Accessing the Rangitaiki through Kaingaroa Forest

For some months now the central section of the Rangitaiki River has been closed for public access as it runs through the Kaingaroa Forest. This section of the river which includes some of the best fishing water was previously accessible by permit (which was readily given to anglers via a ballot system) is now closed due to a change of ownership of the forest.

Eastern Fish and Game have been negotiating access with the new owners and so far have managed to secure walking access into one section of the river. But this means that large areas will remain inaccessible including some of the most productive waters such as the Wheao Canal and Flaxy Lakes which require vehicle access (anglers cannot camp out in this forest due to fire risks etc).

The situation as of 21st Jan, 2010 remains very fluid with the key points being:

• Access is still closed
• The Fire Risk is currently extreme and this usually closes the forest each summer. While in this state, negotiations between Fish and Game, the local Iwi and forest mangers continue.
• There is a cost in running the vehicle access permitting system and Timberlands (the Forest Manager) do not feel they are obliged to offer this without some compensation for the costs incurred from the new land owners
• The Forest Tree owners (Harvard Superannuation) are not a part of the debate
• That the long term owners of the land itself (CNI Iwi Collective) are reluctant to bear the costs either and have requested that the pre-settlement access situation is reinstated while the issue is being resolved
• That Rob Pitkethley (the Head of Fish and Game in the Eastern Region) has made the offer that Fish & Game are prepared to look at covering issues such as permit administration and public liability insurance for licence holders if this will assist resolving the debate between the two parties
• The local MP ( Todd McClay) has waded in to the debate in an attempt to resolve the issue and see if higher mediation will assist
• Fish & Game have made it clear to all parties that they will not make an issue of the problem as they don't want to compromise any negotiations. However they have also stated that licence holders are becoming increasingly frustrated at the lack of progress and will take the matter further should a successful conclusion not be reached.

At present we recommend that everyone leave these delicate negotiations to Rob and his team at Eastern Fish and Game to resolve. It is felt that if too many people get involved it may compromise the work done so far.

We will keep you informed of developments as soon as they happen. If you have any thoughts on this isse please conatc us by sending an email to doug@nzfishing.com