Personally, I think the moment you become complacent and start calling something a "right", you start to tread into the territory of being no better than anyone else who attempts to withhold or overthrow something. To call fishing a privilege is where I stand on this. I have no right to anything. I have been given opportunity to go fishing in this great land in many locations. Just because you were able to freely go somewhere 20 years ago doesn't mean you should have any right to freely go there now.
In my opinion far too many people of all races in this country share opposing, yet equally destructive views about what their "rights" are. Just go fishing. If you are unable to gain access somewhere, go somewhere else. It affects all of us in some way. DoC create marine reserves. Private land owners refuse access because OSH stipulations and red tape make it just too dangerous for the land owner. This, combined with lazy, inconsiderate visitors mean gates are locked and access is denied.
New Zealand is full of lazy, whining people who think things should just be handed to them. It's about time we all got off our asses and changed our attitudes so we can all enjoy what we love together.