Kaikoura farmers seek judicial review

In Kaikoura, three Ma¯taitai reserves were gazetted at the end of 2018 and none of the 90-odd affected landowners were aware of the applications.

The Regulations were written in 1999, at a time when many people still read the newspaper and local papers were widely distributed. That is not the case any more, and this can have a detrimental effect on landowners’ ability to comment.

The notices inviting submissions on the Kaikoura proposals were not in newspapers they read and the three Ma¯taitai reserves were approved without their knowledge.

Many of these affected landowners have banded together because they want their opportunity to comment. They have approached the Regulations Review Committee, alerting them to the fact the regulations need an update to ensure full and proper consultation occurs with affected parties. We understand the committee has requested a review of the regulations, particularly the clauses that say how the Minister should notify affected parties.

While this is promising progress for everyone who ever needs to access their right to be consulted, this does not change the fact these affected landowners in Kaikoura have not been able to present their views to the Minister.

They are now preparing to lodge an application to judicially review the Ministry’s handling of the Ma¯taitai applications in Kaikoura. They will need considerable funds for a judicial review and they are asking our members to help if they can.

To learning about their personal experience and views, and to offer some support, however large or small, please go to http://bit.ly/Mataitai