Environment Canterbury Bill Progresses

There was heated debate in Parliament this evening as the Government sought to make progress on a bill extending the suspension of elections for Environment Canterbury.

Labour and Green MPs said the the Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Amendment Bill broke National’s promise that elections would return in 2013.

Some also expressed suspicion that a review of the commissioner led arrangements in 2014 could even result in elections being delayed past 2016.

Clayton Cosgrove said National should talk about why there needed to be a review if elections were intended in 2016.

The only National Party to speak during the committee stage debate was Nicky Wagner who defended the bill and the review.

The House rose at 10pm interrupting the debate on clauses one to three of the Bill.

Earlier theCorrections Amendment Bill passed its third reading by 70 to 50 with National, NZ First ACT, United Future and two Maori Party in favour/one opposed.

**
ParliamentToday.co.nz is a breaking news source for New Zealand parliamentary business featuring broadcast daily news reports.

© Scoop Media