Marine Reserves Bill Gets Wide Support

A bill setting up marine reserves off the Kaikoura coast has received unanimous support in Parliament today.

Conservation Minister Nick Smith said the Kaikoura (Te Tai-o-Marokura) Marine Management Billwas part of the Government’s blue/green agenda creating a marine sanctuary, whale sanctuary and other marine conservation measures in the Kaikoura region.

It would help protect the whale watching industry and the fisheries in the area.

The bill completed its first reading on a voice vote and was referred to the Local Government and Environment committee for consideration.

The third reading debate of the Border Processing (Trade Single Window and Duties) Bill split into two bills – Customs and Excise (Border Processing – Trade Single Window and Duties) Amendment Bill and Biosecurity (Border Processing – Trade Single Window) Amendment Bill – was completed on a voice vote.

MPs also completed the second reading debate of the Construction Contracts Amendment Bill on a voice vote and the House rose at 6pm for a two week recess.

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