The small, but very real, problem in the system is that in our zeal to lock up the land we carelessly ring-fenced much of the public estate. Consequently a lot of public land is only accessible through private property.

Farmers who cast themselves as victims of a heartless government in the fight about access, have for years possessed extraordinary and unwarranted powers over these public areas.

They are quick to remind us of the goodwill they exercise in granting permission to a fisherman or tramper to cross their paddocks, without acknowledging the public’s tolerance of a situation where they have power to decide who enjoys the riverbank or mountain wilderness at the back of their property.