Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

Outdoor recreation – Helping Kiwis enjoy our heritage
Kiwis have a long and proud history of getting out into the great outdoors and exploring the
wonderful natural heritage our country has to offer. Access to this heritage is of great cultural
and social importance.
The network of huts and tracks across public conservation land was significantly upgraded
by the last Labour government, and forms the backbone of our „outdoors infrastructure‟.
There are new lodges in place of old huts, more places to go to, tracks repaired, and new
ones to explore either by foot or bike.
This network is a significant asset. Not only is it valued by Kiwis, but our tourism sector
depends on it. Kiwis expect their government to protect the quality of outdoor recreational
experiences – including walking, tramping, skiing, climbing, angling, swimming, rafting,
boating and mountain biking.
That does not mean only putting resources into „front country‟ facilities or huts on the Great
Walks, where many of the users are international visitors. The existing network of „back
country‟ huts and tracks is vital as well and should remain. A bivvy in the right place, for
example, can save lives.
Te Araroa
Labour will continue to upgrade the outdoors infrastructure of huts, tracks and other
visitor facilities, including those in the back country.
Labour will promote the development of new outdoor recreational opportunities, for
example, walking and cycling trails on former railways land.
New Zealand benefits from a national walkway, Te Araroa, „the long pathway‟ connecting
Cape Reinga to the Bluff through public walkways and tracks. The last Labour government
made a considerable contribution towards the walkway, especially by freeing up access
through former pastoral lease land in the South Island. Te Araroa is now close to completion,
but some gaps remain.
Labour will facilitate the filling of the final gaps in Te Araroa, „the long pathway‟ from
North Cape to Bluff, so that its final completion can be celebrated.
Walking Access Commission
Labour established the Walking Access Commission in 2008 to create „free, certain,
enduring and practical‟ public access for outdoor recreation, including around lakes, along
rivers, and to public resources (which include trout, salmon and game birds). This is not only
for the benefit of Kiwis but for overseas visitors as well.
Initiatives the Walking Access Commission has taken include a public access mapping
system to clearly identify publicly-owned land across New Zealand that people can legally
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