Business NZ has released a list of basic criteria that it considers necessary for a successful new foreshore and seabed bill.The government's replacement Marine and Coastal Area Bill is scheduled for its first reading in Parliament today, after repeat del
Business NZ has released a list of basic criteria that it considers necessary for a successful new foreshore and seabed bill.
The government’s replacement Marine and Coastal Area Bill is scheduled for its first reading in Parliament today, after repeat delays.
The bill is guaranteed to pass, as Labour has pledged to support it – as have four out of five of the Maori Party MPs, with the exception of Hone Harawira.
Business NZ chief executive Phil O’Reilly said in a release today that the bill would have a “high bar to clear” if it was to keep both Maori and non-Maori happy.
“The business community will be looking at the bill from a number of perspectives including economic development,” he said.
Business NZ will consider the bill a success if it:
- upholds and protects property rights;
- facilitates economic development for Maori and non-Maori;
- brings legal clarity and certainty;
- integrates with other relevant legislation including the RMA;
- is consistent with the terms of the Treaty of Waitangi and relevant common law;
- satisfies overall justice and fairness including appeal rights and remedies.
Mr O’Reilly said that trade-offs would be inevitable – and that he hoped debate would proceed “thoughtfully and courteously and without slogans.”
Industry have already achieved several key concessions and clarifications.
Mineral permit holders have held on to their right to arbitration for disputes over access in private or customary marine title areas, while ports have won back the right to fee simple title for new reclaimed land applications.
Mr O'Reilly thanked the government for its efforts to widely consult on the bill and hoped that sufficient time would be allocated for further debate.
