Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Access to fishing spots dwindling, say anglers

Updated at 3:47 pm on 15 March 2010

Anglers are complaining they are increasingly being shut out of rivers and lakes as landowners sell access rights to guiding companies.

Some also say that elected council members of Fish and Game may be trying to block access so they can make money from issuing permits.

North Island rivers the Rangataiki, Mohaka and Taruarau are said to be among the worst-affected.

Manager of the website nzfishing.com, Doug Stevens, says complaints of denied access are increasing and he has been affected personally on about 10 occasions this year.

Meanwhile, Fish and Game is investigating potential conflicts of interests among council members.

Anglers say they believe some are landowners who want to erode traditional fishing rights.

However, the Walking Access Commission says it has not received any formal complaints and landowners are allowed to sell access to their property.

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