Gun threat at public meeting

A dispute between bureaucrats and residents has turned so nasty that a Hutt Valley land owner apparently threatened to get his gun at a council drop-in session.

The incident was a flashpoint as Hutt City Council, among other local authorities, seeks to protect valuable natural areas.

The problem is that many of those areas are on private land and, once identified, land owners are hamstrung about what they can do there – including what vegetation can be cleared, what can be built and whether the site can be subdivided.

Adding to this quagmire is frustration with the council’s handling of the situation and apparent backpedalling on some of the spots it planned to protect.

It was during a council information session in the affluent suburb of Eastbourne in March that sources told Stuff a local land owner was so angry about the proposed restrictions on his land that he threatened to go home and get his gun.

Police confirmed that they had received a complaint and had spoken to the person concerned. No further action was required.

Hutt City councillor Campbell Barry said the council had to put itself in the shoes of land owners who had received letters telling them they were likely to have restrictions put on their land.

‘‘Proposing restrictions on what you can do with your own land would naturally put your back up. Especially when the letter contains errors,’’ he said.

‘‘We need a more robust process in the future to stop, or at least minimise, stress on residents in the future.’’

A group going by the name Lower Hutt Landowners has been set up. Last week, it emailed members telling them that Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace and deputy mayor David Bassett had met with its representatives.

Wallace had assured about 1200 affected landowners that there had been a ‘‘re-scope’’ and about half of them would no longer have their properties included, the email said.

For those still affected, the mayor’s office would look at a ‘‘more pragmatic’’ approach to its dealings with land owners.

Wallace said it was only the ‘‘first step in a conversation’’ with the community about how the council protected areas of significant biodiversity.

‘‘We’re keen to listen and understand all views so that we can find a positive solution, which will allow us to meet our responsibilities for protecting our biodiversity while giving residents peace of mind.’’

Council district planning divisional manager Drew Cumming said there had been instances when people had been told their land was affected, then found it wasn’t. But things would change as more details came to light.

‘‘When central or local government proposes restrictions on private land use, it is natural that the response from some landowners will be strong.’’

Under the Resource Management Act, regional councils have to produce 10-yearly regional policy statements. Greater Wellington Regional Council’s statement requires Hutt City, and the six other councils in the region, to identify and protect indigenous ecosystems and habitats in their district plans.

Hutt City Council said it had identified 116 potential areas. Of these, 56 were on private land.

‘‘Proposing restrictions on what you can do with your own land would naturally put your back up.’’ Hutt City councillor Campbell Barry