Ethics are important to Jane Arnott – she's been presenting and writing on ethical governance for nearly 20 years. Conservation advocacy is another passion.
So, when the Acacia Bay resident sees a lack of action on upholding the public status of council reserves near her home, it gets her a bit riled.
Encroachment Issues
The owners of expensive homes in Acacia Bay, including one whose garden encroaches on the lakeshore reserve – despite a land swap proposal being turned down over 10 years ago for the section – are either appropriating reserve land into their sections or cutting down native trees on reserves to maintain lake views.
Arnott believes local bodies, like the Taupō District Council, are deterred from using the full force of the Reserves Act 1977 because they are hesitant to get involved in legal action with wealthy landowners, instead opting for relatively small immediate fines.
Legal Framework
Under the Reserves Act wilful damage to trees or excavating soil on a reserve can result in the forfeiture of equipment and up to a year's imprisonment or a fine up to $100,000, or both (a $5,000 fine if it's a bylaw breach).
