Recent decades have seen the rapid erosion of sporting rights, resources and opportunities for outdoor sportspeople…

This letter describes the very simple idea of political representation for all outdoor sportspeople throughout New Zealand. By forming a political party to contest the Party Vote in the next general election we will make our views known and make a very bold political statement. Many of us are disenchanted with the degradation of our rights, resources and opportunities and wish to redress the imbalance prevalent in NZ today.

As our rights and resources are continually eroded, it becomes apparent that we can rely on no other group to protect our outdoor interests and sporting heritage. In the past, outdoor sporting groups have failed to unite together to face real threats to our outdoor pursuits to our own detriment. Lobbying government has never been effective. Now is the time to work together to ensure our rights and resources are not eroded any further.

OUTDOOR RECREATION NZ was registered as a political party by the Electoral Commission on the 8th March 2002. Financial members exceed 3,400 which include people with the following interests:

Saltwater fishing - Freshwater trout and salmon angling - - Deerstalking - Tramping -Whitebaiting - Mountain biking - Game bird and small game hunting - Target shooting - 4 Wheel Driving - Pig Hunting - - Rafting - Jet boating - Marine pleasure boating -Diving- Mountaineering- Kayaking- Horse trekking - Protecting the environment- skiing, snowboarding and others .

The advent of the MMP electoral system has given outdoor sportsmen and women of New Zealand the realistic option of pursuing our own self-determination and independence.

We have below a list of some perceived grievances that NZ Outdoor sportspeople have bought to our attention:

Government Departments, Regional Councils and current MP's in general ignoring the ideals that outdoor sportspeople cherish.

Research has shown that overseas groups have been very successful with such organised political parties in national elections. For example in France, hunters formed a party and took 7% of the national vote in elections. They held the balance of power in the French Parliament and gained major concessions for their members! This is called democracy!!

If, as commonly said, one million Kiwis hunt, fish and pursue other outdoor sports we could claim a sizeable chunk of the Party vote . With 5%+ of the Party Vote we would have MPs in Parliament representing your interests. Think about the benefits. Be positive and help to safeguard your outdoor interests from further attack and neglect. WE NEED YOUR HELP.

OUTDOOR RECREATION NZ is a single Focus political party formed to represent the interests of all outdoor recreational sportspeople throughout New Zealand.

OUTDOOR RECREATION NZ is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the outdoor sportspeople of New Zealand.

OUTDOOR RECREATION NZ is committed to ensuring sensible management of all New Zealand outdoor sporting resources.

The Party has been established with the over-riding aim of promoting and supporting the rights to all outdoor recreational and sporting activities that New Zealanders enjoy and to ensure that no impediments are maintained or created by Government or any other body to deny or restrict the access of all citizens to those activities.

In all other matters the Party will act in a responsible manner and will support stable government.

Promote legislation that ensures a priority legal right for all New Zealanders to gather seafood and have access to quality marine food resources

Promote the improvement of water quality of rivers, lakes, streams and the marine environment.

Restrict the use of toxins that have the potential to harm the health, economic well being and recreational requirements of New Zealanders

Regularly seek counsel from New Zealand's outdoor recreational organisations, lobby groups and users