Debate Interrupted For Marine Reserve Bill

Debate on the Prime Minister’s statement was interrupted and MPs turned to marine reserves legislation in Parliament this evening

The debate was adjourned just before the dinner break with 11 hours and 23 minutes remaining.

Conservation Minister Nick Smith said the Subantarctic Islands Marine Reserves Bill would create three new marine reserves around Moutere Mahue/Antipodes Island, Moutere Hauriri/Bounty Islands and Moutere Ihupuku/Campbell Island.

The select committee made a number of changes to the bill – mainly bringing forward the time frame for a review on the reserves - which the Government supported.

Opposition parties supported the bill, but many such as Labour’s Moana Mackey used the opportunity to attack the Government’s wider environmental policy.

The bill passed its second reading on a voice vote.

The Accounting Infrastructure Reform Bill completed its first reading by 106 to 15 with Greens and Mana opposed. It was sent to the Commerce Committee for consideration.

The House rose at 10pm interrupting the third reading debate of the Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa Bill.

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