No need for nerves when asking for access

Do you feel apprehensive about approaching landholders for access across their property? If so, you’re not alone. According to the Walking Access Survey 2015, six out of 10 New Zealanders (64 per cent) are nervous about asking landholders for access to their land.

We spoke to two experienced outdoorspeople to find out how they approach asking for access, and to gather their views on whether a change in rural-urban relations is in the air.

Major updates for Commission's website

The Commission is continuing to develop its online presence, launching a redeveloped version of its website and progressing projects to improve its Walking Access Mapping System and Both Sides of the Fence education portal.

Linking New Zealand through joined up trails

Why is it that so many councils and track builders are confined to developing trails that don’t venture outside of the district that has provided the funding for them? This column by Commission Chair John Forbes explores the benefits of a regional approach to trail development.

Name change for Accessing New Zealand newsletter

Readers may have noticed that the name of this newsletter has changed to “Linking New Zealand”. This change reflects the Commission’s focus on linking urban and rural New Zealand and facilitating opportunities for people to connect with and enjoy the outdoors.

Importance of access highlighted at Canterbury forum

The recent regional forum in Canterbury showcased how important access is to outdoor recreation groups in the region, and how passionate they are about maintaining and improving access to the outdoors.

Aspiring scholars sought for public access scholarship

Applications are being sought for a $5,000 scholarship that will support study into public access to the outdoors and New Zealand’s farming heritage.

Advice on landholder health and safety obligations

A fact sheet is being developed by the Commission to provide guidance to farmers, forestry companies and other land managers on their obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

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 Felicity Brough (Waikato) and Chris Arbuckle (Waitaki, Coastal and Central Otago).