Making Access Easier and Safer

For some years, many anglers and hunters have found it a bit harder to get access to good spots.

At the same time, landowners have been worried about letting people onto their property. The big fear? Getting sued or prosecuted if someone gets hurt.

But there's good news – changes are being made to make access easier and safer for all involved.

What's changed?

After strong advocacy from our community, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden recently announced changes to the Health and Safety at Work Act. These changes will make it crystal clear that landowners won't be held responsible if someone gets injured while fishing, hunting, or doing other outdoor activities on their land.

"Many landowners, managers, councils, farmers and iwi allow access to their land for recreational use out of sheer goodwill," van Velden said. "I do not think it is reasonable or proportionate for landowners to be prosecuted by WorkSafe if someone was to be hurt during recreational activities."

The changes will be in a bill introduced by the end of this year and expected to pass by the end of 2026.

What this means for access

This is great news for anglers and hunters. With legal fears removed, more landowners should feel comfortable opening their gates to responsible recreational users. The law now clearly protects landowners from being blamed for accidents during fishing and hunting activities.

Building better relationships

This legal clarity creates opportunities for stronger partnerships between landowners and recreational users. Many farmers and other landowners genuinely want to help local anglers and hunters but were held back by liability fears.

As recreational users, we can help build these relationships by being respectful guests. Simple things like asking permission first, following agreed routes, closing gates, and treating the land with care go a long way. Many anglers and hunters already do this, but it's worth remembering that we're representing our whole community.

Some landowners have found real benefits from allowing access. Responsible recreational users often become extra eyes and ears on the property, spotting problems or helping with conservation work like pest control.

Making it work

Good communication helps everyone. As anglers and hunters, a quick chat with the landowner about expectations and local conditions makes things safer and more enjoyable. It also shows respect for their property and builds trust.

Credit where it's due

These positive changes didn't happen by accident. The Aotearoa Climbing Access Trust (ACAT) has been advocating strongly for these changes supported by Fish & Game and our outdoor community.

Fish & Game, the Game Animal Council and NZ Deerstalkers association joined the ACAT submission with other outdoor groups seeking the changes.

In parallel to that work, ACAT took a case arguing that merely providing access to land does not make landowners responsible for managing recreational risks or liable for accidents. That court decision set a significant precedent providing landowners with immediate relief from liability concerns, and combined with the Minister’s  announcement provides further confidence for landowners and the outdoor recreation community into the future.

By working together respectfully, landowners and recreational users can both benefit from these positive changes.