Research
AccessMe Concept Assessment
Published June 2017
The concept of AccessMe is a simple one – a digital platform where people can request access to a farm (for hunting, fishing, tramping etc.), and landholders can respond, without having to share personal information, make or answer phone calls or knock on people’s doors.
Guidelines for the Management of Unformed Legal Roads
Published February 2011
Best practice' guidelines document for local authorities and interested parties on the administration of unformed legal roads. The Commission has liaised with a range of organisations and individuals to produce this document. Future editions will take into account experience from other organisations with a role in this area.
Roads, water margins and riverbeds: the law on public access
Published August 2008
This book examines the law on public access in New Zealand. It was written by former Registrar-General of Land Brian Hayes
Roading law as it applies to unformed legal roads - the sequel
Published October 2007
The main purpose of this report is to provide an illustration of the method and the depth of research underpinning Roading Law as it Applies to Unformed Roads. Report by former Registrar-General of Land Brian Hayes.
Roading law as it applies to unformed legal roads
Published March 2007
This commentary explains the nature of the "Queen's highway", what the free right of passage is, the special character of roads along rivers, lakes and the sea, as well as some historical perspective. Written by former Registrar-General of Land Brian Hayes.
The law on public access along water margins
Published August 2003
Public access to our coast, lakes, rivers and streams for all citizens has been a feature of New Zealand land law and practice from the earliest colonial times. The foresight of many of the early administrators and the genuine efforts of their successors have kept that ideal alive - indeed it may have become larger in life than it is as law. Written by former Registrar-General of Land Brian Hayes.
Elements of the law on movable water boundaries
Published March 2007
This commentary highlights unsatisfactory elements in our waterside law that detract from a stable legal environment. It shows that we need legislation to protect landowners and the recreational users from inadequacies in such law as we now have. Written by former Registrar-General of Land Brian Hayes.
Summary of High Court Decision on Pastoral Leases
May 2009
This document summarises a High Court decision on access to Crown pastoral lease properties.
Explaining the Queen's Chain Myth: The Evolution of Laws for Marginal Strips

File Size: ( 484 KB )
Published April 1999
A research paper examining the history of the "Queen's Chain" concept as it relates to the reservation of land alongside water margins. Written by former Registrar-General of Land Brian Hayes.
Surveys
Walking Access Survey 2015
Walking Access Survey 2015Published July 2015
The New Zealand Walking Access Commission repeated its Walking Access Survey in 2015. This survey builds on the findings of the Walking Access Survey 2013 and Walking Access Survey 2011. It is designed to gauge public awareness of public access topics and assess the Commission’s progress towards the goals laid out in its Statement of Intent.
Walking Access Survey 2013
Walking Access Survey 2013Published August 2013
The New Zealand Walking Access Commission repeated its Walking Access Survey in 2013. This survey builds on the findings of the Walking Access Survey 2011 and is designed to help assess the Commission’s progress towards the goals laid out in its Statement of Intent.
Walking Access Survey 2011
Walking Access Survey 2011Published April 2011
In February 2011 the New Zealand Walking Access Commission contracted Colmar Brunton to carry out a survey to help assess the Commission’s progress towards achieving the goals laid out in its Statement of Intent.