In February, the government launched the first of a two-prong attack on this problem by axing Tenure Review. After Tenure Review was terminated, 171 leases of Crown land remained in farmers' hands, covering 1.2 million hectares of land. "For record purposes ... the FFHC [a Federated Farmers sub-group] was a willing participant in the LINZ-established Crown Property High Country Advisory Group," Federated Farmers said in their submission. "We question the credibility of the consultation, when a major outcome [the cessation of Tenure Review] is determined without consultation," Federated Farmers wrote. Both said Crown pastoral land should have its natural landscapes and biodiversity safeguarded and, where possible, public access should be provided for.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 16, 2019 02:48 UTC