.

Getting it right: access and Maori land

In this article, New Zealand Walking Access Commission Board Member Peter Brown provides some useful advice for people seeking access over Maori land.

News from the field

‘News from the field’ provides a roundup of public access topics being worked on by the New Zealand Walking Access Commission’s regional field advisors. This month, we hear from Geoff Holgate (Canterbury) and Rod McGregor (Taranaki and Manawatu).

New maps help anglers and hunters find 'spot X'

Fish & Game New Zealand has worked with the Commission to revamp the maps on its website, providing anglers and hunters with invaluable access information.

School children encouraged to share top outdoor spots

Kiwi school children will be asked to snap photos and share creative descriptions of their favourite outdoor places as part of a school-based competition run by the New Zealand Walking Access Commission.

Follow the Kiwi way these holidays

It's that time of year when most New Zealanders look forward to a few well deserved weeks off with friends and family. Whatever it is you're into, don't forget to access the outdoors responsibly.

In brief

Celebrating five years

The New Zealand Walking Access Commission celebrated its anniversary on 30 September. The date marked five years since the Commission's establishment under the Walking Access Act 2008.

Spreading the word

The National Forum was held in Wellington on 23 September. The forum was attended by representatives from more than 20 outdoor sector organisations and included a workshop that allowed attendees to share their views on the Commission's direction and New Zealand's outdoor access landscape. Regional forums were also held in Auckland, in August, and Taranaki, in November.

Annual report available

The New Zealand Walking Access Commission Annual Report 2012-2013 was released in October. It describes key achievements for the 2012-2013 year and progress towards objectives outlined in the Commission's Statement of Intent 2012-2015. You can download the report from the Publications page of our website.

New appointment

Former MetService senior manager David Knott has joined the Commission as Corporate Services Manager. David replaces Helen Barker, who has retired and moved to Australia after four years in the position.

EAF review

The Enhanced Access Fund is being reviewed to ensure it achieves the best possible outcome for outdoor access in New Zealand. The Commission expects to be able to make an announcement about the future shape of the fund in the first half of 2014.