About us

About the Commission

The New Zealand Walking Access Commission provides leadership on walking access issues and administers a national strategy on walking access, including walkways. It also undertakes mapping of walking access, provides information to the public, oversees a code of responsible conduct, assists with dispute resolution and negotiates new walking access.

The Commission has a small team in Wellington and a network of regional field advisors. It is currently governed by a five-person board.

Members were first appointed to the Board of the Commission in October 2008. Appointments were initially made for a relatively short term, to 28 February 2009, reflecting the conventions that apply during a pre-election period. Members were re-appointed in April 2009 for terms ranging from one to three years and subsequent appointments and re-appointments have been made since then.

Collectively, members have significant experience in farming, forestry, public service, land management, law, Maori interests, public consultation, local government, recreational access, and dispute resolution. For more information about the functions of the Commission please consult the Walking Access Act 2008.

Chairperson

John Forbes is Mayor of Opotiki District and Chair or the New Zealand Walking Access Commission Board. He has 18 year's experience as the committee chairman of a rural council and significant experience in governance processes, public consultation and representing rural communities. He also has a good understanding of the agricultural, horticultural, forestry and rural sectors. He is a member of the Local Government New Zealand National Council and Chair of the Rural Sector Group of Local Government New Zealand. He was a member of the Walking Access Consultation Panel and Walking Access Advisory Board.

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Board member

Brian Stephenson is a barrister from Auckland with extensive experience in employment law and dispute resolution. He is immediate past President of Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand and has knowledge and experience of outdoor recreation organisations. He was a member of the Walking Access Advisory Board and was appointed to the New Zealand Conservation Authority in July 2008. He also has experience in human resources management, project management and working with the media.

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Board member

Maggie Bayfield is a former Chair of the QEII National Trust and Executive Officer of Rural Women New Zealand. Maggie is a keen tramper and a forest owner, and is a member of the East Taranaki Environment Trust. She was a member of the New Zealand Conservation Authority and a member of the Walking Access Consultation Panel.

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Board member
Maurice (Mike) Barnett is the Principal of Barnett and Associates, a consultancy firm providing services in tourism enterprise development, field research, risk assessment, DOC concession planning, RMA planning and tourism marketing. He is a shareholder in Trail Journeys Ltd (operating on Otago Central Rail Trail), Daylock Ltd, Around the Mountains Cycle Trail Ltd and Online Booking Systems Ltd. He was appointed national cycle trail consultant to the Ministry of Tourism/Ministry of Economic Development and was an advisor to Hauraki District Council on land easement access issues for cycle-walking trails.

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Board member

Peter Brown is a consultant and company director from the Gisborne area. He has a background in community enterprise development, particularly in the East Cape and Te Urewera regions. He has qualifications in law, business and environmental management. He is a Maori Ahuwhenua Land Trustee and a shareholder in numerous other Maori Land Incorporations and Trusts. One of these blocks provides free access to the East Cape lighthouse. Peter is a Member of the Waitangi Tribunal and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. He enjoys bush hikes, fishing and diving. His tribal affiliations are to the Turanganui a Kiwa Iwi, Ngati Porou, Te Arawa and Tuwharetoa.

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