FMC opposes Cape Palliser public road closure
Federated Mountain Clubs has made a submission opposing the South Wairarapa District Council’s proposed Paper Road Access Bylaw 2025. The bylaw would close all public access — including walking and cycling — on part of the unformed legal road that provides public access beyond the Cape Palliser Road end along the Cape Palliser / Te Mātakitaki a Kupe coast.
We see the proposal as both unjustified and unlawful. Under current law, councils can only restrict motorised vehicles on an unformed legal road — not people on foot or bike — unless they first go through the formal “road stopping” process. The Council has chosen not to do this.
This striking coastal area is a popular destination for cyclists, walkers, fishers, and surfers, and is rich in cultural history and biodiversity. We believe the real issues in the area — such as damage to the land — could be addressed by practical on the ground measures, so that activities like walking and cycling should continue, while protecting the area’s natural and cultural values.
FMC is urging the Council to take a more balanced approach, following examples such as Greater Wellington Regional Council’s regional parks, which manage public recreation and environmental protection side-by-side.
We highly recommend watching these two excellent videos to familiarise yourself with the issue:
Locked out of public land? Fight for the Cape Palliser – part 1
Locked out of public land? Fight for the Cape Palliser – part 2
Photo: Cape Palliser by Andy Macdonald
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Latest News
FMC, the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association, and eight other leading outdoor recreation organisations have submitted jointly on the Conservation Amendment Bill.
FMC has submitted about the lack of consultation with FMC or other outdoor recreation groups about the disposal of the Evangeline Bivvy in Lake Sumner (Hora Kura) Forest Park.
New Zealand's leading outdoor recreation groups have joined forces to call for the Conservation Amendment Bill's core aspects to be redrafted, in particular to provide public reassurance to New Zealanders that their recreational land is not for sale.
